We recently got the chance to head afield, chasing prairie dogs as we tested some new glass from Bushnell Optics. Armed with a ubiquitous Ruger 10/22 and a load of rimfire ammo, we sent some lead downrange in Wyoming.

Shooting Prairie Dogs With Bushnell Optics

Sean Utley hooked up with Bushnell and Spur Outfitters out of Encampment, Wyoming. He put a 10/22 to good use, topped with a Bushnell Engage 2.5-10×44 riflescope. Butler Creek magazines fed various loads of CCI ammunition, popping dogs at range. Accipiter glasses kept the eyes locked in on targets. Video also shows a Bergara 6.5 CM topped with a Bushnell Match Pro 6-24×50. Near or far, our shooters had ’em dialed in.

Why Prairie Dogs?

Well first off, it’s a load of fun. Few pursuits offer the target-rich environment as does a bustling town of prairie dogs. For anyone looking to better their rifle game, prairie dog shooting brings much to the table. Over the course of a day of shooting, one can work on alternate firing positions, wind calls, dialing DOPE and more. Prairie dog shoots usually offer lots of trigger presses. And when you’re shooting with friends, you can even tack on a little match pressure as you try to outshoot each other.

But at it’s core, prairie dog shooting offers an all-day return to rifle fundamentals. Regardless of caliber, you judge ever-changing distances and wind. You can break shots off truck doors and hoods, fence posts and tables. You can also really challenge yourself shooting off-hand versus tiny, often moving targets. And when running a rimfire, prairie dogs bring a real challenge to the table. But it remains affordable per trigger squeeze.

For more info on the guns, visit ruger.com or bergarausa.com. To find a Bushnell optic for your next pursuit, visit busnhell.com. Finally, to book your hunting adventure, visit spuroutfitters.com.