Colorado Guided Prairie Dog Hunt

[SmokinJoe]

Shot with Kevin on 2 successive years about 5 years ago. He is a very nice guy and a good businessman, handled everything very professionally. As part of his package, stayed in a little house in town which was clean and more than adequate. We went in early June both years and they were in the middle of a drought, so dog numbers were down. Averaged about 225 - 250 shots/ day for both trips. I am spoiled, so that was not enough shooting to keep me coming back. Where I have shot the most, we shoot from 9AM - 4PM and average 300 - 500 shots/day depending on how much we have to move, some of the towns are pretty small, but fun while it lasts. Shooting range rarely exceeds 400 yards. I shoot BR quality Dakota Predator single shot rifles and change rifles every 25 rounds or so when the shooting is really good. This is my experience and hope it helps a little.

 

[Bulletbob]

I've been invited to go on a Prairie Dog Hunt in Colorado. Has anyone ever used KB Style Adventures, Kevin Brown owner? Also the hunt is 3rd week in August. I'm just guessing, but thinking the shooting may be a little slow by then? The website says 100+ rounds fired in 6 hour hunt. I appreciate your input and advice!

What caliber rifles are being used to do that amount of shooting. These are amazing numbers.

 

[jpx2rk]

Depends upon the shooter for the most part. I use 204 Ruger and 223's. Some use variations on these (20 Vartag, Practical, Tactical), 223 AI, and on up. Whatever your shoulder and wallet can deal with, take it along. For the long range stuff, (over 400 or so IMO) you need larger calibers to buck the wind and see some carnage done. My long shot in June '18 was 520 yards with a 223, the bullet put a hole in the PD and it fell over. No carnage, just a hole. Was not really disappointed or surprised at the lack of carnage, was happy with the 520 yd kill. Just google the most popular calibers for pdogs and you'll get lots of reading material.

 

[centershot]

I would like to resurface this post. Has anyone used Kevin at KBstyle adventures recently? He is now charging $400 a day per person. Is he worth it and what does he provide for that? Most of the guides are at $350 or more.

 

[JSH]

What does $400 worth of prairie dogs look like?

 

[D Coots]

100+ rounds fired in 6 hours....a little over 15 rounds per hour. A lot of those would be long shots. Don't mind paying but I'll freelance before paying for that.

 

[Charlie-NY]

100+ rounds fired in 6 hours....a little over 15 rounds per hour. A lot of those would be long shots. Don't mind paying but I'll freelance before paying for that.

I don't mind paying for a guide but what is he providing? Access to prime land? A 4x4 with transportation to the colony? Pivot benches?

I fly to get around now because I'm too lazy to haul my truck & trailer all over the planet. I look for a guide that can provide everything that isn't getting stuffed into my luggage.

 

[markT]

Paying gets you in the area,, What you do while in the area might open doors.. Education is expensive and sometimes worth it..

 

[dusterdave173]

We had to travel from North Carolina for our first time to SD--a payed guide was a must
A lot of $ ? Well sort of..but after we spent on the fuel , travel ,etc just part of the overall expense
We were put on PD's--My barrel was like a branding iron all day long--like the other post said education is not free--no regrets. Was it all that was promised? Well...looking back I wish there had been more help and instruction but after digesting the entire thing for almost a year I have to say it worked out. We would do it again.
Jim River Guides --Willie Dvorak
Pierre, SD
FWIW we got maps and drove all over public lands near by Never saw one PD

 

[pdog06]

Just curious how you verify a "confirmed kill"? I too use a mechanical counter, but I want to learn your technique.

 

[pre64win]

View attachment 1434618

View attachment 1434618

Shoot from 100 round cartridge box. Empty with primer up = dead, neck up = miss.
After the hunt it is easy to count primers and compute the results.

 

[centershot]

Shoot from 100 round cartridge box. Empty with primer up = dead, neck up = miss.
After the hunt it is easy to count primers and compute the results.

That's what I do! Just have to remember that if you get into a shooting frenzy to do that !!

 

[spencerhenry]

Personally I think there are better states to shoot prairie dogs in than Colorado. Colorado requires a small game license.
100 rounds in a day is pretty slow shooting, that would barely keep a barrel warm.

 

[centershot]

It is fairly close to me. Licence is $35 for three days. Least of my concerns.

 

[sundance]

I have used tools like this for 20+ years on a neck lanyard. Mainly to let the landowner what we did on his pastures.

 

[jpx2rk]

I do primer up for a miss, and neck up for a kill. LOL

 

[jpx2rk]

Personally I think there are better states to shoot prairie dogs in than Colorado. Colorado requires a small game license.
100 rounds in a day is pretty slow shooting, that would barely keep a barrel warm.

Would you care to share those better states to shoot pdogs in ??? Small license fee does not bother me.