Squirrel Camp 2004 – Something to be experienced first-hand
This past weekend brought about SC 2004, the annual migration of educated rednecks back to the hills of NW Arkansas to assist in eradicating the world of pesky squirrels and excess beer. Two Texans accompanied me to the hills: Santos, our fun loving Chicken regular and his friend Dominic. This introduction of ole’ Corps boys led to a continuation of the strong Texan presence that the Razorbacks welcomed.
This year was a great success in achieving both tasks, with more squirrels exterminated than in the last two years combined and coercing St. Louis and Milwaukee to put their breweries into overdrive. I came in my typical second place this year with 5 tree rats while Moore (of all people – sitting outside his cabin) won the squirrelly grail with a whooping 8! A grand feast of squirrel and dumplings, venison, wild hog and miscellaneous other goodies were had by all. Enough squirrels were left over that I brought back several meals worth. I’ve already cooked up a great stir-fry with veggies and wild rice for Santos and my roommate Matt (a virgin squirrel eater) that both enjoyed.
Part of my success was due to my use of a new round for me – a 3 ½ inch #6 round that packs a punch. Buyer beware: this shot kicks like a mule being mounted by an elephant. I got a good shot to the face, as well as Curt who got a good thump in the nose. This round is like shooting buck shot at dove; much more powerful than duck rounds. Although deceptively strong, everything that was shot at hit the ground.
Other news that might interest you was our arms and munitions testing around the campfire. We developed a blow log that consisted of an 8 foot tall hollowed out log standing upright in the blazing fire. The concept is simple – drop in a propane tank and stand back. Way back! We went through about a half dozen propane tanks with great success. An AR-15 was brought out with tracer rounds as well, which was incredible in the night sky. It’s amazing that everyone survived with limbs in tack, considering there were more explosions than a trip through Baghdad. And to think that half of us either have a Ph.D. or are well on our way.
Anyway, all are invited to next year’s festivities. Mark September 2005 on you calendar!
This year was a great success in achieving both tasks, with more squirrels exterminated than in the last two years combined and coercing St. Louis and Milwaukee to put their breweries into overdrive. I came in my typical second place this year with 5 tree rats while Moore (of all people – sitting outside his cabin) won the squirrelly grail with a whooping 8! A grand feast of squirrel and dumplings, venison, wild hog and miscellaneous other goodies were had by all. Enough squirrels were left over that I brought back several meals worth. I’ve already cooked up a great stir-fry with veggies and wild rice for Santos and my roommate Matt (a virgin squirrel eater) that both enjoyed.
Part of my success was due to my use of a new round for me – a 3 ½ inch #6 round that packs a punch. Buyer beware: this shot kicks like a mule being mounted by an elephant. I got a good shot to the face, as well as Curt who got a good thump in the nose. This round is like shooting buck shot at dove; much more powerful than duck rounds. Although deceptively strong, everything that was shot at hit the ground.
Other news that might interest you was our arms and munitions testing around the campfire. We developed a blow log that consisted of an 8 foot tall hollowed out log standing upright in the blazing fire. The concept is simple – drop in a propane tank and stand back. Way back! We went through about a half dozen propane tanks with great success. An AR-15 was brought out with tracer rounds as well, which was incredible in the night sky. It’s amazing that everyone survived with limbs in tack, considering there were more explosions than a trip through Baghdad. And to think that half of us either have a Ph.D. or are well on our way.
Anyway, all are invited to next year’s festivities. Mark September 2005 on you calendar!
posted by Jefe | 4:02 PM
3 Comments:
Hey Jeff,
If you can repost your pictures, I will delete the old posts. The pics didn't work because of the changes I made (but it will now). The new domain is www.bactexas.com so the old domain won't work correctly (it is redirecting now in case anyone else doesn't know about the new domain).
I really wanna see that blow log!!
Thanks.
I want to see the blow log also.
I thought that squirrel hunting was done with a 22. Do you get a lot of pellets in the meat? What kind of choke were you using? Do you also use fiber optic sites on your shotgun? I guess you have to get right up under the tree with a shotgun.
Some people use a .22 when we are hunting in Arkansas, but because of the terrain it is exceedingly difficult and the ole' 12 gauge is the preferred choice. It is a totally different game than here in Texas. The trees are very tall and have thick foliage. In addition, the squirrels are grey cat-squirrels rather than the foxes here; the little boogers run through the trees VERY fast with lots of cover, so you rarely get a shot with a .22. I used a modified choke with #6 shot - the distances are so great (typically at the outer range of the gun) that you don't get many pellets.
As for the blow log - y'all may have to wait for a while to see the photos since I will be out of town for a couple weeks. I would like to arrange a demonstration in Gause in November, because I think there is a log around the ranch that would work well. I talked with Steve and some other guys and figure if we set a date well in advance for a get-together you can get away from your respective wives for a full evening. November 12/13 would be good since the football game is away and my schedule eases up a bit.
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