Facts on Hunting Prairie Dogs

There are approximately 10 to 20 million prairie dogs living in the United States. While there are far fewer prairie dogs alive today than in years past, they are often considered a nuisance species. Prairie dogs eat farmers' crops, are susceptible to diseases such as the plague, and damage ranchers' grazing lands by creating burrows, in which cattle can trip and potentially break a leg. Hunting prairie dogs is a popular sport.

  1. Prairie Dog Hunting Regulations

    • Prairie dog hunting is subject to different regulations depending on the state. In Montana, a hunter does not require a hunting license to shoot prairie dogs since they are considered nongame wildlife. Hunting is open all year and there are no bag limits. In Oklahoma resident and nonresident hunters must show a hunting license or proof of exemption. Although legal year round, prairie dogs may only be hunted in the period between 30 minutes before dawn and sunset. Hunting is forbidden on land owned or managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation in Oklahoma.

    Guns for Prairie Dog Hunting

    • Prairie dog hunters have a wide variety of weapons available to them. For shots taken at 150 to 200 yards, rimfires such as the .22 magnum, .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire or the .22 are excellent and accurate choices. Whichever gun you use, make sure to choose one that can shoot quickly accurately at long distances. Considering that many prairie dog hunters prefer to shoot from distances up to 400 yards from their target, a good scope is an absolute necessity.

    Prairie Dog Hunting Locations

    • Prairie dogs live throughout the central United States, including but not limited to Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Montana. Private companies offer hunting packages and farmers and ranchers often hire or open their land up to hunters for pest control. Websites such as UltimatePrairieDogHunting list state-by-state listing of places to shoot prairie dogs by state.

    What You Should Know

    • Before you go prairie dog hunting, keep in mind that rules and regulations vary by state. Check your state's regulations. Some states limit the types of weapons that can be used, while states such as Montana allow a wide variety of gun types as well as bows. Prairie dog hunting is widely popular and can be enjoyed year-round by people of all ages. Many states do not even require a hunting license. Always use proper gun safety techniques and wear an orange vest so other hunters can see you.