riverhawk

There are three oak trees on my property--a squirrel hotspot--backed right against a tall, rocky hill. I think the hill is thick enough to be an adequate backstop should I shoot squirrels out of the trees, but the question is how should I change my aim if I'm shooting up from the ground? (Not right under the trees, I mean up and forward of course.) I'm using a .17HMR and not doing long range, only out to 80 yards.

Thanks,
Riverhawk

Liv2hunt

I have always shot squirrels from pretty much 40 yards out. I have used a 22 with scope. If your worried shoot them when their against the fat part of the tree. With the hill you'll also be fine. They also sell bird shot for most calibers, you have to be close for that to be deadly. Have fun, take care.

mrbb

like all gun safety rule, if you THINK there is a chance of the bullet passing thru, or missing and landing in an unsafe zone( a 17 should go about 2 miles) DON"T take the shot
safety first as they say!

as for adjusting your aim when shooting up , I doubt is anything to worry about, as long as you know the distance and where the bullet lands at each distance you will shoot at, just work with that zero and should be fine IMO

Oldtimr

The best thing to do is leave the rifle at home and use a shotgun. Shooting up in the air with a rifle is not a good idea anyway. Between age 12 ans age 18, I killed hundreds of squirrels, all with a shotgun and all in trees.

Bocajnala

Don't change your aim at all.

-Jake

riverhawk

Thanks everyone! I guess I won't change my aim then. I think the hill or the tree trunk would be a fair backstop even for a rifle bullet.