prairie dog trip

[jdefranc938]

Hey guys,
I'm planning on going on a prairie dog trip in June of 2011. I'm looking for some info on which state (I was thinking of South Dakota or Kansas.) I live in PA so regardless it's gonna be a long drive. Also, should I get a guided trip? Like I said, any information at all will be GREATLY appreciated.

[Captqc]

Wow! a year and a half away! I'd have to be locked up! Anyway I'd suggest you get a copy of varmint hunters magazine or check out their web site. That would be a good place to start your research. One thing to consider is that an area that is hot one year could be dead the next as the plague can wipe out the dogs, also poisioning could change the dog count from year to year. Keep us posted on your planning progress. Gary

[OldTurtle]

Colorado has some weird restrictions on PDs and most of the available land is private...Kansas is 'iffy' due to limited population of PDs and available land on which to shoot them...Western South Dakota has a pretty good population, but a lot of it is on Indian Tribal Reservation and each tribe can make their own rules...

If it were me, I'd be looking at Wyoming for planning that far in advance...One rancher in SE Montana cut out his PD shooting two years ago due to the plague that hit there, so the PDs could get re-established (he makes a little money off shooters)....

[Rick in Oregon]

I'd look at Wyoming and Montana for the first time out. I'd also recommend a guided shoot the first time also, as once you've been out west once and 'got the hang of it', the next time you'll be better armed to go unguided with your buddies.

+1 for checking out the classifieds in Varmint Hunter Magazine. Lots of PD guides listed along with websites.

[jdefranc938]

Have any of you guys ever heard of Buffalo Butte Ranch in SD or ever been there? I've been looking into it and it sounds like a great place for a pretty good price for everything that you get, especially for my first time going out west.