Prairie dog Hunting

  • foreman
    West Bend, IA
    Posts: 25
    #209869

    Hey guys Myself and some friends were looking to do some dog hunting, and we were looking at going to South Dakota. I was just wondering if anyone knew of a place or private land owner that we could get a hold to get this thing in motion. Any information is really appreciated. One more question what caliber rifle would you recommend bringing? Thanks again.

    b_sander
    Red Wing , MN
    Posts: 800
    #30947

    I have only done this one time but a few friends go out and do this alot. We just drove around intil we saw a good spot then asked permission.. Most farmers didnt like the dogs anyway, there farm animals break legs in the dog holes.. It shouldnt be to hard to get permission!!

    Good luck…

    b_sander
    Red Wing , MN
    Posts: 800
    #611517

    I have only done this one time but a few friends go out and do this alot. We just drove around intil we saw a good spot then asked permission.. Most farmers didnt like the dogs anyway, there farm animals break legs in the dog holes.. It shouldnt be to hard to get permission!!

    Good luck…

    jonboy
    Wausau, WI
    Posts: 445
    #30956

    22-250 will get em way out there…
    Good Luck and Have Fun!

    jonboy
    Wausau, WI
    Posts: 445
    #611533

    22-250 will get em way out there…
    Good Luck and Have Fun!

    bret_clark
    Sparta, WI
    Posts: 9362
    #30960

    Your .204

    big_head_basher
    Posts: 268
    #30963

    I would bring two guns if you have them.

    t-ellis
    Colorado Springs, CO
    Posts: 1316
    #30968

    Drive out to west/central South Dakota near Platte or Chamberlain and ask any landowner and they will be glad to let you shoot all the dogs you want. Coyotes too! Bring a 22-250 will reach right out to them.

    t-ellis
    Colorado Springs, CO
    Posts: 1316
    #611571

    Drive out to west/central South Dakota near Platte or Chamberlain and ask any landowner and they will be glad to let you shoot all the dogs you want. Coyotes too! Bring a 22-250 will reach right out to them.

    stillakid2
    Roberts, WI
    Posts: 4603
    #30971

    22-250 is certainly enough to take care of any varmint you encounter out there. For dogs only, I’ve heard many guys are adding to the challenge by crossing distance with caliber. A .204 or 17HMR has the speed and range but is certainly more susceptible to cross winds, thus the added challenge. As far as caliber goes, anything from 17HMR up to .243 (in lower grain weight ammo) will suffice. Don’t be afraid to use a .22 WMR. They were designed for varmints and will do the job just fine out to 200 yards. 223 is another viable option.

    stillakid2
    Roberts, WI
    Posts: 4603
    #611577

    22-250 is certainly enough to take care of any varmint you encounter out there. For dogs only, I’ve heard many guys are adding to the challenge by crossing distance with caliber. A .204 or 17HMR has the speed and range but is certainly more susceptible to cross winds, thus the added challenge. As far as caliber goes, anything from 17HMR up to .243 (in lower grain weight ammo) will suffice. Don’t be afraid to use a .22 WMR. They were designed for varmints and will do the job just fine out to 200 yards. 223 is another viable option.

    MFO
    Minneapolis, MN
    Posts: 1451
    #30979

    The 223 will cost less in the long run as ammo is much cheaper. The 22-250 will reach out further, but the ammo is at least half again as much as the 223. You would also notice your barrel gets a lot hotter with the 22-250. 2 guns is nice so you can let 1 rest.

    MFO
    Minneapolis, MN
    Posts: 1451
    #611603

    The 223 will cost less in the long run as ammo is much cheaper. The 22-250 will reach out further, but the ammo is at least half again as much as the 223. You would also notice your barrel gets a lot hotter with the 22-250. 2 guns is nice so you can let 1 rest.

    DONOTDELETE
    Posts: 780
    #30985

    One day I had my 22-250, a .270 win, a 357 mag and a .22 LR. I took shots with all 4 guns depending how far out one would pop up.
    In addition to your rifle do a little planning for your shooting platform and comfort. Some people set up shooting benches on trailers and drive right out into the field. A portable shooting bench is nice but not too nice to carry very far. I like to use a camera tripod with a foam v-block screwed into the camera mount. They are available at your favorite shooting supply store. Along with that one of those collapsable camping chairs. Sit in the chair and set the tripod in front of you, comfortable for hours. The tripod can be easily moved left or right and quickly adjusted for elevation to allow a steady shot at varing angles and distances. I readily admit one can shoot smaller groups from a prone position using a bipod but that is too uncomfortable for any length of time, at least at my age it is. With this system you can easily walk or 4-wheel atv to any spot near the town packing all your gear and quickly set up.

