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No shortage of possums, the place had far too many. Didn't try eating them though.[/quote


Have heard possums are good eating- but???

When using a muzzleloader for squirrels, head shot must be taken - as the round balls leave little to eat with body shots.

Our red squirrels commonly known as "Pine" squirrels, being classified as a fur bearing animal (along with being virtually inedible) are generally not shot. They would be like eating a pine or spruce cone.
Many years ago when it was OK to shoot them, I attempted to 'bark' some - ending up with either blowing them to Smithereens, or having them simply to run off, unscathed, and this with a .69 calibre round ball. MUCH depends, I assume, on the make of tree in which you are barking them. The trees here with thicker bark (Spruce, Pine and Fir) than the Eastern variety of hickory, maple, walnut or oak. If just a fraction of an inch "off", no worthwhile effect is to be achieved, as there is no explosion of bark - the bark merely absorbs the energy & the ball and no barking effect is observed.

Head shots are easy to about 75 yards with an accurate, scoped .22 - when a rest is available. The heads are not large and they can be quite tough if body hits are made, especially if .22 longs or shorts are used. The squirrels usually don't sit still for very long though, unless they think they are hidden from your view. Be quick, be accurate.

Greys and black squirrels are quite decent "table" fare.