Planning a P-dog hunt ???

[CZ223]

I am in the very early stages of planning a Prairie dog hunt and I have a few questions. First of all I have been prairie dog shooting twice before in New Mexico so I am not a total rookie. Second, I believe the owner of the ranch I hunted has probably died since, and his relatives were not very friendly so I don't think I can go back there. If he is still alive it would be no problem. I have started by looking at the different states web sites and I am open to going anywhere from Arizona to South Dakota etc. Since I can't afford a couple hundred a day for a guided hunt I am limited to hunting public lands or private lands that welcome shooters. Any recommendations in this area would be greatly appreciated. Any opportunities for hunting Coyotes or pigs would be a great big bonus.

Next question. Since the last time I was out I have aquired several more guns in the appropriate calibers for varmint hunting. So the question is which guns should I take. Since I will be flying I think I will have to limit myself to 4 rifles. I have several rifles in 223 including two Savage BVSS's and two AR 15's. I will definitely be taking one of the Savages. I also have two VLP's in 204 Ruger and One of them is also definitely going. The other guns that are in the running are Savage BVSS's in 220 Swift,This one has been along before), one in 22-250, and a 25-06. I also have a Savage 9317BVSS in 17HMR and a newly aquired Savage F-class in 6mmBR. One of the remaining spots has to go to a rifle that will be good for taking p-dogs out past 500 yards, I have used the 220Swift out to 600. I would also like to have something along for the occasional coyote. I know that the 220, the 22-250, the 25-06 and the 6MMBR will fill all of my needs for the the last two criteria but which should I take. Also should I leave room for the 17 HMR?

While I would like to take an AR along I think it would take up too much room in the case and, while they are plenty accurate, the Savages are more accurate. Any of my rifles are plenty accurate for the task at hand. I also know that ammo compatability is a bonus and I am not above taking a second 223 or 204 so, lets hear your suggestions. All of my rifles are scoped with Leupolds and Nikon Monarchs ranging in power from 6x18 up to a 24 fixed power so that is not a concern. Once I decide on which to take I will probably switch scopes around so that 3 of them will be wearing 6.5x20 Leupolds with one wearing the 6.5x20 Monarch. I love that Nikon. The other option would be for me to bring along a couple spare barrels and tools to change them. That could work

 

[MrMister]

I know north east Utah has some public land.

So does western Wyoming.

Are those close to you?

 

[CZ223]

Nothing that has P-dogs is anywhere near close to me or I would drive. I live in Maine where the state motto is 'You can't get there from here'. If I thought I could get away with it and it would work I would try importing the darned things so I would have something to shoot at. Around here the I am limited to woodchucks and coyotes and it is an awful lot of work and time for one or two shots.

 

[vonb]

Just out of curiosity, how much ammo are you guys taking when flying? I would think it would be tough to fly out with enough ammo. for p-dogs.

 

[CZ223]

Hunt127, the last time that I flew with guns I was limited to 11 pounds of ammo. I have no idea how they came up with that figure, nor do they probably, but that it is what it was. Since I was heading up to Raton NM for The Silhouette nationals and I was shooting four guns requiring 160 rounds each that pretty much maxed out my ammo quota. We still had to have ammo for prairie dogs so, what we did was to mail it to ourselves at the hotel we were staying at. Many of the people I shot with did the same thing. As for how much ammo I will take I suppose it depends on how many p-dogs I figure to get into. I will likely take around 2000 rounds, or 500 per gun. The last time I went I knew I would be lucky to shoot a couple hundred but I still took 600 rounds for the 223 and 400 rounds for the 220 Swift. Since we were at Raton anyway I took the opportunity to do some shooting at 500 yards.

 

[Rustystud]

I have hunted P-dogs in Kansas, Wyoming, S. Dakota.

I thought Kansas and Wyoming were better choices.

I suggest you contact the target states DMR and findout the regulations.

Then contact the county Agricultural agent. Many states allow poisoning and you can have a P-dog town one week and a gost p-dog town the following week.

The best time to go is late May or early September.

If you do your homework You can easily shoot 1000- 1500 rounds a day.

I highly recomend you prepare and carry at least 1000 rounds per day.

I take 4 centerfire rifles and one rimfire, to hunt for 10 days.

Another piece of advice is taking a pop-up sunshade tent. A large water cooler. I have made water cooled barrels for some of my guns.

There are small cactus that frequent P-dog teritory. They will ruin a pair of sneakers, gloves, shooting coat,etc.. I recomend the plastic shielded type of elbo and knee pads.

I ship my ammo to the hotel where I am going to stay three weeks ahead of time and confirm its arrival before I leave.

Make sure you don't shoot any prarrie owls, badgers, or ferrets as they are protected species. Once while hunting in Kansas we were observed by the USF&W services for 4 days. They may be good for the wildlife but are a dumber than a brick about bullet back stops. The Prarrie is very flat and one does not want to be in the background of shooting at a P-dog town.

I highly recomend super explosive, thin jacketed bullets, Hornaday SX or Sierra Blitz come to mind.

Be conscience of Prarrie Rattlers, they will be their and looking for shade during the day. They also have what are called bull snakes and they are very good snakes don't harm them.

Just some tips.

Nat Lambeth

 

[CooperNV]

Also check the TSA & airline regs. on air travel with firearms. It seems that there may be regs with some carriers that only allow 2 guns to a case. With the added baggage cost of airlines and 50- 60 pound weight limit per bag, flying hunting gear can get pretty expensive.

