first prairie dog hunt, any tips?

[tstowater]

My experience is likely different than most. We have lots of friends and contacts in the prairie dog world so we move around a lot. My first trip was 1500 acres of unmolested PDs. I took what I had at the time plus picked up a swivel shooting bench. I took a 204 and a 220 Swift. Still use both cartridges, but not the same guns. If I had them what I have now, those dogs would have been in serious trouble. We pretty much ran out of ammo by the time we went were done after 2 1/2 days ( which is still our normal time). Lots of good advice here. Plan on having fun. I have as much fun spotting for another shooter as I do shooting myself. I prefer a set of good 10x binoculars over a spotting scope.

The sky is the limit on what to take. I've met guys who brought an RV and were planning on being there for 3 weeks. Once you determine that you want to go back, then you can start with the specialty gear. What I wouldn't do without is a wide brim hat with chin strap, long sleeved shirts that breath, sunscreen, duct tape, cooler with water and other refreshments, snacks, hunting license where needed, a good attitude, bug dope, a shooting bench and bags or tripod. Guns are what you have available. I now take 5 on most trips. A 17HMR, a pair of 20VT or 204 Rugers and a pair of Swifts or 22-250's for reasons stated by someone else earlier.

Watch the weather. Storms can pop up out of nowhere and strand you in places you can't get out. Ranchers hate having their roads tore up by a dumbass. If you know how to fix fence, bring a fencing pliers to fix breaks in barbed wire, not necessarily from your shooting.

 

[tstowater]

Two other quick notes: don't drive where you aren't supposed to and leave all gates the way you found them unless you are told otherwise.

 

[JSH]

This is the reason you are going right?
If yes, then take measures to accomplish this. Your spotter will witness this, you will see only a fraction of it. Nothing more satisfying on this plant. Maybe? Haha View attachment 1554659
If you are providing a bench then figure out what will work best for you. Rick (Oregon)and I both have our benches and both work. But you need to figure the pros and cons of each.
Elevation changes and ranges are in constant flux. Make it fast, smooth and easy. You will be tired so make things better for yourself.
Some seats have back and some dont. Do some thinking on that part of it.

View attachment 1554656

Rifle looks like a few I have. Take that grip cap off and add some shot, weight is your friend to see your own impacts.

 

[Stugots]

Tripod/Hog Saddle!

I built the hog saddle hear about 10 years ago and have been using it ever since. I often lower the height of the legs and use a rotating chair swinging the rifle and tripod around me to shoot in all directions. Look for a used tripod on FB market place or Craigslist and google "make a hog saddle". Built mine for $20.00 each.

 

[17cal Fan]

Hand wipes! We always talk about how nice it would be to eat a lead free bologna sandwich and then we forget to grab a can of them. Already have a can out and sitting with my stuff for this year. Leaving in a couple weeks.

2-300 rounds per day as mentioned is very realistic. Swivel bench is handy as a shirt pocket. Spare scope(s)
Heavy flat shooting guns. Our goal is eliminate all we can so we don't spend a lot of time trying to reach much beyond 250, we just move the rig in and keep shooting.

Be safe and have fun !

 

[Websurfer]

taking my son-law and son on my bucket list trip for a week in Wyoming in mid June. have an outfitter who's sole job is to get us to and drop us off where we can shoot, so it might work out OK. each person taking a ,223 for short to mid range, and 243 or 6mmbrfor past 300, I am also taking my 17HMR just in case shots under 150 are available. I've read previous threads and I coyote hunt a bit. The trouble is mainly with the terrain. We are from deep pine forests of east Texas and a 150 yard shot of any kind is rare,

I have a good list of what i think I need to bring so how bout this? Please list the three things I need to make sure above all others and/or three things you have forgot to bring on past hunts and regretted it.

Already carrying enough gear to to justify taking two vehicles. Also how many rounds per person per full day should I bring? got loads developed (all right at 1/2") and now cranking them out. just not sure of how much shooting is actually involved

Been a while since I was this excited for a trip and want the boys to make memories with me on this one,

Any tips based on experience would be greatly appreciated.

