Beat the Summer Doldrums: Why Prairie Dog Hunting Is the Cure for Your Off-Season Blues

Let’s face it—summer can be tough on hunters.

Your freezer is (hopefully) still full from last fall’s haul, your trail cams are mostly catching cows and joggers, and your beloved rifle is beginning to think you've abandoned it. Welcome to the summer doldrums, that long, hot stretch of the year when big game is off-limits, waterfowl are out of reach, and your only scent trail is the one wafting from the grill.

But what if we told you there's a cure?

Enter: Prairie Dog Hunting

Yes, you heard right. Those little mounds in the middle of open pastures? They're your ticket to staying sharp, having a blast, and doing landowners a big favor. Prairie dog hunting is the ultimate off-season adventure—and it's wildly underrated.

Here’s why you should consider making prairie dogs your summer quarry:

• Fast Action, Big Fun: Prairie dogs may be small, but they’re sneaky, twitchy, and fast. Think of it as long-range target practice, but with a heartbeat and a whole lot more adrenaline.
  
  
• Great for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a seasoned long-range sniper dialing in your dope, or a first-time hunter looking for an exciting, approachable introduction to the sport—prairie dogs are the perfect quarry.
  
  
• Skill Sharpening: Want to stay crisp with your optics, range calls, and wind-reading skills? Prairie dogs are your training partners, and they don’t charge by the hour.
  
  
• Good for the Land: These critters can wreak havoc on pastures and ag fields. Landowners appreciate a little help controlling the population—and through LandTrust, they’re offering access to prime prairie dog territory.
  
  
• Low Barrier, High Reward: No preference points. No lottery draws. No camo fashion show. Just you, your rifle, and an open invitation to glass and go.

‍

Experience the Ranches in Their Summer Glory

Summer is one of the best times to visit the ranches. Wildflowers are blooming, the grass is green, and the views are breathtaking. It’s a chance to see these landscapes at their peak, and connect with the land in a way that’s hard to match in the colder months. Many landowners welcome guests to experience the beauty of their properties—and prairie dog hunting gives you the perfect reason to make the trip.

Make Your Summer Count

Instead of counting the days to September, start counting the shots, the laughs, and the stories you’ll tell come fall. Prairie dog hunts are a great way to introduce new hunters to the sport, test your gear, and make the most of those long summer weekends.

We've got ranches and farms across the country offering prairie dog access right now. Click below to explore available listings and book your hunt:

👉 44 Ranch

👉 Fifty-10 Ranch

👉 Laurel Leaf Land Company

👉 Haverfield Ranch

‍

Whether you're looking to go solo, bring your kid along for their first hunt, or just need a weekend fix for your itchy trigger finger—prairie dogs are waiting.

Don’t let summer bore you to tears. Get out, get shooting, and have a blast.

‍