How to Shoot a Prairie Dog

A prairie dog peeking out of its underground den.

While many people disagree with the hunting of animals due to ethical reasons, those who enjoy the sport would be well served to consider an unusual, challenging game to hunt, prairie dogs. Prairie dogs are a member of the rodent family and can be found throughout North America. Those hunters who are well-adjusted to the patience required when hunting elusive game will find prairie dog hunting a supreme challenge. Prairie dogs are burrowing animals and can remain in their underground dens for days at a time, coming up to gather food and water for only short periods. A hunter who is looking for a unique challenge as well as a way to support their local farming community (prairie dogs are notorious for damaging crops and fields) should seriously consider taking a shot at prairie dogs.

Things You'll Need

• .22 caliber rifle
• .22 caliber ammunition
• Camouflage clothing

Instructions

Procedure

1. Locate an approved hunting location in your region or the closest region where prairie dogs are known to live. Many local farmers would be glad to have hunters help control the prairie dog population on their land. Getting to know members of the local farming community is a good idea, as it can provide potential hunters with valuable information regarding the location of prairie dog infestations.

2. Clean your rifle thoroughly prior to the hunt to ensure it is working properly. If powder deposits are allowed to build up in a rifle, the firing and aim of the rifle could adversely affect the performance.

3. Dress in appropriately camouflaged clothing prior to the prairie dog hunt. Clothing will depend on your local foliage. It may be best to consult a local outdoor sports store prior to your hunt to obtain advice on the proper camouflage for the region.

4. Travel to the predetermined hunting location, ensuring your rifle is properly stowed in accordance with all local laws pertaining to the transport of a firearm. Some states require hunters to secure their rifles in a locked case at all times. Be sure to check with a credible source before traveling with a rifle.

5. Load your rifle with .22 caliber ammunition prior to reaching the hunting zone.

6. Wait patiently once the hunting zone has been reached. Prairie dogs often stay underground for lengthy periods of time but must surface to forage for food. Patience will be rewarded.

7. Take aim when a prairie dog surfaces from its burrow. Aim at its midsection to ensure the widest possible target. Prairie dogs are relatively tiny targets, so correct aim is an absolute necessity. Never fire the rifle without confidence in the aim as it will scare away the prairie dog and discourage others from surfacing.

8. Inhale a deep breath and hold it in before pulling the trigger. The seconds before a successful shot are the most tense moments for a hunter. A deep breath will help steady your hand and ensure an accurate shot.

9. Pull the trigger. With any luck, the rifle will do the rest of the work.

Tips & Warnings

• If the hunting terrain is particularly rough or the distance to the hunting zone is quite a distance from where your car or truck is located, consider investing in an all terrain vehicle (ATV). ATV's can easily traverse rough terrain and deliver you to your favorite hunting spot in a fraction of the time when compared to walking.

• Always follow proper safety precautions when handling a firearm and familiarize yourself with new firearms prior to the hunt.

• The safety latch should be engaged on your rifle at all times to ensure the safety of those around you.

• Always obtain permission from land owners before hunting on private property.

References

• Ducks Unlimited
• National Rifle Association