Mole hunting with a .22? - The Firearms Forum

Trevor1837 · 09-24-2011, 03:45 PM

Hey guys I have a serious mole problem and was wondering if it possible to hunt moles with a .22. I have plenty of land so it won't disturb the neighbors, just wondering if anyone had any experience tips or tricks thanks

Trevor1837 · 09-24-2011, 05:20 PM

I don't know if I have moles or gophers... Haven't managed to spot one of the pesky critters yet

Brisk44 · 09-24-2011, 05:22 PM

I think I'd just get a few mole traps.

Trevor1837 · 09-24-2011, 06:02 PM

Yeah but that costs money and isn't nearly as fun haha

CampingJosh · 09-24-2011, 06:03 PM

Yes, it can be done with a .22. I've found a 12 gauge to be a lot easier, though.

The best cure for moles or gophers is a good dog. The dog has better patience & determination, and the dog probably doesn't have anything else to do all day. My pup (lab/husky mix) keeps the area around our house free of all kinds of critters, from foxes down to mice. She's never caught a fox, but I've watched her run one off, and I've seen her kill raccoons, opossums, squirrels, mice, snakes, Canada geese, moles, and probably other things I've forgotten. She's always proud of what she's done, so they always end up in the driveway for us to see.

But I'm glad she does it.

A good dog is excellent company, too.

mr.t7024 · 09-24-2011, 07:41 PM

Sounds like fun, make a movie for us!

Trevor1837 · 09-24-2011, 08:17 PM

Mrt I'll consider it haha

Trevor1837 · 09-24-2011, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampingJosh

Yes, it can be done with a .22. I've found a 12 gauge to be a lot easier, though.

The best cure for moles or gophers is a good dog. The dog has better patience & determination, and the dog probably doesn't have anything else to do all day. My pup (lab/husky mix) keeps the area around our house free of all kinds of critters, from foxes down to mice. She's never caught a fox, but I've watched her run one off, and I've seen her kill raccoons, opossums, squirrels, mice, snakes, Canada geese, moles, and probably other things I've forgotten. She's always proud of what she's done, so they always end up in the driveway for us to see.

But I'm glad she does it.

A good dog is excellent company, too.

I have a dog half lab half mastiff, not much Into chasing critters except squirrels and geese. Bileve me I've tried

JLA · 09-24-2011, 08:52 PM

hunt em with firecrackers. Make it a habit to go out once or twice a day and drop bits of food down the holes. after a week or so theyll recognize your arrival means a free meal, then on that fateful day drop em some water dynamite instead..

mr.t7024 · 09-25-2011, 06:50 PM

Trevor, I like your style!

Chinook · 09-25-2011, 07:09 PM

We had a guy with one of these propane/oxygen injection machines. They introduce a gas mixture into the hole, and depending, on specie, depth, soil density/make-up, they let the gas flow for as long as 2 minutes before ignition...Shotguns are about as loud, so its not for "city" settings really. But we found a mole control guy from their website.

http://www.rodenator.com/pests-contr...eos-rodenators

JLA · 09-25-2011, 07:37 PM

bout a pound of semtex should do it..

mjpchief · 09-26-2011, 09:33 AM

I use a shovel. Go out early in the morning and walk down all mole runs. Go back around 11:00 am and look for fresh run. Wait patiently for mole to move and sock shovel behind him and roll him out on ground. Cut in half with shovel and bury remains back in hole.

22 would be fine except for neighbors. Shot gun makes a big mess. Dad had a Bluehealer that would kill moles. Only problem with the dog is that he would dig a hole big enough to use for a basement.

mikld · 09-26-2011, 11:48 AM

Yes! A .22 rifle would be great fun. If noise were a prob, get some .22 shorts. I once had a mouse in our laundry room that ignored traps. I sat on the washer with my Ruger Single Six and waited for it to show. Missed on the first night but nailed it on the second! I had a mess to clean up (.22 Mini-Mag HP) but no more mouse...

Trevor1837 · 09-26-2011, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

bout a pound of semtex should do it..

