Prairie Dog shoot

moose2 · Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 12:07 pm Post subject: Prairie Dog shoot

Made a short trip out this morning to one of the closer prairie dog towns.
Was supposed to be a relatively nice morning. When I got set up, winds were already 25-30 MPH. Dogs weren't having much to do with the cool winds this morning. Got a few shots at 300-400 yards. Only connected on one. Had alot of sandhill cranes passing overhead. When I finally gave it up, winds were gusting to 40 MPH. Another beautiful spring day on the northern prairies.--tr

1895ss · Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 12:21 pm Post subject: Re: Prairie Dog shoot

I see you have about the same kind of luck as I do. It never fails, when I want to go shoot some gophers or even coyote hunting in winter, the wind almost always picks up. The same thing usually happens when I want to go sight in a rifle or I'm working up a new load. I guess, like you say, that's the joys of living on the prairies. Smile

Tusero · Rookie Member Joined: Aug 26, 2005 Posts: 19

I feel for you guys too! Down here in New Mexico, spingtime means wind. We had 25 mph winds last weekend with gusts hitting 40-45 mph. Any prairie dog that wasy up out of his burrow had to lean left to stay upright, LOL!

skb2706 · Member Joined: Apr 10, 2006 Posts: 269

Tus - I figured you would show up somewhere on the net. Last two weekends I did get a chance to go out and shoot a few.......I just had to favor the wind by 8-10 inches. I am thinking its about time to make a trip to NM maybe next month.
Oh...I took the test.........I'm usual as opposed to be unusual....lol

moose2 · Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:31 am Post subject: Re: Prairie Dog shoot

1895ss wrote:

I see you have about the same kind of luck as I do. It never fails, when I want to go shoot some gophers or even coyote hunting in winter, the wind almost always picks up. The same thing usually happens when I want to go sight in a rifle or I'm working up a new load. I guess, like you say, that's the joys of living on the prairies. Smile

Probably why it only takes me about two years to develop a load. What kind of gophers do you have up there to shoot? I guessing probably the striped ones.--tr

1895ss · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:01 pm Post subject: Re: Prairie Dog shoot

There are very few stripped the most common are the Richardson Ground Squirrels, we call them gophers. Smile

people.uleth.ca/~michener/main.htm

JayB · Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 5:18 am Post subject: Re: Prairie Dog shoot

You gents are not doing much for my confidence. I am off to Montana on Tuesday to visit with my pal for a month, and prairie dogs are supposed to feature heavily.

I do hope the wind does not drive us into too many cork pulling hideout's to take refuge! Very Happy

John

moose2 · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 12:06 pm Post subject: Re: Prairie Dog shoot

JayB, have fun in Montana. Don't let a little wind bother you when it comes to shooting PD's. No matter what the weather you will have a great time. More wind just means more shooting and thats what its all about.
Enjoy your stay in Montana.--tr

1895ss · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 10:10 pm Post subject: Re: Prairie Dog shoot

moose2 is right, after a few rounds you learn to allow for wind drift and the PD's or gophers, depending on what you're shooting, drop like there was no wind at all. You just have to adjust. We do it all the time out here on the prairies, otherwise we would fall over when the wind dies down. Very Happy

JayB · Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 5:03 am Post subject: Re: Prairie Dog shoot

Thanks for that gent's. I live in the Highlands of Scotland so I am no stranger to wind, or rain, or snow just prairie dogs Very Happy

John

moose2 · Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 9:40 am Post subject: Re: Prairie Dog shoot

Been getting out once or twice a week. The old Savage .223 is still shooting very straight. With the pups starting to come out one can get some under 300 yard shots, if you don't mind shooting pups. I find it more fun though shooting 300 yards and out. Also starting to come out are the snakes. Haven't had any run ins yet this year with them.--tr