Sharpening Your Shot with Prairie Dog Hunting: Tips to Improve Marksmanship

As any hunter knows very well, marksmanship is a crucial skill for hunting any type of game, and there's no better way to hone this skill than through prairie dog hunting.

These small, elusive targets provide an excellent challenge that can significantly improve your shooting accuracy and precision. Since prairie dog hunting is such a great form of practice and is an extremely fun type of game to hunt, we’ve decided to explore why prairie dog hunting is effective for marksmanship training, as well as provide some practical tips for you to enhance your shooting skills.

Understanding the Basics

What is Prairie Dog Hunting?

The art of prairie dog hunting involves tracking and shooting these small rodents, which are commonly found in the plains of North America. Known for their burrowing habits and keen senses, prairie dogs present a unique challenge for hunters. This type of hunting not only helps control prairie dog populations, but also offers an excellent opportunity for improving marksmanship.

Why Prairie Dogs?

Prairie dogs are ideal for marksmanship training due to their small size and rapid, sporadic movements. Successfully hitting such a small, fast-moving target requires precise aim and quick reflexes.

This type of hunting forces you to practice and really hone in these skills, making you a better marksman overall. Additionally, the varying distances and conditions in prairie dog habitats further challenge your shooting abilities, with their burrows spanning over wide swaths of land.

Equipment and Gear

Essential Firearms

Choosing the right firearm can be quite an important factor when it comes to hunting prairie dogs. This will determine what type of hunting experience you will have.

Small caliber rifles, such as .22-250 Remington or .204 Ruger, are popular choices due to their accuracy and low recoil. These rifles allow for precise shots at varying distances, which is crucial for hitting small targets like prairie dogs.

With that being said, there is really no “right answer” when it comes to the perfect firearm, as you can use your prairie dog hunt to practice shooting almost any type of firearm. There just might not be much of the prairie dog left if you elect to use higher-caliber options.

Optics and Accessories

When it comes to prairie dog hunting, high-quality optics are a must-have. Unless you are a seasoned professional who likes a challenge, prairie dog hunting with iron sights might be a little more difficult than you want to deal with.

A good scope with variable magnification will help you spot and accurately target prairie dogs at different distances. Additionally, using a spotting scope and a spotter(if you have a buddy who’s willing to tag along) can help you locate targets and sight in from a distance, allowing you to set up your shots more effectively. Bipods or shooting sticks can also provide stability and improve accuracy, which tend to lead to more hits than misses.

Techniques and Strategies

Range Estimation

Accurately estimating distances is critical and plays a huge role in prairie dog hunting. Typically, you would use a rangefinder to measure the distance to your target, as trying to guess and hit prairie dogs from the distance you have to hunt them at can prove to be more difficult than you think. Knowing the exact distance helps you make precise adjustments to your aim, ensuring you hit your target.

Wind Reading

Wind conditions can greatly affect the trajectory of your shot, and easily cause a missed shot. Learn to read wind speed and direction, and practice adjusting your aim accordingly. Shooting in various wind conditions will help you develop the skills needed to compensate for wind drift, increasing your accuracy.

Practice Drills

Simulated Hunts

Set up practice scenarios that mimic real hunting conditions. Use small targets at varying distances and practice quick target acquisition and shooting. This type of training will help you develop the reflexes and accuracy needed for successful prairie dog hunting.

Precision Shooting Exercises

Engage in precision shooting exercises to improve your fine motor control and shot consistency. Focus on maintaining a steady aim, controlling your breathing, and squeezing the trigger smoothly. Regular practice of these exercises will enhance your overall shooting accuracy.

Ethical Considerations

Responsible and ethical hunting practices are essential in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Always follow local regulations and guidelines, and strive to make clean, humane shots. Ethical hunting not only ensures the sustainability of prairie dog populations but also reflects well on the hunting community as a whole.

Benefits Beyond Hunting

Improved Marksmanship

Prairie dog hunting offers a unique opportunity to sharpen your shooting skills. The small, elusive targets require precise aim and quick reflexes, which can translate to better accuracy in other shooting disciplines. By regularly practicing prairie dog hunting, you can become a more proficient marksman overall.

Mental and Physical Preparedness

The mental focus and physical conditioning gained through prairie dog hunting are invaluable. The need to stay alert, make quick decisions, and remain steady under pressure builds both mental and physical resilience. These skills are not only beneficial for hunting but also enhance your performance in other shooting sports and activities.

Final Shots

Prairie dog hunting is an excellent way to improve your marksmanship skills, at it seems hunters in outfitters like Kansas, South Dakota and Montana all know it!

The challenges presented by these small, fast-moving targets help you develop precision, quick reflexes, and adaptability. By incorporating the tips and techniques outlined in this piece, you can not only sharpen your shooting skills, but become a more proficient overall hunter and marksman. Just remember, always practice ethical hunting and continue refining your skills through regular practice and training. Happy hunting!