A local hunter is preparing for a special squirrel hunting expedition along the Withlacoochee River to provide fresh game for a 78-year-old Purple Heart recipient who recently broke his hip in a fall. The veteran, currently recovering at home after being released from the hospital, asked the hunter to harvest three or four squirrels for his supper since he cannot hunt himself.
The hunter plans to use a family heirloom Stevens .410 single shot shotgun built in 1909 to hunt in oak and hickory stands where squirrel activity has been high. He discovered the prime hunting location yesterday while following a flock of turkeys and observed numerous squirrel nests and evidence of their foraging throughout the forest floor.
Squirrel hunting remains popular in the Florida hunting community because the animals are abundant, challenging yet accessible to hunters of all skill levels, and provide excellent table fare. The hunter noted that squirrels can be successfully hunted in backyard settings as well as remote hardwood forests, making them an ideal game animal for hunters regardless of their resources or experience level.
The tradition of squirrel hunting spans generations, with many families passing down both techniques and equipment through the decades. The hunter emphasized how the sport brings together people from all walks of life, from industry leaders to service workers, united by their appreciation for this time-honored outdoor pursuit that was once considered one of America’s greatest outdoor sports.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
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