Prairie Dog Hunting in South Dakota

[PHATINJUN]

I have my name on the GB PD hunt list as an alternate and really don't think I will get the chance to go with this group. So I have been thinking about alternate plans. What I have sort of come up with so far is . I live in Northern Illinois and have never hunted PD before but I am going this yr one way or the other. I plan on leaving from work at about 11pm the night of the 12th of June driving up I39 to I90 to Pierre SD ,find a camp ground and hunt the National Grassland around there. I picked that date because the PD season opens on public land the 14th of June.Will be leaving for home on the morning of the 17th If any one has any interest I would not mind sharing expenses with 2 or 3 others that may want to meet from my starting point or along the way. If I go alone I'll just pull my little camper that sleeps one or I have a 12x12 outfitters tent that will sleep 4 on cots all you have to do is bring your own cot and bag I have all other camping stuff that will be needed. I have done many trips like this in the past just never for PD. Nothing is set in stone and all ideas are open for any takers . I have a Suburban that will haul 4 with no problem. Either way I will be going. Kurt

[billy_56081]

I have hunted the national grasslands a few times. They have maps available that show where the prairie dog towns. Get on them early in the AM or there will allready be somebody there. We used to hunt some of the Indian reservations there but the Lower Brule got way to greedy and alot of the dogs were poisoned off on the Crow creek reservation. Have fun and bring LOTS of water it can get really hot out there.

[iiranger]

Look, the p'dog is the tree squirrel of the grasslands. No trees so they live in holes. In brief, you want "no trees." IMHO, forget Pierre, unless you are stopping to visit VHA [varminthunter.org], 'cause you are not far enough into the grasslands.

If you have the bucks, google Rosebud Sioux Reservation (rez) or Standing Rock (Eagle Butte)--south center and north center of state, Fort Yates runs into ND ()Northern Cheyenne?)... they market and want to SELL  you an experience that will bring you back. Then there are dozens of other guide services with the same motivation. Pine Ridge is also in the game (lakotamall.com), but they drink too much and some have been dis satisified with promises not kept. (This is much discussed in the newspapers, so I don't need any whining about me being "too hard" on the poor red men... THEY got a problem.)

BEWARE! two points. #1). THERE IS BLACK DEATH in the furballs. Sure they can cure it now, they say, with antibiotics. But why? Leave the pieces for the 'yotes or raptors... Carried by fleas. Don't get close...
#2). There are areas closed for black footed ferret weasels. Tree huggers lie and claim p'dogs are endangered. LIE! but some of the creatures that eat them are endangered. Shoot there, fed slam, confiscation... You won't like it... Find them Avoid them... or suffer.

At the same time, last I knew, Wyo was wide open. No license needed. (I have not made it there in a couple years, sorry.) Get away from the government tree huggers in Cheyenne (or CO)  and you will be welcomed with open arms in the small towns who love your bucks for gas, grub, etc. Ranchers love to have their pest problem reduced, no cost, and some one to talk too. (LEAVE THEM  a ham, bottle, case of coke, something... grease the way for the next guy, please...). And if you must stay in SD, Buffalo Gap Nat. Grasslands is in the SW corner. N.W. as good, just never got there.  At one time, Forest Service had a kiosk on the interstate in Wall with maps. Seasonal. Full time office, Forest Serv., 125 N. Main St., Chadon, NE 69337; (308) 432-0030 (I think). Mr. Schumacher was in charge last I knew. Nothing organized in NE. And the Sandhills don't do well. Sand collapses on the burrows. luck.

[PHATINJUN]

I am going to pull my offer as I have made some plans of my own maybe we can put something togeather next yr. Kurt

[cleggy]

I also am planning a trip to South Dakota to shoot dogs this month. We've did this same trip 5 years in a row now. Today I find out my partner had his vacation canceled by his new boss. So, I have all the plans made and the time off and no one to go with to share the fun ! I live in southern Minnesota and where we shot was only a 6 or 7 hour drive. So if anyone can go on short notice shoot me an email and we can talk.