Every hunter eventually makes a decision that seems reasonable but makes little sense. Mine is this: I’m going squirrel hunting with a handgun.
Not because it’s the easiest way; far from it. A .22 rifle, or shotgun, or maybe even a slingshot would be simpler, but easy isn’t the point for me.
I’m using Ruger’s classic Single-Six .22 Magnum, a single-action revolver with open sights.
The Ruger Single-Six in .22 Magnum turns squirrel hunting into a game of patience and precision, one deliberate shot at a time.
The Ruger also has a little story behind it. I bought it for myself for my 53rd birthday because apparently I’ve reached the age where buying myself a new revolver qualifies as responsible birthday behavior. Some guys buy a watch. Some book a trip. I bought a Single-Six, and decided to put myself through handgun bootcamp with a pint-sized, bushy-tailed drill sergeant as my DI.
The Single-Six stars in this adventure, but I’ll try other handguns too. Revolvers, semi-autos, different sights: if it makes squirrel hunting interesting, I’ll give it a shot (pun intended).
I’m taking this seriously because, first of all, the squirrel deserves it. How we hunt the smallest game sets the standard for how we hunt the largest. Overlooking the squirrel as a game animal reveals something about our priorities. If we only treat animals with antlers as worthy of preparation and respect, maybe we’re focused a little more on the glory of hunting than the craft of it.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a big buck or a bear. I like both. But size shouldn’t determine effort. Woodsmanship, marksmanship, patience and respect shouldn’t depend on whether your quarry weighs one pound or 600. And pound for pound, I don’t know if there’s a critter in the woods more worthy of pursuit based on cunning, athletic ability and sheer heart. Nobody, and I mean nothing, works harder every day than a squirrel.
Secondly, hunting squirrels matters because wildlife management isn’t reserved for animals with antlers. The squirrel is part of the same forest, subject to the same basic principles of conservation, habitat, harvest and respect. Taking a six-ounce squirrel seriously enough to study its behavior, understand its habitat, practice for an ethical shot and turn it into food may actually say more about the craft of hunting than another set of antlers ever could.
And finally, I’m treating this as a squirrel-inspired hunting sabbatical. It’s time for a mental reset, not just with my weapon, but with everything. I have plenty of flaws in my hunting, so maybe starting over is exactly what I need. And I doubt there is a better or more thorough course than bushy-tailed basic training. I want to slow down. Pay attention. Think through every shot. Stop taking things for granted. Become a student of hunting again.
A squirrel may seem like an unlikely teacher, but I suspect that by the end of squirrel season, I’ll not only be a much better small-game hunter, but a better big-game hunter, too. Because when you have to find a squirrel, understand a squirrel, outthink a squirrel and make one precise shot on a squirrel, you quickly learn that there isn’t much room for sloppiness. Which gives a little more credibility, at least in my mind, to that old shooting adage: Aim small, miss small.
Throughout this series, I’ll approach squirrel hunting like big-game hunting: considering ammunition, accuracy, field positions, scouting, shot placement, equipment, and even squirrel recipes. I have it on good authority that Media Direct's own Kim Cahalan has one helluva squirrel potpie recipe. Most importantly, I'll learn and reflect on my own limitations. There’s no shortcut to hunting a squirrel with an open-sighted revolver. I expect to miss shots, get busted, and learn that things easy on a shooting bench are much harder in the woods.
That’s the point.
A single-action revolver is about as simple as it can get. It's also about as honest of a firearm as there can be. There's nothing to hide behind if I fail, and nothing to share the credit with when I succeed.
Every time a squirrel beats me, I’ll have to figure out why: whether I rushed, chose the wrong position, or just wasn’t good enough yet. That word, yet, is what this series is about. I’m not an expert at squirrel hunting with a handgun, but I want to become one. Squirrels are small, fast, suspicious, and unpredictable; in other words, ideal teachers. When I can learn to make responsible, precise shots on squirrels with a handgun, those lessons will carry into bigger hunts.
You’ll see the mistakes. There’s value in seeing the misses, bad ideas, and failures so I can learn, adjust, and try again. As I get my butt kicked, I hope to grow as a handgun hunter, and hope you grow with me. After all, you can’t compensate for poor shooting by taking longer shots or rushing opportunity. You have to get closer, wait for the right shot, and accept that sometimes, the squirrel wins.
