There is something inherently thrilling about hunting prairie dogs. For many hunters, the challenge of sneakily tracking down these tiny creatures on vast, open terrains and testing their shooting accuracy in this quest is nothing short of exhilarating. However, much like other hunting activities, your success in prairie dog hunting largely depends on having the right equipment. Among the gear you need, perhaps the most crucial item is the hunting scope. The vast expanse that prairie dogs call home requires a scope that can reach out at the distances where these creatures are generally found.
In this article, we will explore three top-tier prairie dog hunting scopes that offer exceptional precision, coverage, and clarity. Each product has been handpicked based on personal experiences and meticulous reviews, to ensure you’ll be fully equipped for your next hunting adventure.
1. Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope
Product Review
The Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm riflescope is the first pick on this list for several reasons. From the matte surface that shuns away reflection to the Diamond Coat 2 – an ion-assist lens coating for higher light transmission and abrasion resistance, this is a scope designed for the serious hunter.
Personal Experience
Time spent with the Leupold VX-3i was a revelation. The first day out in the prairie was a clear, sunlit day. The scope’s Twilight Max Light Management system came into its own, affording extra shooting light and eliminating the glare that is often a challenge on bright days. The precision was beyond anything I’ve experienced. Locating prairie dogs in their vast habitats was not an issue with the wide magnification range.
Pros & Cons
The Leupold VX-3i offers exceptional clarity, precision, and light handling. It’s waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof – thus perfect for rugged use. However, the drawback is the price – it’s a bit high compared to other scopes.
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 AO Riflescope
Product Review
When discussing scopes that deliver exceptional performance, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II warrants a mention. With its 6-18x magnification range, it provides a strong zooming capability that can track prairie dogs from a significant distance.
Personal Experience
In my few hunting trips with the Crossfire II, the scope performed impeccably. The fast focus eyepiece allowed quick and easy reticle focusing, something that’s crucial when hunting fast-moving critters like prairie dogs. The clarity throughout the wide range of magnifying power gave evidence of the superb optics.
Pros & Cons
This scope comes with multi-coated lenses for a clear field of view, adjustable objective for image focus and parallax removal, and is weatherproof. It’s also more affordable than the Leupold. However, it is a bit heavy and large – not the best for hunters who prefer compact scopes.
3. Nikon ProStaff 4-12×40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)
Product Review
The Nikon ProStaff is a feature-packed riflescope that offers excellent value for money. With its fully multicoated lenses, 98% light transmission, and zero-reset turret, it provides impressive performance in various conditions.
Personal Experience
During my hunting forays with the ProStaff, the light transmission stood out. Even when dusk was setting in, the scope offered a clear and bright view, making it easier to spot prairie dogs without straining my eyes. The generous and consistent eye relief prevented eyebrow injury during shooting.
Pros & Cons
The usability of the Nikon ProStaff is pleasing. It offers clear images, easy zeroing in with the turrets, and great light transmission. It’s also water and fog proof for longevity. The downside is the lack of an adjustable objective for parallax correction – a feature that most high-end scopes offer.
Choosing the Right Scope for Prairie Dog Hunting
Choosing the right scope for prairie dog hunting isn’t a simple decision. The three scopes reviewed above are all excellent options, but the ultimate choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and preference. Don’t forget to consider key factors such as lens quality, magnification range, light transmission, durability, and price to ensure you land the best one for your hunting exploits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scope for prairie dog hunting?
The best scope for prairie dog hunting depends on personal preferences and hunting conditions. However, popular choices include the Vortex Optics Crossfire II, Leupold VX-3i, and Nikon ProStaff scopes. These scopes offer excellent clarity, durability, and long-range capabilities, making them ideal for engaging small prairie dog targets.
What is the best caliber for prairie dog hunting?
For prairie dog hunting, calibers such as .22-250 Remington, .223 Remington, and .204 Ruger are commonly recommended among hunters. These calibers offer flat trajectories and high velocities, enabling accurate shots at longer distances.
What is the average distance for prairie dog hunting?
Prairie dog hunting often involves shooting at relatively long distances. On average, most shots are taken between 200 to 400 yards. However, experienced shooters using specialized rifles and ammunition can engage prairie dogs even beyond 500 yards.
What state has the best prairie dog hunting?
Several states in the United States offer excellent prairie dog hunting opportunities. The most popular states for this type of hunting are South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. These states have vast prairie dog populations and plenty of public lands that are open to hunting.
What is the best .22LR ammo for prairie dogs?
The .22LR caliber is not widely recommended for prairie dog hunting because of its limited range and stopping power. However, if you prefer using a .22LR rifle, high-velocity hollow point rounds such as CCI Stinger, Federal Game-Shok, or Winchester Super-X are commonly recommended for better accuracy and terminal performance.
Note: It’s important to check local regulations and abide by firearm laws and hunting regulations specific to your area.