MarauderAirRifle.com

[trealtree]

Well Yesterday was a great day for me. I decided to hit the woods and try out my Marauder. I knew what the gun could do on paper but I was hoping it would do just as well in the woods. I headed out to some property that I know has quite a few hickory trees and this year the trees are loaded with a bumper crop of squirrel food.

As I parked along the side of the road I eased into the woods slipping silently through the hardwoods. I looked down to check the time, it was 0600 and it was barely light enough to see in the woods.

About 3 steps into the woods I catch movement in a tall oak tree to my left. It was a bushytail sure enough and in the haste getting my truck packed and gun loaded I hadnt even bothered to load my magazine.

I was carrying my new pride and joy, the .22 cal Benjamin Marauder tuned to 2500PSI shooting CP 14.3 gr @ around 860fps, plenty enough power to take out a few squirrels.

As I slide my mag into the gun and close the bolt the squirrel is nearing the bottom branches of the oak. He offers me a clear shot at about 25 yds.

I steady my gun on top of my Stoney Point monopod and take aim at the first squirrel that has been in this guns sights.

I ease the safety off and squeeze the trigger. Pfft Whop! Dead squirrel






As the first squirrel of the season hits the ground and lays motionless, I say a quick prayer to his maker and thank him for a wonderful day in the woods.

With the first squirrel in the bag and the sound of squirrels scampering through the tree tops all around me, I knew this day would be special.

As I make my way down the small dry wash that feeds into a resevoir, I catch a glimpse of what looks like 4 or 5 squirrels in the top of a tree about 75 yards away.

The stalk begins.

I slowly and methodically place each foot in front of the other making sure not to break any limbs or branches. Carefully making each step count not placing my full weight down until I was sure there are no hidden bracnhes under the leaves.

During a stalk you have time to think and your mind starts to play tricks on you. On one hand your mind tells you "move a bit faster", "hurry up" "You can move up a few steps and take a shot at the squirrel that is in range" But then your hunter instincts tell you "Be patient you will be rewarded"

After a 15 minute stalk to get in range of the hickory tree where the feeding frenzy was occuring, not a single squirrel seemed to be aware of my presence.

As I slid into position, I slowly adjusted my monopod down so that I could shoot from the ground.





Over the next several hours from that very spot, I shot 9 more squirrels making my very first tennessee squirrel limit.

A great day indeed!

John

[unirdna]

Alright! Great stuff. Are CP's your MDR's favorite pellet, or just the one you opt for when hunting?

I've hunted snowshoes hundred of times. But, I've never gone squirrel hunting once. Do you have any recommendations as to where a guy could learn more re: how to clean and prepare them? We have so many around my parts; it seems a shame that I don't have any in my freezer.

[Sentry]

Great story and pix etc. Looks like the Marauder is doing you proud. Congrats on a fine bag of squacks. What county in TN do you live??? I am in Carter county. And, am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Marauder.

Sentry

[trealtree]

Wilson Co.