Hi Jim and Art -

The ref for "squirrel barkers" is on page 64 of _Between The Rivers. History of The Land Between The Lakes_ (1992, Center for Field Biology, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN; ISBN 1-880617-01-3) written by Dr. Betty Joe Wallace.

It reads:

"Marksmanship and physical prowess were highly regarded in the community. The ability to shoot well was a sign of accomplishment. Barking a squirrel was a test of the best marksmen".

Her footnote for this passage then reads:

"Expert marksmen were able to bark a squirrel. The marksman aimed at the tree limb instead of the squirrel. The blast would stun or paralyze the animal and it would fall to the ground. The animal was killed and not filled with shot."

y.o.s.,

Ken