Newcastle, Wyoming prairie dog hunting

[dickshuford]

We made a hunt up in the Newcastle area this past summer. It was our first hunt for the dogs. Although we had a good time, my closest shot was 192 yards with most being 400 and more. Are there any hunters or ranchers in this area that might give me some advise on additional areas to shoot. Jacque and I just liked the town and want to come back.

 

[car]

Were you hunting on private property? It is hard to find places to dog hunt around Newcastle.

 

[dickshuford]

Yes, we were hunting on private property. I did not realize that it was hard to find a place up there. Of course this was our first trip. I did some inquiries and got an email from the landowner inviting us up. The only thing I did not realize was that we were not the first shooters there. This made for some long shots.

 

[redstater]

The game warden in this area Dustin Shorna (last name not spelled right) bent over backwards helping us on our antelope and prairie dog hunt. He took us about 40 miles west of town and got us set up on p-dogs. From what I understand the shooting is lousy due to the plauge but for a flatlander like me it was awesome, probably got 75 or so in a day. We ran into another game warden out there and he was really helpful as well. Those guys are real class acts and if you track them down you won't be disappointed.
Josh

 

[SBruce]

Hello,

There are actually quite a few areas within an hour drive of newcastle to shoot Dogs. Yes, the plaque did come through and "naturally" eliminate alot of them. Most of the area is private land. With some driving and a good map, you can find some towns on public land that has public access. The experiences you had with long shots are very common here. These dogs have been shot at for so many years that they've become smart. I would say that the majority of the dog towns are "educated" and you will have to shoot at least 200 yds most of the time, with 300 to 500 yd shots being most common. Of course, in most of this area a person could shoot out as far as they wish.

You may be able to find some uneducated towns, but most are "long range"

Most of the landowners allow prarie dog shooting, some might charge a small trespass fee however. Nearly all of them (charge or not) have people coming in on a fairly regular basis during the spring/summer months. This makes for some long range shooting.

 

[dickshuford]

SBruce

Thanks for the reply. I sent you a private message also.

 

[dickshuford]

It appears at the present time that we won't make the hunt this year. Our 4 year old grand daughter has been diagnosed with cancer so my time may be spend in Memphis. We still hope things work out and we can go back to Newcastle.

 

[car]

Sorry to hear the bad news. Hope everything works out for you and your family.

 

[dickshuford]

Sorry to hear the bad news. Hope everything works out for you and your family.

Thanks very much. We're still waiting and praying. I'm still hoping that in three months we have good news so we can make the trip north.

 

[The Preacher]

Dick, so sorry to hear the news. My prayers go out to your family.

 

[dickshuford]

Thanks very much. It seems all we do is cry one moment and pray the next. Of course we believe that the will of God will be done. If you care to Alli has a page at CaringBridge / alli_gator_callender / guestbook

She is an awesome little girl.

 

[Justin2111]

Hi I hope everything worked out for your family, I know a lot of praire dog towns around here (Newcastle) I would be more than willing to show you around!

 

[rnevels]

Hello,

There are actually quite a few areas within an hour drive of newcastle to shoot Dogs. Yes, the plaque did come through and "naturally" eliminate alot of them. Most of the area is private land. With some driving and a good map, you can find some towns on public land that has public access. The experiences you had with long shots are very common here. These dogs have been shot at for so many years that they've become smart. I would say that the majority of the dog towns are "educated" and you will have to shoot at least 200 yds most of the time, with 300 to 500 yd shots being most common. Of course, in most of this area a person could shoot out as far as they wish.

You may be able to find some uneducated towns, but most are "long range"

Most of the landowners allow prarie dog shooting, some might charge a small trespass fee however. Nearly all of them (charge or not) have people coming in on a fairly regular basis during the spring/summer months. This makes for some long range shooting.

Hello: would your father have owned a ranch i think southwest of newcastle if so i have hunted dogs there years ago.i believe the dog town was on the left going up the drive to the ranch house.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Just in case SBruce doesn't see your question---Yes, their ranch is a nice spread quite a ways southwest of Newcastle over on the Cheyenne River Road as you go toward the Rochelle Hills.