Prairie Dog hunting advice/tips

[Brandon B]

hey guys
It’s looking like my next build is in the works. It’s going to be a 20” varmint rifle built for accuracy. I was thinking about going prairie dog hunting, and was wondering what the rules/courtesy’s are regarding this sport. I’ve never been hunting (for any type of game) so I plan to go with a friend, but I would really like to know the ins and outs before I go.

Since these are an invasive species, are the rules different for once you make the kill? What exactly are you required to do after making the kill?

Any other info you have will help me as well, as I am not at all experienced in this!

Thanks

 

[LRDGCO]

It depends...

If you are on public land, check with the state Fish & Game on their rules.

On private land, it's owner's rules. Things like he/she may only want highly frangible bullets used, may have area and sightline restrictions, times etc. In general, once you make them breakdance, you leave what's left of them where they lie. Private owner may want them rounded up for example.

 

[Brandon B]

Thanks for the quick answer!

 

[Brandon B]

I have hunted PD in North Dakota for four years now. I find that the best spots are the ones you have to walk to. I noticed that when you shoot over a town that is right next to the road, once the shooting starts they head down and when they see you most head down and dont come up for a long time.
Some of the towns that I have discovered walking were not really big but you sure got a lot of shooting.
For this kind of hunting you really need to be in great physical shape, and then your limited in what you can carry. I carry a ground pad, water, sunscreen and cleaning equipment. I shoot in a prone position becuause you have a lower profile. With this way of hunting I can usually get into places that offer great shooting with even my 22K Hornet.

Thanks! Great advice

 

[Rembrandt]

We use low to the ground folding beach chairs and long bipods, very comfortable. Have a good pair of binoculars or spotting scope. Don't touch or handle the carcasses, in some areas they're known for carrying Bubonic plague.

 

[FL-NC]

I did it once after a 10 day sniper trainup. It was our "final exercise" lol. We were on a farmer's private land. All he told us was to kill them all. We were using M24 and SR25 rifles with 5-21 scopes and 7.62 M118LR. Engagements were from about 500-800 meters, ish. It was about the most fun I ever had with a rifle. Even fun taking break from the rifle and watching everyone else's work through a spotting scope.

 

[redneck2]

Multiple rifles. Really good glass. Good Binos are preferable to a spotting scope. I used Leupold’s best 10x50’s. Don’t depend of cheap compacts. Snacks and water.

Wear tall boots. We killed 11 rattle snakes in one area one year.

As noted above, we use folding camp chairs with bipods. Surprisingly stable and still portable. I took a portable shooting bench and never used it. Some guys used a shooting mat. If you’re gonna lay on the ground and hit a prickly pear cactus, you’ll wish you had a mat.

As for rules, depends on the area. You may need some type of license and may have to pay a fee. If you find the right rancher they’ll be glad to let you shoot. Don’t be a jerk and respect their property like you would a friends at home.

 

[Rembrandt]

Found a photo of what I described earlier....beach chair and long bipod.

 

[Rembrandt]

This little guy begged for some slim jims...wouldn't recommend this, plague is pretty rampant in some areas.