I lived in Illinois for 61 years. As previously posted, because of the flat terrain and dense population in the northern regions, I was forced to hunt squirrels with a shotgun. Some years ago with the help of many sportsmen and hunt clubs, certain areas were deemed safe to hunt with .22 rimfire rifles. (Hilly terrain) Those same areas now allow hunting squirrels, specifically, with air rifles not to exceed .25 caliber. Unfortunately for me those state I parks were all 2 hours or more away. In 2021 we moved to coastal NC and I have a 30 minute drive to a national forest. Also, the laws only specify .22 caliber. I have met hunters using .223 for squirrels, deer, and hogs. Yea, a .223 for squirrels and I'm out there with a 15 fpe air rifle.
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