How to Hunt Prairie Dogs
Are you a person who loves to target shoot and is an enthusiast about accuracy? If you answered yes to the above questions then this topic is for you. Prairie dog hunting is one of the most exciting and enjoyable shooting sports that you can pursue in which you can burn up anywhere from 300 to 700 rounds a day. This sport tests your shooting skills and techniques, along with your equipment, for quality and accuracy.
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Things You'll Need
- Heavy barreled, high power rifle, chamber for (17-22 )cal. Cartridge Variable power rifle scope (4 x 12/40 or 6.5 x20/50) Sun shield for scope (recommended but optional) Spotting scope 2 sandbags (front and rear) Shooting bench or good ground cloth for prone shooting 300-1000 rounds of your desired caliber for the weapon you choose
Instructions
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1
Sight in your weapon of choice. This task should be preformed on a sturdy shooting bench and sandbags. You should have your rifle shooting at a 1-inch 3-5 shot group at 100 yards. Prairie dogs' vital areas are approximately this size.
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2
Locate a prairie dog "town" by consulting local hunting outfitters, visiting prairie dog hunting online forums or by poring over maps of local terrain. Flat, open areas with plush vegetation and a water source nearby are prime locations.
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3
Arrive at the prairie dog town early in the morning and set up your shooting bench or ground cloth. You need to be within 100 to 200 yards of the edge of the prairie dog town, with a clear line of sight and a sturdy backstop such as a hill in the direction you will be shooting. Placing your setup on a small rise works well.
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4
Prepare a sturdy rest for your rifle and then begin scanning the dog town for any movement. As the sun rises, the prairie dogs will begin to poke up out of their burrows and you can begin picking your targets.
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5
Aim through the scope and place the crosshairs squarely on the prairie dogs' chests. This way if your shot is a bit low or high, you will still make a clean kill. When you are steady and have your target picked, squeeze the trigger slowly and watch for your hit.
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Pick another target and repeat Step 4 and Step 5 as many times as you can throughout the day. There is no need to call or move locations unless you want to. Prairie dogs are curious and will continue to poke their heads up out of their holes even after shots have been fired.
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Tips & Warnings
This is a shooting sport, so it is always good to check the regulations that govern the area that you are hunting. Also, check regulations on transporting your weapon.