I like the idea I have plenty of land for a .22 think the neighbors might hear that though

Trevor1837 · 09-26-2011, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikld

Yes! A .22 rifle would be great fun. If noise were a prob, get some .22 shorts. I once had a mouse in our laundry room that ignored traps. I sat on the washer with my Ruger Single Six and waited for it to show. Missed on the first night but nailed it on the second! I had a mess to clean up (.22 Mini-Mag HP) but no more mouse...

What'd you do with the holes in your wall?

marlin795 · 09-27-2011, 02:23 PM

Growing up my friends and I would gopher hunt from his front porch out in the country. We would see they were out then sit outside in chairs with good ol bolt action .22s drinking soda and popping gophers all day. Great fun. lol the most I ever got was like 3 with iron sites. Wish I had my 795 with it's scope then, many more gophers would be dead.

Regular Joe · 09-28-2011, 02:35 AM

The Israeli Mossad hunts "Moles" with .22's, with excellent success. If noise is a problem with a rifle, use subsonic HP ammo. With a 20" or longer barrel, the sound can't be heard beyond your yard. There is a great variety to be found. Most of the "big box" sporting goods stores will have the Australian made Winchester, or the CCI entry. If you have to buy online, Midway and Cheaper than Dirt usually have the Aguila 38 gr. SSHP for about $32/brick.

mikld · 09-28-2011, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor1837

What'd you do with the holes in your wall?

HeHe, slide the dryer 2" to the left...

brad87 · 09-28-2011, 01:29 PM

Remington also makes subsonic .22 LR's HP's and are easier to find around here, and cheaper than the CCI's (when you can find them) but CCI are the only ones who still make standard velocity shorts. If only they'd shoot worth a damn for me I'd use em more.

Also, how does one go about hunting moles with a 22 unless you plan on standing above a run you previously caved in and just blasting away when you see them clearing it back out?

JLA · 09-28-2011, 02:01 PM

seriously though. you could try to flood them out. Just put the waterhose down one of the holes and let it rip. Then stand back with a .22 and wait. If they dont come up they drown.. its a win win.

Big Shrek · 09-28-2011, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor1837

I like the idea I have plenty of land for a .22 think the neighbors might hear that though

Buy a can. $200 tax stamp + whichever silencer you prefer...MUCH quieter

Trevor1837 · 09-28-2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Shrek

Buy a can. $200 tax stamp + whichever silencer you prefer...MUCH quieter

I said I have plenty of land for a .22 to not be heard by neighbors, I was saying I don't have enough land for a pound of Semtex

Trevor1837 · 09-28-2011, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikld

HeHe, slide the dryer 2" to the left...

I like the way you think!

G-Mann · 10-02-2011, 03:24 PM

The trouble with mole hunting, or just waiting for the top soil to rise to whack em with a shovel is that they can detect movement from you walking around up to 20 ft away. I have killed a few but, it takes a lot of patients.

09-24-2011, 03:45 PM	#1
Trevor1837 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 262	Mole hunting with a .22? Hey guys I have a serious mole problem and was wondering if it possible to hunt moles with a .22. I have plenty of land so it won't disturb the neighbors, just wondering if anyone had any experience tips or tricks thanks -->

09-24-2011, 05:20 PM	#2
Trevor1837 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 262	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? I don't know if I have moles or gophers... Haven't managed to spot one of the pesky critters yet

09-24-2011, 05:22 PM	#3
Brisk44 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,747	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? I think I'd just get a few mole traps.

09-24-2011, 06:02 PM	#4
Trevor1837 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 262	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? Yeah but that costs money and isn't nearly as fun haha

09-24-2011, 06:03 PM	#5
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,787	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? Yes, it can be done with a .22. I've found a 12 gauge to be a lot easier, though. The best cure for moles or gophers is a good dog. The dog has better patience & determination, and the dog probably doesn't have anything else to do all day. My pup (lab/husky mix) keeps the area around our house free of all kinds of critters, from foxes down to mice. She's never caught a fox, but I've watched her run one off, and I've seen her kill raccoons, opossums, squirrels, mice, snakes, Canada geese, moles, and probably other things I've forgotten. She's always proud of what she's done, so they always end up in the driveway for us to see. But I'm glad she does it. A good dog is excellent company, too. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

09-24-2011, 07:41 PM	#6
mr.t7024 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Near a brook & pond in Ma Posts: 733	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? Sounds like fun, make a movie for us!