There's a life lesson in there somewhere, maybe more than one.
I hope you enjoy my journey, and thanks for hunting with me this season.
Beretta USA launches the Daybreak Upland Collection, a technical hunting apparel line designed for upland hunters. The versatile collection features lightweight, breathable pieces with weather protection and mobility, available now at Beretta authorized dealers and online.
ScentLok introduces its deepest camouflage lineup featuring Realtree XT-3, Realtree APX, Mossy Oak Terra Gila, Terra Outland, Original Treestand, Bottomland, and Country Roots patterns, designed by terrain and season rather than trend. Marketing Director Steve Allie emphasizes hunters no longer need to compromise on camo across different hunting environments.
Ameristep® introduces the Frontline Wide-Bottom Extreme Blind, a ground blind designed specifically for archery hunters. The blind accommodates up to three hunters with four silent-sliding shooting windows, Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage, and a quick-deploy Spider Hub® frame system for rapid setup.
Burris Optics' Fullfield riflescope earned Outdoor Life's "Great Buy" award in their 2026 Best Rifle Scopes for Hunting test. The scope impressed testers with its straightforward design, simple operation, durable construction, and passed the publication's drop test, earning recognition for its trusted heritage among American hunters.
ZeroTech Optics honored Pine City Outdoors of Jackson, Alabama as its 2026 Sports Inc. Dealer of the Year at an event in Nashville. Owner Shane Sturdivant's retailer was recognized for product knowledge, customer presentation, and partnership strength, receiving a custom limited-edition ZeroTech Optics timepiece by Stirling Timepieces.
Morris Swarts of Professional Marketing Inc. received ZeroTech Optics' 2026 Sports Inc. Rep of the Year award for his 30+ years in the shooting sports industry and dedication to dealer relationships. The recognition was presented at ZeroTech's Dealer Appreciation Party in Nashville, where Pine City Outdoors of Jackson, Alabama was also honored as Dealer of the Year.
Winchester announced a contribution of over $500,000 to Ducks Unlimited's Conservation for a Continent Campaign over the past seven years. The campaign generated $4.06 billion for continental conservation, helping DU conserve over 20 million acres of wetlands and habitat since 1937.
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena will host an exclusive premiere of Brad Pitt's adventure thriller "Heart of the Beast" on September 18, with all proceeds benefiting conservation. Service members, Bass Pro Shops Outfitters, and CLUB Members receive free admission, while public tickets are available for $10 at thunderridgenaturearena.com.
Clam Outdoors announces the ClamAYR™ Boondocker Ice Fishing Model, featuring fully insulated thermal wall panels and proprietary AYRTruss Design™ technology. The shelter weighs under 100 lbs, sets up in minutes, and is priced at $2,499.99.
The Wild Sheep Foundation announced a $150,000 grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Outdoor Fund for its Grant-In-Aid Program. Over eight years, the fund has contributed $926,000 to support wild sheep conservation initiatives across North America, including habitat restoration and disease surveillance projects.
NSSF celebrated the conclusion of Gun Storage Check Week (Sept. 1–7), which coincided with National Suicide Prevention Month. NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi emphasized that the "Make Sure It's Secure" message promotes year-round firearm storage practices to prevent unwanted access and save lives.
The Archery Trade Association announced that CEO & President Jeff Poole will retire on January 31, 2027, after five years of transformative leadership. Under Poole's direction, the ATA evolved its annual gathering into a three-part industry celebration and launched Bowhunters United, a grassroots advocacy initiative. The ATA Board has initiated an executive search for the next CEO & President.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife, led by Commissioner Jason Batchelder and Deer Project Leader Nick Fortin, is expanding archery deer hunting with 16 additional days beginning September 15 across eight designated areas to manage high deer populations causing property damage and vegetation loss in developed regions.
Guidefitter and the National Rifle Association announced a strategic alliance connecting the NRA's 150,000+ certified instructors and safety officers with Guidefitter's platform for verified outdoor professionals. NRA-affiliated members gain access to VIP benefits from over 300 outdoor brands including Swarovski Optik, Crispi Boots, Weatherby, Jetboil, and Garmin.
Remington Ammunition expands its Core-Lokt rifle ammunition line with a new 300 HAMR 130-grain load, now shipping to dealers nationwide. The offering brings the proven performance of Core-Lokt's controlled expansion design to modern AR-15 platforms with reduced recoil compared to .308 ammunition.
