Why Spotting Scopes Are so Effective for Prairie Dog Hunting
Spotting scopes provide magnification and clarity far beyond binoculars, helping hunters:
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Identify new targets at 400–1,000+ yards
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Watch dogs pop in and out of mounds
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Study colony behavior and movement patterns
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Assist with wind calls and mirage reading
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Spot impacts for faster correction
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Help partners walk shots onto distant dogs
On big prairie dog towns, a spotting scope becomes one of the most important tools in your kit.
Choosing the Right Spotting Scope for Prairie Dog Hunting
Magnification Range
A variable zoom of 20–60x is ideal.
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Use 20–30x for wide-field scanning.
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Use 40–60x for long-range shot spotting.
Objective Lens Diameter
Larger lenses—60mm to 85mm—gather more light and deliver brighter, sharper images across heat shimmer.
Glass Quality
Look for:
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ED or HD glass
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Fully multi-coated lenses
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High-res image at full zoom
Better glass cuts glare and improves mirage reading.
Straight vs. Angled Eyepiece
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Straight: Faster target acquisition, best from benches or prone.
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Angled: Comfortable for long sits and overhead observation.
Tripod Requirements
A stable tripod is mandatory.
Choose:
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Adjustable height
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Fluid head for smooth panning
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Sturdy legs for wind resistance
A shaky scope is worse than no scope at all.
How to Use a Spotting Scope in Prairie Dog Country
1. Grid the Colony
Break the landscape into sections and scan systematically:
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Start near, then move outward
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Pan left to right
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Move your observation line down
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Repeat until the entire field is covered
This method uncovers dogs tucked behind rises or grass pockets.
2. Identify Active Mounds and Feed Zones
Spotting scopes reveal subtle clues:
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Fresh dirt piles
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Dust clouds from digging
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Repeated “pop-up” activity
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Clusters of dogs near food edges
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High points used by sentinels
Once you identify the busiest zone, set up your rifle accordingly.
3. Spot Impacts for Long-Range Corrections
With high magnification you can:
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See bullet splash
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Evaluate misses left/right
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Read dust drift to confirm wind direction
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Guide a partner’s shots onto dogs quickly
Teams using a dedicated spotter dramatically increase hit percentages.
4. Read Mirage and Wind Indicators
Mirage tells the true story of wind between you and the target.
Use your spotting scope to read:
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Lateral heat shimmer movement
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Mirage “boil” indicating little/no wind
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Direction changes across multiple ranges
This allows precise holds for 300–700+ yard shots.
5. Track Movement Between Burrows
Spotting scopes help you anticipate where dogs will pop up next:
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Watch travel routes
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Spot pups feeding
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Identify “lookout” dogs
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Predict where shooters should focus
You’ll get far more shot opportunities by observing behavior.
Setting Up a Long-Range Prairie Dog Shooting Position
1. Choose Elevated Ground
Small rises give you:
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Better angles
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Less grass obstruction
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Longer effective range
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More stable mirage reading
Even 2–3 feet of elevation helps.
2. Spread Out Rifle and Spotting Scope Roles
The most productive setup pairs:
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One shooter
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One spotter
Partners rotate roles hourly.
This keeps fatigue down and shot counts high.
3. Use a Solid Shooting Platform
Best options:
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Benchrests
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Tripods with rifle saddles
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Bipods + rear bags
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Truck beds with shooting mats
Stability = accuracy = more dogs.
4. Adjust Position Based on Mirage and Light
Morning and evening offer the clearest glassing conditions.
Midday heat wave = challenging spotting, slower corrections.
Move as needed to reduce mirage distortions.
Spotting Scope Techniques for Different Distances
200–400 Yards (High-Percentage Zone)
Use 20–30x to maintain wide field-of-view.
Spotter calls out:
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Dog location
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Range
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Wind direction
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Best target order
400–700 Yards (Advanced Shooting)
Increase to 40–50x.
Spotter must:
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Watch bullet trace (if visible)
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Evaluate splash
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Call corrections fast
Wind reading becomes critical here.
700–1,000+ Yards (Expert-Level)
Use 50–60x.
Best done with:
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Heavy rifles
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High-BC bullets
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Skilled spotter
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Minimal wind
Long-range prairie dog hunting is where spotting scopes shine the most.
Safety Benefits of Spotting Scopes
Spotting scopes help prevent unsafe shots by letting you:
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Identify livestock or equipment beyond mounds
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Ensure clean backstops
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Spot vehicles or hunters approaching
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Avoid ricochet zones (rock outcrops, steel debris, water pockets)
Always confirm your backdrop before firing.
Additional Gear to Pair with a Spotting Scope
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Laser rangefinder
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Shooting tripod or bench
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High-quality varmint ammo
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Sunscreen and hydration
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Binoculars for fast scanning
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Wind meter (optional but helpful)
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Spotter’s notebook for wind and distance logs
Smart gear = efficient, productive shoots.
Why Many Hunters Book Guided Prairie Dog Hunts
Outfitters specializing in prairie dogs offer:
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Massive, high-density colonies
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Pre-scouted shooting setups
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Clear and safe shooting lanes
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Long-range expertise and coaching
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Comfortable benches or mats
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Opportunities for hundreds of shots per day
For many hunters, guided trips eliminate the biggest challenges and maximize fun. Compare trusted outfitters through our hunt marketplace.
FAQs About Using Spotting Scopes for Prairie Dog Hunting
What magnification should I use?
20–30x for scanning; 40–60x for spotting impacts at long range.
Do I need both binoculars and a spotting scope?
Yes—binoculars for quick scanning, spotting scope for precision.
Can spotting scopes replace thermal?
For daytime prairie dog shooting, spotting scopes outperform thermal for clarity and mirage reading.
What’s the ideal distance for spotting scopes?
300–800 yards is where they provide the most benefit.
Do you need a heavy tripod?
Yes—wind and high magnification demand maximum stability.
A spotting scope elevates your prairie dog hunting by extending your range, improving wind calls, and helping identify more targets across sprawling colonies. When you’re ready to plan a high-volume varmint hunt, compare trusted outfitters and book through Find A Hunt.
