Relax folks, those gun shots you hear are for hunting

I have read in the police reports of people calling in about hearing gunshots. Well, for those who don't know, it is hunting season which happens every fall. At present both squirrel and doves are in season. All hunters are on land that is open to hunting and have written permission to be there. They are using shotguns which shoot tiny pellets which go a short ways when shot. Relax folks, this isn't some city street but you are out in the country.

Speaking of squirrel season, this is my favorite time to hunt them. The many rains have made it easy to move quietly in the leaf-covered woods floor. There is enough cover over head that you can sneak up on the squirrels and get within range for a shot.

The squirrels will be feeding on acorns, hickory nuts and corn. The idea is to work your way quietly to one of these feeding sites and take a stand. Once they start to feed you can wait until one comes in range or move slowly and get in range for a clear shot.

You can find a feeding spot by looking for fresh cut nut shells or ears of corn that have been drug into the woods. Much of the corn damage blamed on deer is caused by squirrels. That fat ground hog you may see and raccoons do their share of crop damage.

As I have stated many times squirrel hunting is a great way to introduce a youngster to the sport. When doing this there is only one gun involved. This way the teacher has complete control of young shooter. We can call the shots and teach our students when not to shoot.

If you want to have fun and relive your own youth take a kid hunting.