    DONOTDELETE
    Posts: 780
    #611620

    One day I had my 22-250, a .270 win, a 357 mag and a .22 LR. I took shots with all 4 guns depending how far out one would pop up.
    In addition to your rifle do a little planning for your shooting platform and comfort. Some people set up shooting benches on trailers and drive right out into the field. A portable shooting bench is nice but not too nice to carry very far. I like to use a camera tripod with a foam v-block screwed into the camera mount. They are available at your favorite shooting supply store. Along with that one of those collapsable camping chairs. Sit in the chair and set the tripod in front of you, comfortable for hours. The tripod can be easily moved left or right and quickly adjusted for elevation to allow a steady shot at varing angles and distances. I readily admit one can shoot smaller groups from a prone position using a bipod but that is too uncomfortable for any length of time, at least at my age it is. With this system you can easily walk or 4-wheel atv to any spot near the town packing all your gear and quickly set up.

    life1978
    Eau Claire , WI
    Posts: 2790
    #30990

    Last time I went I took my .22 long rifle, .22 Mag, and ar-15 .223. They all worked just fine and I had a blast to say the least. IT was my first trip and besides already having a couples spots we found more great places just by driving and asking permission. Went through 10,000 rounds pretty darn fast too

    life1978
    Eau Claire , WI
    Posts: 2790
    #611644

    Last time I went I took my .22 long rifle, .22 Mag, and ar-15 .223. They all worked just fine and I had a blast to say the least. IT was my first trip and besides already having a couples spots we found more great places just by driving and asking permission. Went through 10,000 rounds pretty darn fast too

    flatfish
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 2105
    #30998

    I grew up in very western Nebraska. (hold the applause)
    The .243 with 55 to 65 gr loads blew up the dogs from as far as you wanted to shoot. Sighted in from 150 to 200 yards. We droped antelope and whitetails with it loaded up to 90 to 105 gr loads as well. The recoil is low and the decibels won’t leave you deaf compared to the 22-250. But wear ear protection anyway, regardless of what you shoot.

    flatfish
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 2105
    #611688

    I grew up in very western Nebraska. (hold the applause)
    The .243 with 55 to 65 gr loads blew up the dogs from as far as you wanted to shoot. Sighted in from 150 to 200 yards. We droped antelope and whitetails with it loaded up to 90 to 105 gr loads as well. The recoil is low and the decibels won’t leave you deaf compared to the 22-250. But wear ear protection anyway, regardless of what you shoot.

    Shane Hildebrandt
    Blaine, mn
    Posts: 2921
    #30999

    I have dog hunted in wyoming and also in south dakota. in SD, you need to buy a $35 liscence to hunt them on public land, I also think you need one for private land as well. double check that. but I used a .223 new england single shot bull barrel. we loaded our own shells, but had enough pop to smack them out of the holes. one thing I noticed, no matter how good a shot you are, the long distance ones, are hard to hit, 400+ yards with a .223. also, dress comfortable for the weather and also bring lots of water, it may not look like you have walked far from the truck, but you will go through the hydration. can’t think of anything else, other than be carefull.

    shane

    Shane Hildebrandt
    Blaine, mn
    Posts: 2921
    #611697

    I have dog hunted in wyoming and also in south dakota. in SD, you need to buy a $35 liscence to hunt them on public land, I also think you need one for private land as well. double check that. but I used a .223 new england single shot bull barrel. we loaded our own shells, but had enough pop to smack them out of the holes. one thing I noticed, no matter how good a shot you are, the long distance ones, are hard to hit, 400+ yards with a .223. also, dress comfortable for the weather and also bring lots of water, it may not look like you have walked far from the truck, but you will go through the hydration. can’t think of anything else, other than be carefull.

    shane

Viewing 23 posts - 1 through 23 (of 23 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.