Realtree celebrates its 40th anniversary with the documentary Long Live Real, now streaming on YouTube. The film explores founder Bill Jordan's vision and traces four decades of innovation in camouflage design and outdoor products that built the globally recognized brand.
Hawke Optics' Vantage HD 8x34 binoculars earned "Best Compact Binoculars" recognition in Outdoor Life's 2026 Budget Optics Test. Outdoor Life Optics Editor Andrew McKean praised the lightweight, one-hand binocular for its exceptional optical quality and portability at an MSRP of $189.
The Boone and Crockett Club verified the Sam Aiuppa/James Martin typical whitetail deer at 207 7/8 inches, making it the largest typical whitetail ever taken in the United States. The buck, killed in Illinois in 1991, surpasses the famous Jordan buck by 1 6/8 inches and ranks second worldwide behind Milo Hanson's record.
Jeff Rawlinson has been named President of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®), succeeding Dr. Thomas G. Floyd, who is retiring December 31, 2026. Rawlinson, who previously spent 26 years with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, becomes NASP®'s third president in its 24-year history.
Gun Owners of America (GOA) announced a new Corporate Membership program enabling pro-Second Amendment businesses to formally join GOA's fight to defend the Second Amendment. The tiered program offers annual memberships at $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 based on company size, with complimentary individual memberships for eligible employees.
Sgt. Justin Dodge, a 30-year Denver Police Department veteran, discusses his remarkable recovery from a catastrophic leg amputation sustained during the 2023 Denver Nuggets NBA championship parade on The Michael Waddell Podcast. Dodge shares his philosophy of "prehab" and wellness, crediting his preparation and mindset for his miraculous return to full-time service with the DPD's Metro SWAT unit within a year.
WOOX, an Italian-American maker of premium outdoor gear, announces the WOOX Bolt-Action Leather Cartridge Quiver, handcrafted in Naples from Tuscan leather. The quiver holds five cartridges and fits most rifle stocks, featuring suede lining and an adjustable leather lace system, priced at $149.
ALPS Mountaineering introduces the NEXUS 28, a 28-liter everyday carry backpack featuring durable heathered polyester construction, laptop/tablet sleeves for devices up to 16 inches, and breathable padded mesh shoulder straps. Available in three color options at authorized ALPS dealers and alpsmountaineering.com.
Iron Valley Supply is releasing a Colt 1911 Classic commemorative pistol dedicated to the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. The firearm features engravings of the Twin Towers, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty, and the four hijacked flight numbers, with grips engraved with World Trade Center exterior design.
ALPS OutdoorZ introduces the DU Guardian Blind Bag, a minimalist waterproof blind bag designed for waterfowl hunters. Featuring a PVC exterior, roll-top closure, MOLLE attachment system, and available in DU Tan and Mossy Oak Bottomland colorways, the bag is offered in standard and large sizes starting at $69.99.
ALPS OutdoorZ expands its award-winning DeadQuiet Series with three new hunting packs: the Apex Sling Pack, Cruzer, and Proximity daypack. Each features proprietary DEADQUIET® layered fabric offering silent external surfaces, waterproof membranes, and suede inner backing for serious hunters.
Hardcore Waterfowl introduces the Rugged Series Pintails, engineered specifically for wary pintail hunters with FowlFlex™ technology for durability, realistic drake and hen paint schemes, and WhaleTail™ Keel for lifelike movement. The 6-pack includes four drakes and two hens at $99.99 MSRP.
Remington Ammunition announces two new 12-gauge loads for its Premier Nitro Sporting Clays line, featuring 1-ounce shot sizes 7.5 and 8 with 1,250 fps muzzle velocity. Shotshell Product Manager Ronnie Evans states the powered-down loads address customer feedback for tournament-winning performance.
Hardcore Waterfowl introduces its Rugged Series Magnum Black Duck Decoy, featuring FowlFlex™ Technology and WhaleTail™ Keel for durability and lifelike movement in late-season hunting conditions. The oversized decoys include 4 drakes and 2 hens designed for visibility and realism that black duck hunters demand.
Burris Optics announces the redesigned 2026 Veracity riflescope lineup is now available at dealers nationwide. The new series features improved optics, enhanced ergonomics, five reticle options, and the innovative Burris Knob Synergy System for customizable turret configurations. MSRPs range from $1,019 to $1,559.
