2019 Prairie Dog Hunting Trip

[Rhinestone Pete]

Well, I finally decided to take some time off work and do some prairie dog "hunting". Fly into Denver and drive to Eads, Co. from June 5-8. Any tips or info from any prairie dog hunter veterans welcome. I've been putting it off way too long and decided to book it now so it's set in stone! I'm also headed out by myself and if anyone wants to join me, that's fine with me. Of course you pay your own way. Flight cost isn't all that bad and there is a discounted rate for additional hunters. I may give coyote hunt a try for a day too. If anyone wants to check them out, I'm going to this outfitter: KB Style Adventures | Colorado Hunting Outfitter for Coyote, Prairie Dog Hunts, Pheasant

 

[Kaneda13]

Taking the 458 SoCom to "hunt" with?

 

[blacknwhite]

Take multiple guns so you don't over heat them. Make sure you have a steady rest.
A .204 or super fast cartridge provides the most "pop" the .204 is my favorite. Take something to give you some shade.

 

[ws6duramax]

Good optics is a must for me . My first time out I took my AR with a 4-12x40 Nikon scope , it served me well , but the next year I put a Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 . What a difference ! You spend a ton time looking through a scope , so a crystal clear optic is so much easier on the eyes . Don't forget plenty of ammo . If it's a good year for dogs , I can go through 300+ rounds a day .

 

[red_zr24x4]

V-max's out of a 223 make em pop pretty good.
Shade and lots of water
I need to go again. We went out by Wall South Dakota for a week about 10yrs ago.

 

[Rhinestone Pete]

The .458 will be in "bed" till next fall, it may see some hog action later this year before deer are back in season. And I'm sure it'll see some exploding melons just to make sure the action is still functional later summer.
I'm debating on whether to take 1 or 2 rigs. Definitely taking the 700PSS .223, it loves the Hornady 55gr V-Max and it's topped with a Viper 6-24x50 gen 1. Second rig may be my new build in 6.5 Creedmoor, 700 BAT Tactical action built by Synergy Arms topped with a Kahles 624i. Factory Hornady 140 ELD Match ammo is awesome out of this one. Of course both rigs will be suppressed.

 

[Scuba591]

are suppressors a necessity for a dog hunt? I'm in the planning stages.

 

[Rhinestone Pete]

I'm sure it's not a "necessity", but my understanding is the the closer range p-dogs are less likely to go down in their holes. I can add on to my hunting party and my guide will accommodate up to 3 hunters. Rate will also go down too per hunter.

 

[Kaneda13]

The .458 will be in "bed" till next fall, it may see some hog action later this year before deer are back in season. And I'm sure it'll see some exploding melons just to make sure the action is still functional later summer.
I'm debating on whether to take 1 or 2 rigs. Definitely taking the 700PSS .223, it loves the Hornady 55gr V-Max and it's topped with a Viper 6-24x50 gen 1. Second rig may be my new build in 6.5 Creedmoor, 700 BAT Tactical action built by Synergy Arms topped with a Kahles 624i. Factory Hornady 140 ELD Match ammo is awesome out of this one. Of course both rigs will be suppressed.

Both sound like nice rigs. I know you where debating on your next rig, went with the 6.5 CM huh? The 6.5 will definitely get you out there further, but it's hard to beat the cheapness of .223 ammo. Even the good .223 stuff is cheaper than the average 6.5 stuff.

 

[ws6duramax]

are suppressors a necessity for a dog hunt? I'm in the planning stages.

Not a necessity , but it makes it damn nice not having to wear ear protection for hours on end ! It helps with the dogs as well , not a bunch but it definitely helps . They're not quite as skittish and don't stay down in the holes quite as long after shooting .

 

[Jaygentry]

Never thought about this. We used to shoot whistle pigs on the regular. But after a while they would slow down do to all the shooting.