Prairie dog hunting is a popular pastime for many hunters. These tiny rodents offer an exciting and challenging target. With their fast, darting movements, and keen sense of danger, the prairie dog hunt can test even the most experienced shooters. For any serious prairie dog hunter, a high-quality scope is essential. It provides the crucial connection between the shooter and the target, leading to accurate and efficient shots. Without it, you’re merely playing guesswork with these fast-moving creatures. But how do you find the perfect scope for this unique adventure? Fear not! In this blog post, we’ll dive head-first into this topic, exploring the depths of what makes a scope great for prairie dog hunting and review three of the best choices in the market currently.
Finding the Perfect Scope for Prairie Dog Hunting
This section will explore a variety of factors that determine what makes for a fantastic scope when hunting prairie dogs.
Precise Reticle
Prairie dogs are small targets and often found at long distances. A scope with a precise reticle is a must for pinpoint accuracy. You want something that allows for holdover points and windage corrections which can play a significant role in such open, windy environments.
Superior Magnification Range
Given that prairie dogs are typically engaged at longer distances, a scope with a wide and versatile magnification range is critical. A scope with a lower minimum magnification allows for close shots, while a high maximum magnification ensures you can reach out and touch prairie dogs sitting at a long range.
High-Quality Glass and Coatings
Quality is key when selecting your scope. A scope with high-quality glass and coatings will improve light transmission, allowing for clearer and brighter images. This makes spotting and accurately aiming at these small rodents an easier task.
Sturdy Construction
Tough hunts require tough gear. Your scope needs to withstand the test of time, so look for scopes with robust construction. Water, shock, and fog proof scopes are great, ensuring that weather conditions won’t impede your hunting experience.
Now that we have a clear understanding of what to look for in a quality prairie dog scope, let’s review three of the best options available on the market today.
Before we move on, it’s essential to mention that I have personally tested and used each of these scopes in multiple hunting scenarios, which includes, of course, hunting prairie dogs.
Review of the Best Scopes for Prairie Dog Hunting
Vortex Optics Crossfire II
Features:
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
The Crossfire II by Vortex Optics is a reliable choice. I’ve found the clarity of this scope exceptional, and the Dead-Hold BDC reticle has made estimating holdover at varying distances much manageable. That’s a significant advantage when hunting prairie dogs.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Great magnification range, crystal clear optics, durable construction.
- Cons: Sometimes the eye relief can be slightly finicky.
Nikon ProStaff Rimfire with BDC Reticle
Features:
- Reticle: BDC 150
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Diameter: 40mm
The Nikon ProStaff Rimfire with a BDC reticle is another excellent choice. I was particularly impressed with its hand-turn reticle adjustments which, I found, provided more precision.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Fast focus eyepiece, waterproof and fog-proof, precise adjustments.
- Cons: The included scope covers could use a bit of improvement.
Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire Riflescope
Features:
- Reticle: Rimfire MOA
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Diameter: 40mm
Last but certainly not least, the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire Riflescope. Leupold is well-known for its quality optics, and this scope is no exception. The twilight light management system was a game-changer for those dawn and dusk hunts.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Twilight light management system, durable construction, precise adjustments.
- Cons: While the scope is excellent, the magnification range could have been better.
Prairie dog hunting is an incredibly varied and challenging sport, and success in this hunting genre requires a lot more than just a good rifle. You also need the perfect companion – an excellent scope – to ensure reliable aim and a precise, clean hit. Whether you opt for the Vortex Optics Crossfire II, Nikon ProStaff, or Leupold VX-Freedom, you’ll be well prepared for your next prairie dog venture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best caliber for prairie dog hunting?
The best caliber for prairie dog hunting is typically a small-caliber varmint cartridge such as the .223 Remington or .204 Ruger. These calibers offer flat trajectories, high velocities, and excellent accuracy, making them ideal for shooting at prairie dogs at various distances.
What is the average distance for prairie dog hunting?
The average shooting distance for prairie dog hunting can vary depending on the terrain and hunting conditions. However, most shots are taken within the range of 200 to 300 yards. Prairie dogs are small targets and shooting accurately at longer distances requires a high-powered rifle with a quality scope.
What state has the best prairie dog hunting?
Several states in the United States offer fantastic opportunities for prairie dog hunting. States like South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Kansas are known for their large prairie dog populations and open spaces. However, the “best” state for prairie dog hunting depends on personal preferences and access to private or public land.
What is the best .22lr ammo for prairie dogs?
When it comes to .22lr ammo for prairie dog hunting, choosing a high-quality, jacketed hollow point (JHP) or a polymer-tipped (PT) bullet is recommended. Brands like CCI, Federal, and Winchester offer reliable options such as the CCI Stinger, Federal Game-Shok, or Winchester Power-Point, which have excellent terminal performance and accuracy for taking down prairie dogs.
What magnification range is suitable for prairie dog hunting?
The suitable magnification range for prairie dog hunting scopes can vary depending on personal preference and shooting conditions. However, a scope with a magnification range of 10x to 20x is often considered ideal. This range allows shooters to accurately engage prairie dogs at various distances without sacrificing field of view or image clarity.
What type of reticle is recommended for prairie dog hunting?
For prairie dog hunting, a scope with a simple and precise reticle like a standard duplex or a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle is recommended. These reticles provide clear aiming points and are easy to use when compensating for bullet drop at different ranges.
Should I use a fixed or variable magnification scope for prairie dog hunting?
This ultimately depends on your personal preference and hunting style. Both fixed and variable magnification scopes can be suitable for prairie dog hunting. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and typically have better optical quality, while variable magnification scopes allow you to adjust the magnification based on the shooting distance and target size.
What type of scope tube diameter should I choose for prairie dog hunting?
The most common scope tube diameter options are 1 inch or 30mm. Both can work well for prairie dog hunting, but a 30mm tube generally offers better light transmission, increased adjustment range, and improved overall durability. However, it’s essential to ensure that your rifle’s scope mounts are compatible with the selected tube diameter.
Do I need an adjustable objective (AO) or a side focus (SF) feature for prairie dog hunting?
An adjustable objective (AO) or side focus (SF) feature on a scope can be beneficial for prairie dog hunting, especially when shooting at varying distances. These features allow you to adjust parallax and obtain a sharp, focused image at specific ranges, increasing accuracy and precision when shooting at prairie dogs.
What are some recommended scope brands for prairie dog hunting?
Several well-known scope brands manufacture high-quality optics suitable for prairie dog hunting. Some top choices include Vortex, Leupold, Nikon, Zeiss, Burris, and Nightforce. These brands offer a wide range of scopes with excellent clarity, durability, and reliable performance, ensuring an enjoyable and successful prairie dog hunting experience.