thecatapultkidforums.myfastforum.org a friendly group for anything related to the slingshot. also known as the beanshooter, catapult, flip, shangahi, and many other names
Rabbits and Squirrels are the most common quarry. Tracking rabbits in the snow is great fun, and challenging. Sitting in the woods as it is just breaking day and everything is coming to life waiting for squirrels outside of thier dens is fun too and both are very rewarding. _________________ Catapult Kid
Custom made catapults:
http://catapultkidslingshots.freehomepage.com/index.html
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:38 pm Post subject: What I hunt...
I don't particularly set out exclusively to go slingshot hunting. Most of my "hunting" has been done while fishing actually. I usually carry my slingshot with me when I go fishing and "hunt" any target of opportunity. I've killed snakes, lizards, lot of turtles (they are pests in private lakes) squirrels and even a crow from an unbelievable distance (lucky shot to the head), all while fishing. I've even shot fish... about 20 years ago while fishing around an oil rig out in the Gulf, the Spadefish were thick all around us so I tried shooting them. It worked too as long as they weren't any deeper than a few inches below the surface. 00 buckshot, .330" diameter is my favorite ammo. I buy it by the bag when I can find it and cast my own also.
Hey Peak, I’ve taken everything from bullfrogs to geese with catapult. I prefer heavy bands as you know and prefer .440 lead round balls for ammo. I prefer to mold my own ammo using a Lee round ball mold. With bullfrogs I prefer a shot to the center of the back. I prefer head shots on rabbits and squirrels, neck shots on ducks and geese, and body shots on pigeon sized birds. If hunting in cold weather I keep my catapult inside my shirt to keep the bands warm, the cold air will slow your bands down. Most of the time I prefer stalking but on occasion I’ll wait in ambush. I also enjoy hunting from a canoe (float hunting). I’ll try to cover technique a little more in depth in separate posts. Any particular techniques you interested in let me know and I’ll cover them as best I can
Take Care
Wildman
Hunting squirrels with a catapult is great fun and makes for great eating too! In the autumn you can usually let Mother Nature do the baiting for you. Simply find an oak, beech, walnut, hickory, or other nut bearing tree that squirrels are working and wait on them there. With this style hunting I like to be in position just before daylight. When it starts to break day the squirrels will work their way to the ripe trees and you’ll be in position waiting for them. Put yourself in position for close shots and shoot for the head. I always wear camo too.
Try to move around as little as possible to avoid making noise and being spotted. While scoping the area try to move your eyes and not your head. Another thing I do when I arrive at my ambush spot is I rake the leaves back away from where I’m going to be sitting so if I must move to get in a position for a shot I can do so quietly. If you have leaves and twigs under you it’s difficult to be quiet. I usually sit or stand with my back against a tree to help break up my outline and give me cover. If you see a squirrel moving in your direction don’t get anxious, relax and let him come in close, the closer the better. I prefer shots 30 ft or less. I’ve taken squirrels out to 25 yards but prefer them in closer. The closer the range, the easier it is to make a head shot and a clean kill. I’ll go into late winter hunting in my next post. Hope this helps ya a bit.
Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 10:30 pm Post subject: Squirrel Hunting
Thanks Wildman.
Your advice confirms what I'd been thinking. Do you use a face veil and gloves as part of your camo outfit?
Do squirrels have a good sense of smell - if they do I presume thay you need to take account of the wind direction too? I guess that might be tricky as the wind or breezes seem to change direction or have eddies in the woods?
Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 1:54 am Post subject: Squirrel Hunting
Peakshooter,
No, I don't use a face veil or gloves when after squirrels as it's not really necessary. I don’t like using a catapult with gloved hands either. I don’t worry about scent much when after squirrels either. I never wear cologne, scented deodorant, etc. when hunting any critter but with squirrels wind direction doesn’t concern me much. Movement and noise are concerns when after squirrels because they detect both real quick.
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:13 pm Post subject: Pics Wildman?
Hey Wildman,
you are the man. I would love to see some pics of you on your hunting trips.
One of my main future uses of the slingshot will be for small game while I am out ridin the mountains horseback. I see alot of grouse and squirrels and have always thought it would be nice to be able to take em without always needing a rifle/handgun.
Morek,
a catapult will be an ideal little tool to have along with ya on your horseback trips. A nice small catapult can easily be slid into a vest pocket or hung from the saddle horn where ya have quick access to it. A small leather pouch with a few .440's and you'll be ready to rock. The catapult is much lighter to tote around than a rifle or handgun and is virtually silent. Silence is golden in a lot of areas and this is where the catapult really shines.
Take Care
Wildman
I agree with all that you said. Silence is one of the big reasons I want to get good at shooting a slingshot. Silence it worth a million dollars when you are sitting on top of a very green and spooky colt with only four rides on him and there in front of you sits dinner on a tree branch.
Then again I'd use em even if they made noise cause they are so very cool.
I am going to make a custom lil scabbard that has a ammo pouch on it that will hand from my saddle soon. Will let you know how it goes.
Morek,
Sounds like you spend a lot of time on horseback. I’d like to see a pic of your custom scabbard when ya get it done, sounds like a neat idea. I carry a catapult in my cargo pocket about anywhere I go because I’m an opportunist. When the opportunity arises for me to get some fresh meat I like to be prepared. I’ve picked off rabbits, squirrels, pigeons ect. While out for a walk simply because I had my cat in my pocket so to speak. I saw a rabbit knocked over in a city park once, and it wasn’t 25 yards away from a guy sitting on a park bench reading the newspaper! He never saw or heard anything. You walk on up to Mr. Bunny, squat down like you’re tying your shoe and slide him into your cargo pocket. I’ve shared many a fine meal taken with the little catapult
Take Care
Wildman
Well I been slacking on my scabbard project was busy makin rifle scabbard straps and rigging to hold my saddle packs and such, but I just came across a peice of leather that is big enough I think. I should have it done by tomorow. I will take some pics and share em when I do.
One reason I think I should have a scabbard for it is that if I just hang it somewhere or tie it the bands will surely get caught on a limb and stretch out and then whack either me or my horse and then the rodeo will be on. So my theory is to make one that keeps the bands out of reach and be reasonably secure.
And Wildman, I was laughing when I read about your "hunt" in the park. Ive done stuff like as well. Gotta do what ya gotta do.
well i hunt rats, beavers, coons, squirrels, rabbits, crows, rock doves, starlings, crap, sheepshead, and one time i killed a pdog. I like to keep my shots inside 20 yards and i use 30-50cal lead or steel. I have been hunting with a slingshot for about 7 years and i am very good with it.
Welcome aboard Ratking. Sounds like you are a sucessful slingshot hunter? Staying within 20 yards is a smart choice and 30-50 cal lead is just as good of one. Hang around, alot of us hunt, would enjoy hearing a few of your stories or methods for various quarry.
Take Care
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