Hunting American Badgers: Techniques, Gear & Field Strategies
American badgers are powerful, digging predators found across the Great Plains, mountain foothills, farmland, and sagebrush country. Known for their strength, sharp claws, and aggressive defensive behavior, badgers are typically hunted as part of predator management or varmint control rather than for sport alone. Their elusive, primarily nocturnal habits make them challenging to locate, but with the right approach, hunters can pursue them safely and effectively.
This guide covers everything you need to know: proper badger habitat scouting, gear selection, calling strategies, and safe shot opportunities. If you want to explore more predator or small-game hunts across the country, you can compare options through Find A Hunt.
Understanding American Badger Habitat & Behavior
Badgers prefer open terrain with abundant small mammals—especially ground squirrels, prairie dogs, voles, and gophers.
Prime Badger Habitat
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Prairie grasslands
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Sagebrush flats
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Agricultural fields and pastures
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Prairie dog towns
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Dry open ridges and foothills
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Shelterbelt edges and fencerows
Badger Behavior to Know
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Mostly nocturnal: Most movement happens at night, but early morning and late evening can provide opportunities.
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Solitary: Badgers rarely travel in groups.
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Burrow builders: Their dens have large, fresh dirt mounds and a distinctive sideways oval entrance.
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Aggressive when cornered: They stand their ground more than many predators.
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Food-driven: Hunting success increases where ground-dwelling rodents are abundant.
Understanding their feeding cycles is key—badgers rarely wander far from active prey populations.
Essential Gear for Badger Hunting
Firearms & Ammunition
Badgers are tough animals, and ethical kills require proper shot placement and adequate caliber.
Rifle Options:
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.17 HMR (close range)
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.22 Mag
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.22-250 Rem
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.223 Rem
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.204 Ruger
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.243 Win
Shotshell Options (close-range opportunities):
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12 or 20 gauge with #2–#4 buck (only for thick-cover or den situations)
Use fast-expanding bullets for clean kills with minimal pelt damage.
Optics
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3–9x or 4–12x scope
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Binoculars (10x) for glassing burrows and field edges
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Rangefinder for flatter-shooting calibers
Clothing & Accessories
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Neutral or earth-tone clothing
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Knee pads for crawling field approaches
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Headlamp for evening hunts
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Gloves for handling carcasses or digging near burrows
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Shooting sticks or bipod
Scouting for American Badgers
Locating burrows and identifying feeding zones is the foundation of success.
Signs to Look For
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Fresh dirt mounds or large open dens with wide entrances
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Prey activity—active gopher holes and prairie dog towns
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Tracks: wide, clawed prints with a distinctive splayed appearance
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Torn ground, digging trenches, or rodent dens destroyed overnight
Best Scouting Times
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Early morning for tracks, fresh digging, and den updates
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Evenings for catching badgers leaving dens to hunt
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After rain for clear track definition
Landowners often appreciate hunters helping control burrowing predators that damage pastures or equipment.
Techniques for Hunting Badgers
1. Spot-and-Stalk
Most common and effective in open country.
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Glass prairie dog towns, alfalfa fields, and edges of burrow systems
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Watch for badgers feeding, digging, or traveling low across terrain
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Use dips, grass, and hay rows to approach unseen
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Take solid, calm shots when the animal pauses or digs
Patience matters—badgers often stop to listen or dig before moving again.
2. Calling Badgers
Badgers occasionally respond to predator calls, especially if food is abundant.
Effective Sounds:
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Rodent squeaks
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Rabbit distress
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Ground squirrel distress
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Fawn bleats (rare but effective during summer)
Set up near known dens or active feeding areas. Badgers may approach cautiously or aggressively depending on mood and hunger.
3. Den-Sitting & Ambush Techniques
Works near fresh dens during early morning or evening activity.
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Set up 50–150 yards downwind
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Watch the entrance quietly for movement
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Be patient—badgers spend long periods underground
Never attempt to enter dens or provoke a badger—they can be extremely defensive at close quarters.
4. Night Hunting (Where Legal)
Badgers move most after dark.
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Use lights or thermal optics (verify state laws)
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Focus on field edges, prairie dog towns, and recently plowed fields
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Avoid shooting near livestock or equipment
Night setups require controlled, safe shot selection.
Shooting & Recovery Tips
Badgers are durable and require precise shot placement.
Best Shot Placement
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Broadside heart/lung shot provides clean, ethical kills.
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Quartering-away shots also work well.
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Avoid headshots unless extremely close—they can damage pelts and may not guarantee a clean kill.
After the shot:
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Approach cautiously—badgers may appear down but still be conscious.
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Confirm the animal is no longer moving before handling.
Field Care & Pelt Handling
Badger pelts are prized for their unique markings and durability.
After the Harvest
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Skin promptly—the hide can tighten quickly
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Keep the pelt cool and dry
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Use sharp knives to avoid tearing the thick fur
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Freeze or salt the hide if transporting to a taxidermist
Meat Use
Most hunters do not consume badger meat; check local regulations and use proper disposal practices.
Safety Considerations
Badgers are aggressive when threatened and can be dangerous at close ranges.
Key Safety Points
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Never corner a badger intentionally
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Maintain distance—badgers can sprint short bursts
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Wear gloves when handling carcasses
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Watch for dens to avoid twisting an ankle or stepping into a deep tunnel
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Be mindful of livestock and property when shooting in farm country
Responsible behavior ensures safe, conflict-free hunts.
FAQs: American Badger Hunting
When is the best time to hunt badgers?
Early morning and evening, or at night where legal.
What’s the best caliber for badger hunting?
.223 Rem or .22-250 Rem offer flat trajectories and solid terminal performance.
Do badgers come to calls?
Occasionally—rodent or rabbit distress calls are most effective.
Is it legal to hunt badgers everywhere?
No—regulations vary widely by state. Always verify season dates, license requirements, and legal methods.
Are badgers dangerous?
They can be. Badgers are strong, aggressive when cornered, and should be approached cautiously after the shot.
Plan Your Next Predator Hunt
Hunting American badgers is a challenging, skill-building pursuit that helps manage burrowing predators across farm and prairie landscapes. With thoughtful scouting, careful shot placement, and the right gear, you can hunt them safely and effectively.
To explore more predator hunts or book guided opportunities across the country, start your search on our hunt marketplace.
