Prairie Dog Hunts

[tulikow]

Where is a good place to stay at for a few days to hunt prairie dogs? I have never hunted them but would like to try. We would be a group of about 6 or 7 at least. What kinds of rifles and equipment do you suggest? Any help is appreciated.

[Philo]

I have heard that PD hunting is excellent in South Dakota. Do a search for PD hunting/outfitters and I am sure you will find something.

I have been several times in South Central Nebraska and found it enjoyable.

I use a 22-250 with no scope and have done fine. I would recommend a scope though for longer shots. A scope will allow for more opportunities.

My hunting partner has a 700 VS 22-250 Remington with a nikon (?) scope and does very well. I would highly consider that gun if I had the $ and shot PDs a lot.

[Walleyeguy31]

We used to go 4 hours into SD to a town called Mcglaughlin.

We have always used a .223, there relly is no reason for more of a bullet. .223s are alot cheaper than most ammo cause it is military issued.

[tulikow]

Thanks for the help. I did some searching and found a few lodges in SD that looked good. I'm looking into getting a CZ 527 varmint in .223 because the ammo was relatively cheap and from my experience they make very good guns. I also looked up the remington 700s but they were a lot more expensive. I might get a leupold scope after I saw one sight recommending them.

[Stratosman]

We hunted near Murdo and down into Valentine NE a few times and had a blast, you don't need an outfitter, just ask around and you will find a farmer that is willing to let you hunt, you may have to give him a few bucks, but is is worth it, also hunted near Mobridge with good success as well.

[HEDHUNTER]

we just got back from 4 days of hunting. we all started with bolts. 223s. now we all have ar15 dpms heavy barrels. they are great. you can also have alot of fun with 22mags & 17hmrs. lost count on kills but 1400 rounds through my gun was hot.

[RiverKarhu]

I just got back as well from a 3 day hunt. I started a few years ago with a No. 1 in .223, added an AR15 Bushmaster Varminter. Use both rifles now, alternate when one heats up switch over to the other. I limit myself to 10 shot strings to avoid barrel heating. Scopes are 4-14 Nikon and a 4.5-16 Weaver. Both work well.

Next plan is to rebarrel the No.1 (6000+ rounds thru the present barrel) to 22-250 for longer shots. We shoot out to 400+ yards with the .223 but that is really pushing that round. Best shot I ever made is 422 yards. 200-300 is the best shooting, but over 250 or so most .22 bullets won't expand well at .223 velocities so you lose some of the spectacular explosive hits. I use a Hornaday 55gr SPSX in the No.1, that expands pretty nicely out a little farther. Heavier bullets in the AR (60gr) help buck the wind. Varget powder burns nice, meters well, and keeps groups down in the sub 1" size.

Later

River