Squirrels, rabbits, and other small game offer unique opportunities to build hunting skills while managing animal populations and harvesting meat. With the proper equipment and guidance, you can improve your shots and minimize damage.
While a .22 caliber rifle is a go-to for many hunters when going after small game, today we'll also talk about the .17 HMR—a newer option you may want to consider giving a try.
Finding the best caliber for small game is crucial to small-game hunting, and the right firearm and ammunition should be part of your hunting gear. By making strategic decisions and choosing the best small game hunting rifle caliber and ammo, you'll be able to improve your odds in the field. Here are some insights into calibers for small game hunts.
Why Does the Caliber Matter When Hunting Small Game?
When hunting small game, choosing the right caliber is incredibly important. If you choose a caliber that is too large for the animal you are hunting, you will destroy all of the meat. If you choose a caliber that is too small, it may only wound the animal instead of producing a clean and ethical kill.
Hunting and shooting small game with appropriate calibers will improve your accuracy and give you the correct range when in the woods. Remember, your goal is to bring home the animals you kill, wasting as little as possible.
What is the Best Caliber for Hunting Squirrels and Rabbits?
Some of the best small game hunting calibers are the .22 LR (Long Rifle), .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire), and .17 HMR. The .22 LR is widely considered the best .22 caliber for small game due to its affordability, availability, and effectiveness in the woods (typically 25–75 yards).
The .22 WMR provides a more effective range than the standard .22 LR, but without the extra damage that the .17 HMR causes. The .17 HMR is a newer caliber, but it is quickly becoming a very popular round due to its flatter trajectory and greater range than the .22 LR and WMR.
What's the Most Accurate Caliber for Small Game Hunting?
Bad shot placement can ruin your hunt, and you should be mindful of the destructive nature of inaccurate shots when selecting small game hunting calibers. When it comes to accuracy, choosing between the .22 vs the .17 is a matter of personal preference.
The .17 has a flatter shooting trajectory than the .22 with an extended effective range. However, for hunting small game such as squirrels and rabbits, the difference is not noticeable.
What Caliber Causes the Least Meat Damage?
Many people enjoy small-game hunting for meat as well as recreation. If you're hunting for meat, the round you're using matters, as does your shooting technique.
To preserve the most meat, strive for headshots to minimize damage. A well-placed shot to the mid-section is also very lethal, especially when shooting squirrels out of trees.
If you can execute a headshot consistently, then you can take your pick between the .22 LR and the .17 HMR for small game. However, if you are a little less confident, I would suggest leaning towards the .22 LR—it will cause less damage if the shot placement isn't ideal.
When looking for the best ammo for squirrel hunting, consider sub-sonic rounds for your .22 LR. This ammo is a little quieter when shooting in the woods, and it won't scare or alarm animals. If you want to take an additional step for successful squirrel hunts, look into purchasing a suppressor for your rifle.
When pursuing small game, time your hunts for the early to mid-mornings. There is no reason to get up and out there at the crack of dawn; it's best to let the sun come up a bit and give the animals time to start moving around. You can also go out in the late afternoon or early evening, when small game animals will begin moving around again to eat a second time before nightfall.
If you're hunting squirrels, look for hardwoods, since they live in these trees and will be near nut sources. Keep an eye out for chewed nuts or droppings, and listen for the chatter of the squirrels—they will either be chewing on nuts or barking at each other.
If your goal is rabbits, look for field edges and brushy cover. To avoid predators, rabbits typically hole up in thick cover such as tall grass or brushy briar patches. Before searching for rabbits, try doing some e-scouting with the map feature in HuntWise.
Consider a still-hunting technique for small game, and slowly make your way through the woods, stopping often to watch and listen. Your ears will help you locate animals far better than your eyes, as long as you are patient and do not disturb the environment by stomping around everywhere. Walk slowly and step lightly to avoid breaking sticks and making too much noise.
Sitting and ambushing may also be effective. Position yourself near food sources such as nut trees or freshly cut grass and wait for the animals to show up to eat.
Choose the Best Caliber for Small Game and Plan with HuntWise
Hunting squirrels, rabbits, and similar animals can be fun and rewarding, especially when you're using the best caliber for small game and using strategic techniques.
For more knowledge-building resources and ways to improve your hunts, download HuntWise. You'll be able to improve your skills through our blogs and Field Guide+ videos(for Elite subscribers), scout locations, and prepare yourself for an enjoyable, productive hunt.
We have answers to top questions about the best caliber for small game hunts!
Q: What is the best caliber for hunting squirrels and rabbits?
A: For hunting small game, a .22 LR is the classic go-to. It's quiet, affordable, and effective without being excessive.
Q: Is .22 LR good for all small game?
A: Mostly yes, a .22 LR is good for hunting small game. It works well on common small-game species, though tougher or more distant targets may call for something with more punch.
Q: Which is better for small game: .17 HMR or .22 LR?
A: The .17 HMR is flatter-shooting and better at longer ranges, while .22 LR is cheaper, quieter, and gentler on meat. The “better” choice depends on distance and your priorities.
Q: What’s the most accurate caliber for small game hunting?
A: For pure precision when hunting small game, the .17 HMR usually edges out .22 LR thanks to its higher velocity and flatter trajectory.
Q: What caliber causes the least meat damage?
A: The .22 LR generally causes the least damage to small game meat because it’s slower and less explosive than high-velocity rimfire rounds like .17 HMR.
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