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.
IDO » Forums » Hunting Forums » Shooter’s Test Bench » Prairie dog Hunting
Prairie dog Hunting
-
September 27, 2007 at 4:21 pm #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…
September 27, 2007 at 4:21 pm #611517I 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…
big_head_basherPosts: 268big_head_basherPosts: 268September 27, 2007 at 6:27 pm #30968Drive 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.
September 27, 2007 at 6:27 pm #611571Drive 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.
September 27, 2007 at 6:50 pm #3097122-250 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.
September 27, 2007 at 6:50 pm #61157722-250 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.
September 27, 2007 at 8:15 pm #30979The 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.
September 27, 2007 at 8:15 pm #611603The 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.
DONOTDELETEPosts: 780September 27, 2007 at 8:46 pm #30985One 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.DONOTDELETEPosts: 780September 27, 2007 at 8:46 pm #611620One 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.September 27, 2007 at 11:00 pm #30990Last 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
September 27, 2007 at 11:00 pm #611644Last 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
September 28, 2007 at 2:03 am #30998I 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.September 28, 2007 at 2:03 am #611688I 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.September 28, 2007 at 2:27 am #30999I 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
September 28, 2007 at 2:27 am #611697I 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
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.