Can't imagine using a .22 for squirrels. Not sure what you would do with a rifle while also flushing partridge and woodcock in the squirrel woods. Not to mention how dangerous it is to fire a rifle round into the air.
If you really want a challenge stalk squirrels with a shotgun, and get yourself into position so ONLY the squirrel's head is exposed for the shot. Simple way to eliminate damage to the rest of the body.
Along the same "getting into position" as you mentioned, with my 22 I wait for the squirrel to be on the trunk close to the ground, with many trunks or a hill for background, or on the ground. Never take tree top shots because of wind or squirrel movement with open sighted rifle. Aim only at the head, so it's either instant kill or instant miss. As for grouse or woodcock, I haven't seen one in west/central PA for a decade or more.
Model2128Ga
