4 more squirrels in the bag but no sign of pheasant

The temperature was much better than Saturday. Instead of hot and rainy it was cooler and partly sunny today. The weather report said that the sun would likely be out in the early morning, then clouds would roll in at about 7:30. They hit it right on the money today. Lots of action for the short time the sun was out, but clouds brought an abrupt halt to the festivities. It was obvious that the squirrels wouldn't move under a sunless sky, so I called it quits and headed back.

On the return trip there were a couple breaks in the clouds which made me eat my words when I said something to the affect that experience has taught me when to quit. Those two momentary breaks of sunlight brought with them squirrel movement, and I was able to bag two additional squirrels. Today's total was 3 with the Henry 22 and one with the 20 gauge. I found that often the shotgun knocks down the squirrel but doesn't put it away, and thus I've discovered a new use for the NAA Mini-Master 22LR revolver.

Pheasant hunting was a waste of time and no one appeared to bag anything. In fact I didn't hear a single shot between 7am and 1pm. Last Saturday was the same. Is the DEP stocking this area? I'm going to shoot them an email to see if I can get some answers.

I was dead beat by 1pm and my legs were so tired I couldn't take another step. I don't hunt the paths like many of the bird hunters out there. I'm walking the swamps and pushing through brush most of the time, and that gets exhausting. No matter how tiring it gets out there, it's still better than a day at work.

Season total: 18 squirrels

NOTE: I just ordered a hammer extension for the 22 because the scope makes it impossible to reach the hammer with gloves on. They are somewhat difficult to locate, so here's where I found it: Brownells Model 2450 SKU #:593-245-000
SPECS: Steel, matte black finish. 1 ¼" (3cm) long, 3/8" (9.3) diameter. 2450 fits Win. 94 and Big Bore, Ithaca X-Caliber, and Henry lever action rimfire rifles. LINK

The price is $9.95 plus $5.25 shipping.

UPDATE: The hammer extension arrived in a few days and it fits perfectly. There must be less than 1/16" of clearance between the extension and the scope. Perfect!