Larry Snograss, Tyler Texas

1. Prepare for the sun
Moisture wicking long sleeves, wide brim hat, breathable pants, boots in case of snakes; sunscreen, sunglasses
2. Hydration
It will be hotter than you think. Lots of water and sports drinks
3. Insect repellent
Cute little prairie dogs carry fleas, ticks and often deal with waves of bubonic plague and other nasty things you don’t want. Spray up with good insect repellent.
300 rounds per day, on guided hunts on private property, is a good starting point.
Bring a positive attitude, be safe, and have fun!

 

[tstowater]

Some things are just left in the vehicle. I prefer a Suburban with a gun vault in the back. Guns go in the drawers and everything else gets put inside on top of the vault. Switched to a pickup if pulling a trailer for 4 wheelers or a side by side. I find a set of gunsmith screwdrivers and some common wrenches are really handy as well as a small target to check scope zeros. Meant to include these earlier. Try not to draw anymore attention than necessary so you don't get unwanted visitors in parking lots. Generally out of sight is out of mind. Be careful who you talk to. Some hotels, especially along Interstate highways, might have friends who are willing to relieve you of your possessions. Sorry for the rambling.

 

[Websurfer]

If you’re a big game hunter or PRS-type, there’s nothing better for practice than using that rifle(s) for prairie dogs. If you can consistently pop prairie dogs at 600 (or whatever distance) yards with your 308 (or whatever), you’ll be all set. It’s fun!

 

[Websurfer]

One more item to bring: first aid kit, including a snakebite kit. Don’t leave home for a hunt, range trip, or competition without one

 

[rayporter]

consider a spare scope and some tools. last week my buddy had a scope go bad and i had a spare in rings ready to slide on.[ when he finally figured it out]

watch the weather and be prepared for both hot and cold

 

[long40shot]

This is the reason you are going right?
If yes, then take measures to accomplish this. Your spotter will witness this, you will see only a fraction of it. Nothing more satisfying on this planet, maybe? Haha View attachment 1554659
If you are providing a bench then figure out what will work best for you. Rick (Oregon)and I both have our benches and both work. But you need to figure the pros and cons of each.
Elevation changes and ranges are in constant flux. Make it fast, smooth and easy. You will be tired so make things better for yourself.
Some seats have back and some dont. Do some thinking on that part of it.

View attachment 1554656

How in the world did you get such a clear picture?

 

[jxb]

Most everything is covered above so here's some more obscure ones. Some of these are more for mountainous areas or early season shooting where the weather can change quickly.

If it's at elevation and you are not, expect to need more rest and sleep. Drink plenty of water too. If so and you get a headache that only seems to get worse over the initial days there don't ignore signs of altitude sickness.

A wide brimmed hat will keep the sun off your ears and neck, one that won't easily blow off. If there's anything more than zero chance of snow, take gloves and a warm cap that will cover your ears if you're not wearing muffs.

If it's going to be warm take a 12 pack cooler for your ammo, especially anything with temp insensitive powder.

If you'll be shooting off a bench a lot, bring an elbow pad and one that isn't too tight or loose. After a few days without one you'd be wishing you had. Why a pad? it moves with you and we generally wear it under our long sleeve shirt. Mine just stays in my tool/cleaning supplies box as there's no way I'm forgetting that. Give the other to another shooter and they will thank you.

I'm not sure what all the fuss is over snakes wear proper boots then watch where you're walking and setting up.

Based on above, you should have TP covered in spades but remember a 1gal ziplock for it. Bring a long handled shovel, preferably one that the roll of TP will slip over. That same shovel is also very effective on snakes.

 

[Hotshot]

A buddy and I went out a couple times last week. The pups are out and shooting is great. We have shot 100's at 100 yards and less with 17hmr. Found a snake at the gate post and the little 17 took care of him too.
Pictures won't post cause they are too big.

 

[gtbcolo]

It's already been said but watch where you step! May and June seem to be the bad months.

 

[alintx]

powderbrake, your list is very similar to my own. One thing not stressed enough is wind flags. If any hits are expected out there where the wind blows (all the time), you can't hit it if you don't know the wind.



Mine were made by Russ Haydon when he still had his shop in WA. Delrin bearing for spin, an arrow shaft with a .41 JHP for weight, sheet aluminum for fins and surveyors tape for the flags with lure swivels, all mounted on video light stands. They work great for live varmint shooting and working up loads to keep track of conditions.

Man I miss Russ! What a great guy!