The targets now available worldwide run the gamut from prairie dogs and groundhogs in North America to rabbits and small feral animals in New Zealand to jackals in South Africa. Unquestionably, going on a varmint shoot is the best possible practice for shooting at big game animals, as it presents the same problems one encounters when shooting big game - shooting at angles of elevation and depression, wind drift, heat mirage, range estimation and bullet drop. Anyone who can consistently hit prairie dogs at 250 yards can easily hit a mule deer or antelope at 300 yards or an elk at 350 yards. With all that in mind, here's a glance at a high-quality varmint shoot being offered in South Dakota.
If you are really serious about prairie dog shooting and want to get an in-depth, highly technical education about the subject, you should attend the annual Prairie Dog Conference. It moves from year to year, and this year will be held on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. It's a kind of grand rendezvous, consisting of 2 1/2 days of intensive shooting, learning from industry reps and expert shooters, and socializing with kindred souls. Virtually every rifle maker and every maker of ammunition, loading components, optics and accessories is represented. They don't sell anything, but they give away lots of samples, including rifles, scopes and binoculars.
The registration fee of $200 covers all guiding services, local transportation and some meals, including a grand banquet. Motel room is extra. Registration is limited to 65 participants, and this year's event sold out long ago; you have to register early to get in. For information on attending a future event, contact Chuck "Dogfather" Cornett, event coordinator.........(continued)
