AZ P-DOG SEASON SEEMS TO HELP

minerfile · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:40 pm Post subject: AZ P-DOG SEASON SEEMS TO HELP

Just returned from three days of prairie dog shotting in NW Arizona. Been hunting on the same ranch for the last ten years with my partner and since the introduction of a nine month season our score sheet has improved every year.
This weekend we shot close to 100 of the little devils, and go to see a black footed feret in the wild for the first time. Longest shot of the weekend was 350 yds +/- using a Ruger MK I varmint 220 swift. That rifle sure does wonder on the little critters. We actually shot more with the little 22 lr than the big guns. A little windy on Sunday. Hope the trend continues, I noticed a dramatic increse in the number mounds over last year.
We also numerous antelope including several nice bucks. These folks seem to doing a pretty good job of managing the ranch.

Handloader · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:30 pm Post subject: Re: AZ P-DOG SEASON SEEMS TO HELP

Always nice to go prairie dogging in Arizona, for sure. I am assuming you were on the Boquillas Ranch; if so, I agree regarding their management of the place. The Boquillas (N of Seligman) was purchased by the Navajo Nation, but, have maintained public access for hunting and recreation without charge. Its a huge spread. They disallow any dirt bikes or ATVs, too, which I appreciate. You need only obtain a vehicle permit when you enter after signing in. The ranch house at Pica Camp is helpful in orienting prairie dog hunters to some nice locations.

The Navajo Reservation is also a good place for prairie dogs. And for calling coyotes and bobcats. The small game permit runs $35 for the calendar year. Much of our winter calling is done on the res.

Your comments about the Swift parallel my own experiences, minerfile. I use a 223 for the shots under 300 yds and the Swift for the long stuff. We have been improving hits in the 500yd range, but, still only average about 30% whereas under 300yds it is around 90% unless we have significant wind to resolve. But, overall, it has been a good season except for one trip that was "washed out" by rain.

minerfile · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:32 pm Post subject: Re: AZ P-DOG SEASON SEEMS TO HELP

They sure have a lot rain this summer. In the years I've been going out there I've never seen it so green and muddy. The swift has gottena bad rap in the gun rags but mine has been one of the easiest to work up a load for and shoots like a laser, if only my 2 22-250's would shoot this consistently. I also love using my 22 hornet Ruger #1 for the medium range stuff. The hornet has been my favorite varmint round since I was a kid.

Arizona Hunter · Member Joined: Jul 22, 2006 Posts: 275

Was up ther last weekend and we had a great time (Fri-sun). Lots of rodents but man they were hard to see-the rain has really caused the grass to grow.

One of the ranch guys took us to a place we had never shot before, and was sure glad he did. Sat eve. & Sun. morn were so good, that I had to restrict my shots to under 200 yards in order to let my barrel cool ( I only had my .204). I guess it's time to get another .204!

studd_one2000 · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:50 am Post subject: Re: AZ P-DOG SEASON SEEMS TO HELP

Looking to hunt unit 10 (north of seligman) next week. Can anyone provide info as to were to look or what road to take. Possibly a ranch location. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

havasumike · Rookie Member Joined: Dec 22, 2007 Posts: 9

I just joined the forum today and was reading your post. I have tried to find this prairie dog ranch a couple of times but have not been successful. Can you give me some good directions to get there? I was told it was off of route 66.

Arizona Hunter · Member Joined: Jul 22, 2006 Posts: 275

Some folks say there are dogs near Meteor Crater & Winslow-I have not had time enough to look.

But they area from Just N. off I-40 at the Crookton road (this gets you on to RT 66) all the way West/NW toward Pica Camp and out to Hackberry has dogs.
Also, some areas North of Williams on Hwy 64 up near Tusayan.

Oh, the P-dogs we have hibernate in the winter. The most productive time is the hot months.

Also, BEWARE of black footed ferets. Don't even think of shooting one. They are protected and you would loose your hunting/shooting rights for for longer than any one cares to think about and cost lots of $$$$$.

Handloader

Sorry, I saw some of the request for directions only tonight. When travelling old route 66 from Seligman to Grand Canyon Caverns, the turnoff to Pica Camp is about halfway on the right side. There is an obvious sign. Continue on the road until you reach the gate, about 1.5 miles. Sign in, get a free vehicle permit, then visit the ranch house on the other side of the fence. They will tell you areas that have praire dogs and they are, mostly, accurate. But, once away from the ranch house, a good pair of binos and a little high ground will help you discover many good shooting places. Roads are generally good and any high clearance 2WD is fine unless there is rain. There are miles of roads. Good luck.

havasumike · Rookie Member Joined: Dec 22, 2007 Posts: 9

Many thanks "Handloader" and "Arizona Hunter". I have driven route 66 several times trying to find the place. I have a feeling I will have better luck next time.

Handloader · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 1:56 pm Post subject: Re: AZ P-DOG SEASON SEEMS TO HELP

One added comment: we often will hunt the Navajo for prairie dogs, coyotes, bobcats, etc. Stopping by the Navajo Game and Fish in Window Rock, we will get up to date information about areas that may be more productive, or, sheepherders that have reported problems with coyotes. Along the isolated roads on the res there are often genuine trading posts still in operation. Asking for information has usually been productive when we stopped and make inquiries.

Likewise in Seligman or most places. Talking to locals and to ranchers can give you valuable information and shorten the time to get into good areas. Sure, sometimes you get anti-hunters or tree huggers, but, that too gives you some information about the area. Mostly, though, you find a rather warm reception in rural areas as these folks are a little more connected with the reality of predators and the benefit of hunters.

My point is that we have improved our hunts by talking to the locals. This includes the local LEO, too. Ranchers can tell you where there are gut piles or dead cattle and that can be a super source for coyotes. Highway patrolmen and local police know where the dead animal pits are, where recent road kills of deer and elk have occured. These, for us, have been invaluable clues as to where populations of coyotes or game may be found. Too, information about ranchers or areas that are sensistive to trespass or disallow any form of hunting can help eliminate potential problems.

Philbie · Rookie Member Joined: Jul 18, 2010 Posts: 1

Gonna dig this back up. Getting back into hunting after 15yrs and this post helped out a ton. After searching for current info on the ranch mentioned above without luck, then a few phone calls with luck, went up there today.

Nice facility, only a few people on the property, popped a few dogs while we were there. Probably go back in a few weeks. Stay away from the cows.

rsm1961 · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 5:02 pm Post subject: Re: AZ P-DOG SEASON SEEMS TO HELP

Anybody been hunting Pdogs in northern Az lately? I'm new to this site but I've lived in Az all my life. Didn't realize there was a season on these critters.

Vince · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 7:03 am Post subject: Re: AZ P-DOG SEASON SEEMS TO HELP

Welcome to The Nut rsm1961. Grab a beer and pull up a stump mate. Someone with the relevant info will no doubt be along shortly.

Unfortunately I can't help mate because I live in Australia...no PDs out here.

Cheers, Vince

English Mike · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 2:14 pm Post subject: Re: AZ P-DOG SEASON SEEMS TO HELP

Vince wrote:

..no PDs out here.

We could mail you some.... Very Happy

dhc4ever · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 4:29 pm Post subject: Re: AZ P-DOG SEASON SEEMS TO HELP

English Mike wrote:

Vince wrote:

..no PDs out here.

We could mail you some.... Very Happy

They have PD in Enland?
OK we'll take 6, that should rock the greens biodiversity policy.
And as we arent allowed to shoot politicians this will give us something else to do.