REVEAL by Tactacam launches the REVEAL Pro 4.0 Solar Cellular Camera ($199.99 MSRP), now available online and at retail partners. The all-in-one camera includes a FLEXPACK R5 lithium battery and solar panel, featuring dual image sensors for crystal-clear images and extended battery life.
ALPS OutdoorZ introduces the DU Guardian Ammo Pouch, featuring an upright cylindrical design with waterproof PVC exterior and Hold-Open pocket design for easy access. Available in DU Tan and Mossy Oak Bottomland, the pouch offers premium protection and versatile storage for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
HEVI, an industry leader in performance shotshells, launched a rebrand featuring a new logo, tagline "Hit Harder," and updated website. The company dropped "Shot" from its name to reflect growth beyond its original tungsten pellet innovation, now offering comprehensive shotshell products including HEVI-Hitter and HEVI-Steel.
Apex Ammunition launched Waterfowl Stratified S³ Steel shotshells in 12- and 20-gauge with layered shot sizes designed for versatile waterfowl hunting performance. President and CEO Jason Lonsberry stated the shells deliver tight mid-range patterns and increased terminal energy at distance for confident kills on ducks and geese.
Summit Treestands launched three gear-management accessories: Summit Utility Hooks 3-pack, 23" Bow Hanger, and 13" Bow Hanger. Tiffany Lakosky of Outdoor Channel's CRUSH with Lee & Tiffany praised the products for keeping gear organized and within reach. All accessories are available at summitstands.com.
Tikka U.S., distributed by Beretta USA, is expanding its T3x ACE rifle family with new left-hand configurations of the T3x ACE Target and T3x ACE Game models. These left-handed rifles feature the platform's modular chassis system, bolt-action accuracy, and extensive accessory compatibility for hunting and competitive shooting applications.
DeSantis Gunhide announces its full range of hunting holsters and accessories, including the Dual Angle Hunter, Outdraw Chest Rig, Black Mamba, Predator II Bandoleer Rig, and Wild Hog models. These durable leather and nylon holsters are designed for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, offering secure carry options and quick firearm access.
ALPS OutdoorZ introduces the DU Heritage 20, a carry-on compliant daypack designed for hunters and travelers. The pack features a padded laptop sleeve, U-shaped zipper main compartment, and fleece-lined pockets, available in Olive Green for $99.99.
Defend is promoting bear safety awareness and preparedness during Bear Safety Awareness Month, highlighting its 14 oz bear spray with an effective range of up to 45 feet. The company, owned by Arcus Hunting, offers bear spray options in 8 oz and 14 oz sizes to help outdoor enthusiasts prepare for wildlife encounters.
Firearms News releases its September 2026 Special Hunting Issue featuring Field Editor Rikk Rambo's cover story on the Horizon Firearms Venatic Carbon Rifle in .300 Winchester Magnum. The issue includes reviews of rifles from Howa, Chiappa, and Springfield Armory, plus articles on suppressors, scopes, and hunting gear from contributing writers including Patrick Sweeney and James Tarr.
Killough Shooting Sports has launched a new online store at killoughshootingsports.com featuring same-day dispatch from its Brownsville, Texas warehouse and free shipping directly to competitions. The site offers the complete ELEY .22LR range in the United States, from recreational and training grades through to Match and Tenex.
Hoyt Archery has renewed its commitment as a national sponsor of Whitetails Unlimited, with WTU President Jeff Schinkten praising the bow manufacturer's innovation and heritage since its 1931 founding by Earl Hoyt Sr.
Browning has renewed its national sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited, announced by WTU President Jeff Schinkten. The Morgan, Utah-based firearms company, founded in 1878 by John Moses Browning, joins WTU's mission supporting white-tailed deer conservation and hunting traditions.
Pursuit Channel is launching new seasons of popular hunting programs including The American Way, Wallhanger TV, Whitetail Diaries, Whitetail Frenzy, and Deer & Deer Hunting TV. The shows are available on DIRECTV, Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and Pursuit UP streaming platforms reaching millions of viewers.
King Pedford, a retired heavyweight boxer turned hunter, has launched eight new episodes of "Haymaker Hunting" on MyOutdoorTV, bringing his library to 23 total episodes. The series showcases hunting adventures across the country while inspiring the next generation and empowering underrepresented communities to connect with the outdoors.
