Hunting for Prairie Dogs: Using Varmint Rifles

Why Use Varmint Rifles for Prairie Dogs?

Varmint rifles are designed for:

• Long-range accuracy

• High-volume shooting

• Low recoil

• Precise bullet performance

• Flat trajectories in open country

Unlike big-game rifles, varmint setups allow comfortable shooting over hundreds of rounds without fatigue.

Best Calibers for Prairie Dog Hunting

Prairie dogs require precision—not power. Choose calibers with flat trajectories and minimal recoil.

.17 HMR

• Effective to 150–200 yards

• Mild recoil

• Affordable ammo

• Ideal for beginners and close-range towns

.204 Ruger

• Extremely flat-shooting

• Minimal wind drift

• Effective to 400 yards

• Excellent for high-volume days

.223 Rem / 5.56 Nato

• Most common prairie dog caliber

• Ammo availability and low cost

• Good from 200–500 yards

• Ideal for AR-platform or bolt rifles

.22-250 Rem

• The long-range classic

• Very flat trajectory

• Hits hard at 300–600 yards

• Slightly more barrel heat than smaller calibers

.220 Swift

• Lightning-fast varmint round

• Excellent for advanced long-range shooters

• Does wear barrels faster

6mm Creedmoor / .243 Win

• For extreme-range shooting (600+ yards)

• Higher recoil

• Best used sparingly on long shots

Most shooters bring two rifles to switch when barrels heat up.

Best Rifle Types for Prairie Dog Towns

Bolt-Action Rifles

• Unmatched precision

• Easy to customize

• Great for long-range accuracy

• Ideal for .204, .223, .22-250, .243

AR-Style Rifles

• Fast follow-up shots

• High-capacity mags

• Great for large prairie dog towns

• Perfect for .223 and .204 Ruger

Single-Shot Varmint Rifles

• Precision-focused

• Great for slower, intentional shooting

• Good for experienced marksmen

Bolt guns dominate long-range varmint shooting, but AR-platform rifles keep the action fast and fun.

Optics: The Key to Prairie Dog Success

Prairie dogs are small targets—good glass matters.

Scope Magnification

• 4–16x or 6–24x for all-purpose shooting

• Higher magnification (up to 32x) for 400+ yard shots

• Adjustable parallax is essential

Reticles

Choose reticles with:

• MOA or MIL hash marks

• Windage references

• Clear holdover points

You’ll make dozens of wind calls per day.

Spotting Scope

A must-have for:

• Locating dogs at long distance

• Spotting hits and misses

• Helping other shooters call impacts

High-volume varmint shooting is a team sport—spotters make you better.

Shooting Supports & Field Setup

Benches & Tables

Most prairie dog hunts use portable benches:

• Stable

• Comfortable for long sessions

• Ideal for bipods or sandbags

Tripods

Useful for:

• AR-platform rifles

• Standing or kneeling shots

• Large fields with tall grass

Bipods & Rear Bags

For bolt guns:

• Bipod up front

• Rear sandbag for stability

• Allows precise long-range adjustments

A solid rest is more important than the rifle’s price tag.

Ammo Choices for Different Calibers

Varmint bullets should be:

• Lightweight

• Fragmenting

• Fast-expanding

• Designed for minimal ricochet

Top options include:

• Hornady V-Max

• Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint

• Sierra BlitzKing

• Winchester Varmint-X

High-velocity ammo gives better splatter, flatter flight, and more humane hits.

Techniques for Hunting Prairie Dogs with Varmint Rifles

1. Start Close, Then Stretch Out

• Begin with 100–300 yard shots

• Work out to 400–600 yards as the town gets quieter

• Rotate rifles to manage barrel heat

2. Learn to Read Wind

Wind is constant on the prairie. Watch:

• Grass movement

• Dust

• Mirage through your scope

Practice holding wind corrections—prairie dogs are fantastic training targets.

3. Shoot from a Stable Platform

Avoid:

• Standing unsupported

• Weak bipods

• Wobbling truck beds

You’ll see more hits from a well-built bench in one hour than from standing all day.

4. Move Frequently

Prairie dogs learn quickly. When action slows:

• Shift 100 yards

• Change shooting angle

• Find new mounds

Mobility keeps the day exciting.

5. Spot for Each Other

Teams of two excel:

• Shooter takes the shot

• Spotter calls wind and impacts

• Switch roles every few minutes

This builds both skill and camaraderie.

Best Times & Conditions for Prairie Dog Hunting

Best Times

• Late spring

• Early summer

• Fall

Best Weather

• Light wind

• Overcast days

• Mild temperatures

Avoid

• High winds

• Heavy heat mirage

• Wet, muddy access roads

Still conditions make long-range varmint shooting far more enjoyable.

Safety Tips for Varmint Rifle Hunting

• Always shoot with a clear, safe backdrop

• Avoid ricochet angles (especially with .22 LR or rimfire rounds)

• Stay aware of livestock and buildings

• Keep rifles unloaded when moving

• Wear hearing protection—hundreds of shots add up

Prairie dog hunts are high-volume—stay disciplined.

Tips for Consistent Success

• Bring two rifles to manage heat

• Use high-quality optics

• Work with a spotter

• Rotate shooting positions

• Use MOA/MIL reticles for fast corrections

• Pack sunscreen, water, and shade

• Keep your barrel clean—fouling impacts groups fast

Prairie dog towns reward accuracy and repeatable technique.

Why Book a Prairie Dog Hunt Through Find A Hunt?

Access is everything—large private ranches hold far more undisturbed prairie dog colonies than public land. Booking through our hunt marketplace gives you:

• Access to huge, active prairie dog towns

• Safe, elevated shooting benches

• Long-range coaching

• Multiple rifle setups

• Comfortable lodge accommodations

• Opportunities for high-volume shooting days

Guided prairie dog hunts are perfect for sharpening marksmanship and enjoying fast-paced varmint action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is best for prairie dogs?

.223 and .204 Ruger are the most popular; .22-250 is best for long-range.

How far do you typically shoot?

100–600 yards depending on terrain and skill level.

Can I use an AR-15?

Absolutely—it’s one of the best prairie dog guns for high-volume shooting.

How much ammo should I bring?

Several hundred rounds per day—seriously.

What time of year is best?

Late spring through early fall, depending on region.

If you want this tailored to a specific region (Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado, Montana, Kansas) or for a specific outfitter’s varmint ranch, just let me know and I’ll customize it.