09-24-2011, 08:17 PM	#7
Trevor1837 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 262	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? Mrt I'll consider it haha

09-24-2011, 08:52 PM	#9
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,298	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? hunt em with firecrackers. Make it a habit to go out once or twice a day and drop bits of food down the holes. after a week or so theyll recognize your arrival means a free meal, then on that fateful day drop em some water dynamite instead.. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

09-25-2011, 06:50 PM	#10
mr.t7024 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Near a brook & pond in Ma Posts: 733	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? Trevor, I like your style!

09-25-2011, 07:09 PM	#11
Chinook V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: 17 pulls, into the propwash... Contributor Posts: 423	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? We had a guy with one of these propane/oxygen injection machines. They introduce a gas mixture into the hole, and depending, on specie, depth, soil density/make-up, they let the gas flow for as long as 2 minutes before ignition...Shotguns are about as loud, so its not for "city" settings really. But we found a mole control guy from their website. http://www.rodenator.com/pests-contr...eos-rodenators

09-25-2011, 07:37 PM	#12
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,298	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? bout a pound of semtex should do it.. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

09-26-2011, 09:33 AM	#13
mjpchief V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 105	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? I use a shovel. Go out early in the morning and walk down all mole runs. Go back around 11:00 am and look for fresh run. Wait patiently for mole to move and sock shovel behind him and roll him out on ground. Cut in half with shovel and bury remains back in hole. 22 would be fine except for neighbors. Shot gun makes a big mess. Dad had a Bluehealer that would kill moles. Only problem with the dog is that he would dig a hole big enough to use for a basement.

09-26-2011, 11:48 AM	#14
mikld Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 573	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? Yes! A .22 rifle would be great fun. If noise were a prob, get some .22 shorts. I once had a mouse in our laundry room that ignored traps. I sat on the washer with my Ruger Single Six and waited for it to show. Missed on the first night but nailed it on the second! I had a mess to clean up (.22 Mini-Mag HP) but no more mouse... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast.

09-27-2011, 02:23 PM	#17
marlin795 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Calvary Chapel Bible College; Murrieta,CA Posts: 755	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? Growing up my friends and I would gopher hunt from his front porch out in the country. We would see they were out then sit outside in chairs with good ol bolt action .22s drinking soda and popping gophers all day. Great fun. lol the most I ever got was like 3 with iron sites. Wish I had my 795 with it's scope then, many more gophers would be dead. __________________ Native born Californian, adopted by the Great State Of Texas! PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!

09-28-2011, 02:35 AM	#18
Regular Joe V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 269	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? The Israeli Mossad hunts "Moles" with .22's, with excellent success. If noise is a problem with a rifle, use subsonic HP ammo. With a 20" or longer barrel, the sound can't be heard beyond your yard. There is a great variety to be found. Most of the "big box" sporting goods stores will have the Australian made Winchester, or the CCI entry. If you have to buy online, Midway and Cheaper than Dirt usually have the Aguila 38 gr. SSHP for about $32/brick. __________________ Around here, we don't say "Oh shucks", or "oh man". We say Oh BAMA!!

09-28-2011, 01:29 PM	#20
brad87 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 85	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? Remington also makes subsonic .22 LR's HP's and are easier to find around here, and cheaper than the CCI's (when you can find them) but CCI are the only ones who still make standard velocity shorts. If only they'd shoot worth a damn for me I'd use em more. Also, how does one go about hunting moles with a 22 unless you plan on standing above a run you previously caved in and just blasting away when you see them clearing it back out?

09-28-2011, 02:01 PM	#21
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,298	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? seriously though. you could try to flood them out. Just put the waterhose down one of the holes and let it rip. Then stand back with a .22 and wait. If they dont come up they drown.. its a win win. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

10-02-2011, 03:24 PM	#25
G-Mann Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 33	Re: Mole hunting with a .22? The trouble with mole hunting, or just waiting for the top soil to rise to whack em with a shovel is that they can detect movement from you walking around up to 20 ft away. I have killed a few but, it takes a lot of patients.