Realizing that nothing in life is free, I'm willing to pay a "modest" amount of money in the way of trespass fees, whatever. I'd like to find someplace in Nebraska or South Dakota, so I could drive to wherever, terminate prairie dogs with extreme prejudice, and drive home over the long weekend.

I've been out of the prairie-dogging thing for a while, so what's the scoop? Where are the good areas? Should I pick up a copy of VHA magazine or what?

Thanks.

Russ

------------------
"Out here, 'due process' is a bullet!" -- John Wayne, "The Green Berets"

quote:

---

Originally posted by Leif Wold:
Russ,
Pack your gear and hit the road for Wy, Mt, CO, SD. Head for the green trees on the horizon, pull in the yard and politely ask permission.
Leif

---

A fine post. sir!

Regards,

~Holmes

Russ

------------------
"Out here, 'due process' is a bullet!" -- John Wayne, "The Green Berets"

Just some tips

Ted

vermin@reloader.net

quote:

---

Originally posted by dr280:
Russ,
Trust me on this one buddy- whatever you do- only shoot em once!!!

---

I went on dogging excursions in 1995, 1996, and 1997... so I know, there's not much left after they get hit the first time.

I'll probably check with my local club to see if they know of a few places. Either way, I'll probably end up paying... expenses with someone, or trespass rights. I'd like to just rent an F150 like I did for my bison hunt and head out to a "known" endpoint. We'll see how it goes. It's just that I've got tons of .22-250 AI and .223 Remington, plus one more rifle that I can use.

Russ

------------------
"Out here, 'due process' is a bullet!" -- John Wayne, "The Green Berets"

Its real easy I did it last summer on my to and from fishing in Canada. I just stopped in a local feed store and 100% of the time a place was found to BUST DOGS. If you want specifics try Buffalo WY.or Gillette WY. anywhere on the plains side for that fact. Don't just limit yourself to one state there are Dogs everywhere just start driving and you'll find plenty of them to inquire about.

Good Luck
Chuck

I once spent a whole weekend scouting just asking permission and it was well worth it. What I learned that was most important was how and where to ask permission. I have never offered to pay to hunt and have never been asked to pay. I hunt as much as I can find time to hunt.

As one gentleman recommended, find the green trees and politely ask permission. The more remote the green trees, the better. Remember the ranchers think PDs are real pests and you are preforming a service. But they need to trust you first.

If they say no, you are too close to civilization. If they say yes, you may be in for a lifetime of good times and friendship. After you find the green trees, make friends with the ranchers. Shoot where they want you to shoot. Go out of the way to do that even if there are more dogs somewhere else. I usually start and end the day shooting where requested, like next to the prized alfalfa patch, or around the house. Even if it means less shooting. Be a real friend and the word gets out. The ranchers all know each other for many miles around. You may find several rancher friends politely fighting over where you hunt. I even have them asking me to shoot in their front yards and I leave my camper in one gentleman's fron yard most of the summer. One guy took time to drive me around and introduce me to about ten of his friends. Throw me in that briar patch!

Some more highly prejudiced tips for the uninitiated. Drive an American vehicle, non yuppie type. Preferably a pickup truck similar to what the ranchers drive. Shave and get a haircut. Be clean, neat and courteous. Look like someone they can trust. Wear some clothes that look like you have been outdoors a lot. Worn out jeans, beat up hat and boots etc. Do not look like an uninitiated city dude with no experience in the out of doors. Doesn't hurt to have a vetran's license plate or something similar, Probably NRA stickers are good. Be conservative in all that you do.

Do not do anything even remotely dangerous or that suggests in any way that you might. No alcholic beverages with the guns. No fires. Camp clean. No trash. No loud noise at night.

Use quiet guns when close to people. I have had several compliments on that.

Always stop and say hello. Don't just wave when you go by the next time. Stop and talk awhile. On the other hand, don't waste a busy man's time. He may be working round the clock so be considerate. On the other hand, some of the folks have visitors so seldom they really are just yearning for some pleasant conversation. Be a real friend, not just a visitor. Take care of the man's land. Do not drive over planted fields. Close all gates every time. Do not shoot towards cattle. Tell them if you find a problem like a fence that is down or cows that are out. Just be a decent person and you will make some friends to be proud of. And the hunting will be a real bonus.

But I'm still looking for that guy in New Mexico who gives his guests free ammunition.

I'm not much of a "friendly" person. I can be polite, that's not a problem. I do shave, am trustworthy, et cetera. I have "ARMOR M 1" on my license plate and have various military "visuals" on or in the car, besides. I'm a Life Member of the NRA, a member of SASS and NCOWS, and can whip out any number of ID cards to this effect, besides my military ID. I'm great about leaving things (e.g., "land" and "gates") as I find them... and reporting damages. A lot of what you suggested applies to me... but I'm lousy at "chit chat." I'm good with hello, thank you, please, goodbye, you're welcome... et cetera... but I don't do "conversation" real well. I can appreciate that some of these folks are just genuinely happy for someone to talk to... but I'm not the guy.

I don't have a truck, I have a 1989 Olds Cutlass Supreme with 234,800 miles on it (bought new on 15 Jun 1989). I don't look like a yuppie or a hippie, I don't have tattooes, piercings, or green hair. I live for blue jeans... but again, I'm pretty lousy in the conversation department. I pretty much figure I'll be paying for things the rest of my life or not doing them at all.

I do understand your "doing it alone" comment, though. I don't know anyone else who 1) has the money and time to do the same things I want to do, and 2) I can put up with.

Anyway... thanks.

Russ

------------------
"Out here, 'due process' is a bullet!" -- John Wayne, "The Green Berets"

Thom Simpson