Just something to check out before you travel by air. If I do it again I will ship ahead of time. Less expensive and less hassle. IMHO

 

[CZ223]

Thanks Rusty and Cooper. Rusty, that was my plan, to check with BLM and the like. I was stationed in Kansas a looong time ago and wouldn't mind going back. Wyoming was also on my list of places to check out. I am quite familiar with rattlers and bull snakes as I was stationed in Texas as well as Kansas. When I went to New Mexico I shipped my ammo to my hotel in advance as well. Plenty of water and a cooler are always on my list of things to bring. An Eazy up awning would be nice but, unless I drive I doubt that I will bring one. I also learned about burrowing owls and other protected species while on my last hunt. As far as bullets are concerned I have always been a fan of Sierra Blitz Kings. They shoot almost as well as their match Kings and, in most cases, to the same point of impact as long as the weight is the same. I have also used Hornady V-max and Nosler BTS with success. I have also begun experimenting with Barnes Varmint Grenades as well as some of the Berger bullets. Anyway, The BKs will be my go to bullet in most cases. If I figure on bringing a thousand ot two thousand per day I will need to save for a year. I was planning on flying out on a Friday and back on a Sunday 10 days total.

Cooper, I had figured on bringing two double gun cases with 2 per case. I know that a lot of airlines have started charging more for luggage and allowing less to go for free. I was hoping to bring at least one hangun along and, in the past, I just burried one or two in the padding. I will of course be checking with the airlines and, If neccesary I could ship them to a dealer.

 

[Stoner25mkiv]

CZ, PM sent.,I think)

 

[Jeff Peinhardt]

For what its worth Southwest Airlines allows one gun case as a freebie for hunters. So one suitcase and two gun-cases gets you there anyway......$60 savings will ship more rounds! Have fun

 

[patchhound]

What time of the year do you plan to shoot? I live in Wyoming and I don`t ever advise long trips in the spring, you take a big gamble of getting bad weather and poor dirt roads. June is the month I`de want to come here to varmint hunt.

It helps to at least know someone to send you in the right direction in the area of BLM you want to shoot. There`s lots of it here but it all dont got p-dogs...

Also, maybee if one sent their ammo to an adress around area they plan to shoot, they could avoid the headaches of flying with all of it. Just a thought.

Anyway, I`de pick the place to shoot to match the time of year you want to do it- more chances of having a real blast.

 

[CZ223]

Thanks for all the replies so far guys. I was thinking that I would like to go around the middle of June. If not then it might have to wait til around august as July is pretty full up for this year. Thanks for the suggestions on flying and shipping the Ammo. I have shipped ammo before. I am talking with a buddy right now and he is interested in Driving out. I certainly have the rig for it.

 

[MrMister]

CZ223,

You can always contact your hotel and send your ammo Fed-Ex or UPS ground and have as much has you want waiting for you when you get there.

All you have to do is list is as haz and your good to go.

Steve

 

[mackr]

CZ223, a follow up to Rustystud, I don't know how long it's been since Nate has been in Ks., but four of us have been trying to shoot there for 4-5 years, as far as I know there is no public land with dogs on them, state and county governments have been promoting poisining and have a gov. program to do it for the landowner. Took us a couple of years to find places and we had several pretty decent ones. We drive from Va.,pull enclosed trailer) and have lost about 4000 thousand shootable acres in the last 3 years, bombed out on two different trips to Ks.last year. Nebraska has instituded pretty much the same programs where we tried to expand our territory, we're looking at trying to go back to South Dakota??? We're pretty disapointed but will try somewhere this year,we have 10-12 custom build rifles and other equipment and have to try something, maybe even GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!!) Mack

 

[Clark]

I have been going on rodent hunting inter state expeditions for 5 years.

I have had it with planning and partners.

It is not like going to Vegas with the girl friend.
You can't call for reservations.

I know a guy that has been doing it for years and bombed out last week end.
He was really ready with a 6mmBR that shot 0.084'.

I know some guys that have been doing it since the 1980s that just drink Scotch if it does not work out.

 

[KevinL]

I never fly with a gun any more I think it cost a little more,not sure with todays prises) but I have the hotel or frend acsept my guns for me.
IT IS LEGAL TO SHIP GUNS TO YOURSELF IN CARE OF!
contact BATF and thay will confurm I ship guns to myself and back with a in care of to hunt plases I fly.
I vary seldom fly but it is a better way to do things without the hasol.
I just got back from AZ and diddent get to the ups office in time and had to send a ffl to ship a gun home but it is normaly a easey prosses
Just gives you another avanue of getting your gear to your location with insuranse.
I prefer shipping to a frend
Good Luck Kevin

 

[Ackman]

It's a long drive from Maine, but flying there's just no way to take everything you really ought to have with you. And don't worry about shooting 1,000-1500 rds per day, that's complete BS.

 

[Nodak7mm]

I'm with Ackman, you dont need to worry about shooting 1000-1500 rds per day, aint gonna happen. Look at it in the mathmatic sense: 12 hrs of continous shooting divided into 1000.. Think you can do that?? If you think so, go for it....

Regardless, have a blast...

Nodak

 

[Iamsignal3]

Kinda like the scotch idea....... 12 year single malt?