Hunting for Prairie Dogs: Using Rimfire Rifles

Why Rimfire Rifles Are Ideal for Prairie Dog Hunting

Prairie dog hunting is all about accuracy, volume shooting, and ethical pest control. Rimfire rifles offer affordable ammunition, manageable recoil for long shooting sessions, and enough precision for most realistic field distances. Whether you’re shooting from a bench, bipod, or truck hood, a well-set-up rimfire is the perfect match for high-volume varmint towns.

If you’re comparing outfitters for prairie dog hunts or wanting guided access to productive dog towns, explore vetted options through Find A Hunt.

Choosing the Right Rimfire Rifle

Rimfires shine in most prairie dog towns, especially where shots stay between 50 and 150 yards.

Best Rimfire Calibers

.22 LR

• Great for close-range towns (40–120 yards)

• Affordable, low recoil

• Best with high-velocity or premium match ammo

.17 HMR

• Flat-shooting and extremely accurate

• Ideal for shots from 75–175 yards

• Minimal wind drift compared to .22 LR

.22 WMR (Magnum)

• More punch for longer ranges

• Excellent for windy prairie days

• Good balance of trajectory and cost

Rifle Features to Consider

• Heavy or medium-contour barrel for heat resistance

• Adjustable trigger for precise shots

• Detachable magazine for quick follow-up shooting

• Bolt-action or semi-auto depending on preference

Accuracy is king—choose a rifle that consistently prints tight groups.

Optics for Prairie Dog Shooting

High-volume shooting demands dependable optics.

Scope Suggestions

• Magnification: 6–18x or 4–16x is ideal

• Reticle: Fine crosshair or mildot for small targets

• Turrets: Repeatable elevation adjustments help on longer towns

• Parallax Adjustment: Critical for accuracy at varied distances

A scope that can dial or hold over consistently is a huge advantage.

Ammunition Selection

The right ammo improves both accuracy and terminal performance.

.22 LR

• Choose 36–40 grain high-velocity rounds

• Match-grade ammo for bench-rest precision

• Avoid inconsistent bulk ammo for longer shots

.17 HMR

• 17-grain V-Max or TNT rounds offer explosive expansion

• 20-grain rounds perform better in wind

.22 WMR

• Use 30–40 grain ballistic-tip varmint loads

• Excellent for humane kills at extended ranges

Always test several brands—rimfire rifles show strong ammo preferences.

Shooting Positions and Field Setups

1. Portable Benches

The most stable and accurate option.

• Folding benches with sandbags or rests

• Perfect for high-volume shooting

• Keeps shots consistent across long sessions

2. Bipods

Great for mobile shooters.

• Harris-style or pivoting bipods

• Pair with rear bags for stability

• Useful when terrain varies

3. Truck Rests

On private land where legal and safe.

• Shooting mats on truck beds

• Tailgate benches

• Window rests (ensure safe backdrop and legal compliance)

Stability = accuracy = cleaner shooting.

Field Techniques for Prairie Dog Success

1. Start With the Closest Dogs

A steady warm-up improves accuracy and confidence.

2. Work From Left to Right (or Reverse)

Pick a clear shooting pattern to avoid re-scanning constantly.

3. Adjust for Wind

Even rimfires drift.

• .17 HMR resists wind best

• .22 LR is most affected—hold into the wind

• Practice reading grass, dust, and mirage

4. Control Barrel Heat

Rimfires heat up slower than centerfires but still lose accuracy.

• Rotate rifles if you bring multiples

• Pause between strings

• Shade your rifle if possible

5. Use Spotters for Long-Range Towns

A partner with binoculars can help you:

• Spot misses

• Adjust holds

• Confirm impacts

Two hunters working together boosts efficiency tremendously.

Safety Best Practices

Prairie dog towns offer long-distance shots but demand rigorous safety.

• Identify safe backstops before shooting

• Watch for cattle, ranch equipment, or other hunters

• Maintain muzzle discipline at all times

• Confirm local regulations regarding rimfire and centerfire use

• Hydrate and protect against heat—prairie hunts get hot fast

Many ranches require adherence to strict rules—know them before you start.

Gear Checklist for Rimfire Prairie Dog Hunts

• Rimfire rifle (zeroed and tested)

• Quality optic with clear glass

• 200–500+ rounds of consistent ammunition

• Shooting bench, bags, or bipod

• Binoculars or spotting scope

• Sunscreen, hat, hydration

• Rangefinder for quick distance checks

• Cleaning kit for long shooting sessions

• Folding chair or stool

A comfortable setup means better accuracy and longer shooting windows.

When to Consider a Guided Prairie Dog Hunt

Guided varmint hunts simplify everything by offering:

• Access to large, well-managed dog towns

• Bench setups with shade

• Pre-measured distances for easier shooting

• Local wind-reading tips

• Opportunities for extremely high-volume shooting

• Multi-gun rotations for extended accuracy

Perfect for groups, new shooters, or hunters wanting a relaxing, high-action varmint trip.

FAQs: Prairie Dog Hunting With Rimfire Rifles

What’s the best rimfire caliber for prairie dogs?

.17 HMR for overall accuracy, flat trajectory, and wind resistance.

Can I hunt prairie dogs with .22 LR?

Absolutely—best for close-range towns and affordable shooting.

What magnification do I need?

A 4–16x or 6–18x scope works well across most situations.

How far can a rimfire effectively shoot prairie dogs?

• .22 LR: ~120 yards

• .17 HMR: ~175 yards+

• .22 WMR: ~150–200 yards

Do prairie dogs spook easily?

Yes—rotate shooting areas or pause between volleys to let towns settle.

Ready to turn a good prairie dog shoot into a great one? Browse outfitters, compare hunts, and book your next varmint adventure through Find A Hunt.