Prairie Dog Hunting Info >> Prairie Dog Hunts

Prairie dog hunting is a new type of hunting activity that is gaining more and more fans. Although there isn’t much information about this type of hunting, experienced hunters have shared us a couple of hunting techniques that you might consider using on your first prairie dog hunting adventure. Although many people consider shooting these animals to be highly offensive, it is actually a very selective way of killing prairie dogs without targeting non-target wildlife.

As far as hunting techniques are concerned, these animals (in most cases) are hunted using .22s or other larger calibers and they are usually shot from long distances using portable shooting benches, spotting scopes, telescopic sights and tripods. If shooting them is not your cup of tea, you always have the alternative of toxicants. One type of toxicant would be the toxic bait which is usually applied on grain to be eaten by the animal. Keep in mind that the only toxic baits approved are 2% zinc phosphate treated grain bait and pellet formulations. It is far more toxic to rodents in comparison to carnivores. These toxic baits are most efficient when the prairie dogs are active but in areas where there isn’t any vegetation. For this particular reason, it is advisable to apply the bait during late summer and through autumn.

It is crucial to pre-bait areas in which the zinc phosphate will be applied so that the prairie dogs will have time to adjust eating a totally different type of food. From the moment these animals will start eating the pre-bait, the toxic bait can be applied. The zinc phosphate usually poses little threat to non-target species but it is highly advisable to remove livestock from the area in which you will be applying zinc phosphate in order to eliminate any eventual risks.

Another way of eliminating prairie dogs is using fumigants like the widely known aluminum phosphate tables and gas cartridges. For large number of prairie dogs, using fumigants isn’t recommended as they are 5 up to 10 times more expensive to apply and they have the tendency to be more hazardous to the non-target animals as well as humans in comparison with the toxic baiting methods. The fumigating techniques are in most cases used after the toxic baiting and the most effective results are obtained when the soil is moist and the outside temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 16 degrees Celsius). If fumigants are applied correctly, the success rate is between 85% - 95% (when used as a toxic method follow-up).

The latest method of eliminating prairie dogs is with collapsing burrows. The so-called “rodenator“ will not only kill these animals but it will also flatten their tunnels. Oxygen is combined with propane and injected into the prairie dog burrows. As most people know, propane is heavier than air so as a conclusion, the mix sinks into the dens and tunnels. It is ignited and creates an expanding force that travels approximately 5,000 feet per second. The concussion will flatten the tunnels and most likely kill over 80 percents of the living prairie dogs. The remaining 20% can be trapped and removed from that area. Although this method is very efficient, it is considered by many the most inhumane technique of all.

All things considered, if you plan on hunting these animals or you have problems with prairie dogs, there are many techniques you can choose from, so choose wisely.

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