Why Prairie Dog Hunting Is Perfect for Beginners
Prairie dog towns offer an ideal training environment for new shooters:
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Frequent shot opportunities help you build confidence quickly.
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Open terrain improves visibility and safety.
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Minimal pressure—prairie dogs are abundant in many Western states.
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A chance to practice long-range shooting without the stakes of big-game hunting.
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Great introduction to fieldcraft, muzzle discipline, and wind reading.
For many new hunters, prairie dogs provide the perfect gateway into Western varmint and predator hunting.
Where to Find Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs primarily inhabit:
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Western plains and grasslands, including parts of Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Kansas.
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Ranchland and agricultural edges, where they build extensive underground networks.
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Open benches and rolling hills, offering natural vantage points for shooters.
Always get permission before accessing private land, and follow local regulations—varmint seasons and rules vary by state.
Essential Gear for Prairie Dog Hunting
Firearms
Beginners benefit from rifles that provide flat trajectories and manageable recoil:
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.223 Remington – most common and affordable
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.204 Ruger – extremely flat-shooting, ideal for distance
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.17 HMR / .22 WMR – great for short to mid-range work
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.22-250 Remington – excellent for longer shots with authority
Optics
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High-magnification scopes (12–20x) help identify prairie dogs at long distances.
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Sunshades reduce glare on bright days.
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Spotting scopes or binoculars help locate active mounds.
Shooting Support
Accuracy matters, especially past 150 yards.
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Bipods
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Shooting bags
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Portable benches
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Tripod rests
Other Useful Gear
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Hearing protection
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Rangefinder
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Sunscreen and lightweight clothing
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Plenty of ammunition
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Cooler with water—summer prairie towns get hot
Beginner Techniques for Prairie Dog Hunting
Start With Shorter Shots
Begin at 75–150 yards while you get comfortable reading movement and managing recoil. As confidence grows, stretch to 200–300+ yards.
Take Your Time on Each Shot
Prairie dogs pop up and down constantly—don’t rush. Settle in, breathe, and break clean shots.
Watch for Movement
Look for:
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Heads popping out of mounds
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Dust trails
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Group activity in open colonies
A good spotting partner can call out targets and help new shooters adjust quickly.
Learn to Read the Wind
Wind dramatically affects bullet flight on prairies.
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Watch grass, dust, or mirage through your scope.
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Hold accordingly—start small and adjust based on impacts.
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Practice estimating wind in 3–5 mph increments.
Work the Edges First
Prairie dogs near the outer edge of a town are more alert. Target them early before they spook into deeper burrows.
Shooting Positions for Beginners
Benchrest or Portable Table
Most stable option, ideal for first-timers.
Prone Position
Use a bipod or shooting bag. This is great for long-range shots but demands flat, open ground.
Sitting with Tripod or Sticks
Offers comfort and mobility when moving around larger colonies.
Choose the position that gives you the most stability and visibility.
Safety Tips for Prairie Dog Hunting
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Always be aware of ranch buildings, roads, and livestock beyond your target.
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Watch your muzzle at all times.
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Expect mirages and heat waves—they can distort distance and clarity.
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Use hearing protection consistently.
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If shooting with others, maintain clear shooting lanes and communication.
Even in wide-open country, safe firearm handling comes first.
Best Times of Year for Prairie Dog Hunting
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Spring – high activity as colonies emerge after winter.
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Summer – all-day action but extremely hot; mornings are best.
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Early fall – cooler temps, steady movement, great for beginners.
Midday slowdown can occur during extreme heat, so plan water and shade accordingly.
Tips for Success on Guided Prairie Dog Hunts
Booking through a knowledgeable outfitter can dramatically improve your learning curve. Good guides offer:
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Access to large, active prairie dog towns
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Shooting benches and shaded setups
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Instruction on wind, ballistics, and optics
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Comfortable lodging and multi-day packages
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High-volume action ideal for beginners and families
Why Book a Prairie Dog Hunt Through Find A Hunt?
Prairie dog hunts vary widely in terrain, accessibility, and shooting opportunities. Booking through our hunt marketplace gives you:
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Access to vetted varmint and prairie dog outfitters
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Private-land shooting towns with minimal pressure
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Options for beginners, advanced shooters, and groups
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Easy filtering by state, budget, and hunt style
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Transparent outfitter profiles to plan the perfect trip
Whether you’re brand new to hunting or sharpening your long-range skills, prairie dog hunts are one of the most accessible and rewarding experiences available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber is best for beginners?
The .223 Remington is affordable, accurate, and widely available—great for new shooters.
Do I need a scope with high magnification?
Yes. Prairie dog hunting often requires identifying small targets at long distances. A quality 12x–20x optic helps.
Are prairie dog hunts good for kids or new hunters?
Absolutely. Frequent shot opportunities build confidence and marksmanship skills.
Do I need special clothing?
Not usually. Lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection work well on the open prairie.
How far are most shots?
Beginners start at 75–150 yards, with more experienced shooters stretching 300+ yards.
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