Why Air Rifles Are Great for Prairie Dog Hunting

Air rifles offer several advantages over rimfire setups, especially in certain environments:

• Low noise—ideal near buildings, livestock, or sensitive areas

• Minimal ricochet risk

• Low recoil for fast follow-up shots

• High accuracy within moderate distances

• Cheaper, easy-to-find ammunition

• Excellent training for new shooters

When paired with good fieldcraft and smart stand locations, air rifles can be devastatingly effective on prairie dog towns.

Best Air Rifle Calibers for Prairie Dogs

.22 Caliber

The most versatile choice.

• Flat trajectory

• Consistent expansion

• Reliable at 40–60 yards

• Good balance of speed and energy

Ideal for small to medium prairie dog towns.

.25 Caliber

The top performer for longer air-rifle ranges.

• More knockdown power

• Superior performance in wind

• Effective past 70–100 yards with quality PCP rifles

Great for open-country shots.

.177 Caliber

Can work, but is less ideal.

• Limited energy at distance

• Best for <40-yard shots

• Requires perfect shot placement

Use only in controlled, close-range environments.

Choosing the Right Type of Air Rifle

1. PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) Air Rifles

The best choice for prairie dogs.

Advantages:

• Extremely accurate

• High shot-to-shot consistency

• Ideal for 60–100+ yards with the right optic

• Very quiet with suppressors/moderators

These rifles dominate modern varmint air-gun hunting.

2. Springers & Gas-Piston Rifles

Workable but limited.

Pros:

• Affordable

• Don’t require external tanks

Cons:

• Harder to shoot accurately

• Less power at distance

• Significant recoil for air rifles

Best for small properties or close shot windows.

Optics & Shooting Gear for Prairie Dog Air Rifle Hunts

Scopes

Look for:

• 4–12x or 6–24x magnification

• Adjustable objective or side focus

• Mil-dot or MOA reticles for holdover

• Clear glass for spotting small targets

Rangefinders

Critical for precise air-rifle shooting—velocity drops fast at distance.

Bipods, Shooting Bags & Tripods

Stable platforms drastically improve accuracy on small-bodied targets.

Spotting Scope or Binoculars

Helps you locate prairie dogs, monitor behavior, and watch for wind changes.

Where to Set Up for Prairie Dog Air-Rifle Hunting

1. Elevated Ridges

Shooting downhill reduces ricochet risk and increases visibility.

2. Edges of Prairie Dog Towns

Start on the downwind side, where dogs are less wary.

3. Natural Cover (Sagebrush, Grass, Fencelines)

Use vegetation or subtle rises to melt into the landscape.

4. Inside Vehicle-Supported Setups

Many hunters shoot from:

• Truck beds

• Tripods beside a parked vehicle

• Portable benches

Quiet air rifles offer ideal mobile setups.

Effective Air-Rifle Shooting Techniques for Prairie Dogs

1. Know Your Holdover & Wind Drift

Air rifles lose velocity quickly—learn your trajectory at:

• 30 yards

• 50 yards

• 75 yards

• 100 yards

Wind is the biggest challenge in open prairie country.

2. Aim for Vital Zones

Prairie dog vitals are small. Focus on:

• Head shots (PCPs at close to medium range)

• High-shoulder shots (for wind drift forgiveness)

3. Stay Patient and Let the Town Settle

Prairie dogs respond to pressure. A quiet air rifle helps them reappear sooner, but:

• Limit movement

• Keep silhouettes low

• Take steady, deliberate shots

A calm town produces more opportunities.

4. Use Spotter–Shooter Communication

For group hunts:

• Spotter calls wind

• Shooter focuses on holdover

• Spotter marks hits and misses

This dramatically increases accuracy.

Ammunition Selection for Prairie Dog Air Rifle Hunts

Domed Pellets

Most accurate overall, especially for:

• PCP rifles

• Longer ranges

Hollow-Point Pellets

Better terminal performance but less consistent at distance.

Slug-Style Air Rifle Ammunition

Top choice for long-range PCPs.

Benefits:

• Exceptional BC

• Great wind resistance

• Matches centerfire trajectory within air-rifle ranges

Perfect for advanced shooters.

Safety Considerations When Using Air Rifles

Even air rifles require strict safety:

• Always know your backstop

• Avoid shots with buildings/livestock behind

• Never shoot toward roads or property lines

• Respect private-land access rules

• Ensure ricochet-safe angles (downhill preferred)

Treat air rifles like real firearms—they can be lethal.

Why Many Hunters Book Guided Prairie Dog Hunts

Outfitters specializing in varmint hunts offer:

• Access to large prairie dog towns on private land

• Safe, controlled shooting environments

• Shooting benches and ideal setups

• Long-range and close-range opportunities

• High-volume action for honing skills

• Wind and distance coaching

A guided hunt provides safer, more productive shooting for beginners and experts. Explore trusted options through our hunt marketplace.

FAQs About Using Air Rifles for Prairie Dog Hunting

What’s the effective range of a PCP air rifle?
60–120 yards depending on caliber, pellet, and wind.

Is .177 powerful enough?
Yes, at close ranges (<40 yards), but .22 or .25 is far more effective.

Are air rifles quiet enough for sensitive areas?
Absolutely—PCPs with moderators are extremely quiet.

Do I need a scope with high magnification?
Yes—prairie dogs are small targets and often positioned at distance.

Are air rifles safe to use around livestock buildings?
Yes, when used responsibly with safe backstops and correct shot angles.

Hunting prairie dogs with air rifles combines precision shooting, fieldcraft, and low-recoil fun. With the right caliber, optics, and setup, air rifles deliver clean, effective hits and fast-paced varmint action. When you're ready to book a prairie dog hunt backed by private-land access, compare trusted outfitters and book through Find A Hunt.