PEST ERADICATION, NORTHERN CA GROUND SQUIRRELS

 

SHOOTING GROUND SQUIRRELS, HELPING RANCHERS IN MODOC COUNTY, CA

The Belding's Ground Squirrel is a well-established, very much disliked pest in northern CA areas like Modoc County. Sometimes mistakenly called a prairie dog, Beldings live in communities and can destroy a pasture in no time. They love alfalfa. Modoc County, up near the borders of Oregon and Nevada, is loaded with fields torn up by these "squeakers," a name they earned by the whistling, squeaking sound they make. 

Native to the northwestern United States, the Belding's ground squirrel range covers northeastern Oregon and part of Washington, north California, southwestern Idaho, north and central Nevada, and northwestern Utah. These animals are most abundant at higher altitudes, occurring in alpine and subalpine meadows. 

They also inhabit sagebrush flats, brush/grass habitats, and cultivated areas at lower elevations. Ground squirrels are largely restricted to open areas with enough fresh vegetation and water. They do not live in dense forests, tall grasses, rocky slopes, or thick shrubbery, as they cannot watch for predators. In addition, they do not prefer grass that is too short, as they cannot hide from predators.

Stacie and I love to eradicate these critters for ranchers in the area. We shoot .22s sometimes, but usually our weapon of choice is a .17 HMR varmint round. Non-lead, of course, in California. Stacie shoots a Savage Model 99, and I shoot a custom Ruger Model 77. Typically, we like close-in shots (less than 100 yards) to ensure a clean kill.  But we do stretch out on calm days to longer distances. 

What is really cool is  that this whole area  is full of predatory birds like hawks and Bald Eagles.  They eat what we shoot!

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LONG RANGE RIFLE SHOOTING TIPS

DIALING IN YOUR GUN/SCOPE 

7 SIMPLE TIPS FOR STRETCHING YOUR SHOOTING.

By Del Albright

I have 60 years of shooting experience, but only recently have I stretched out to 1000 yards.  I learned some simple tips to help you do the same.

First, there can be no doubt that practice makes perfect.  You have to practice with your rifle of choice and master your trigger pull and eliminate the flinch.

A good scope is essential. Dialable turrets are key to small target center punching at long distances.

Here, in simple form, are the tips I can pass on from taking Dan Angel's Firearm Instruction near Willows, CA (https://angelsfirearmsinstruction.com/).

1. If you're a hunter, use the gun and scope you will hunt with.

2. Get a turret type scope, 3, or 4 power by 14 - 20 power variable.

3. Pick a bullet/brand and stick with it.  Know the ballistics (unless it just won't shoot in your gun.)

4. Master the 100-yard range.  Yes, 100-yards. Start there.  After that, the scope and your ballistics chart do all the work.  Get to where you can consistently punch out the center of a 100-yard target, 3 to 5 shot groups.  You should strive to achieve a 1-inch shot group at 100 yards. 

5. Never shoot unless you are steady and comfortable.  Sandbags, bipods, shooting tripods, you name it -- they all can move. Just don't pull that trigger until you're rock solid.

6. Take a course from professionals.  Spend the time and money to get hands-on training.

7.  Lastly, learn to read the wind as best you can.  Watch YouTube vids, listen to professionals like the staff of Angel's training course. Wind makes all the difference at long distances.

Finally, I will ask you to ALWAYS take into consideration the ethics of shooting and hunting. Just because you become a 1000-yard shooter doesn't mean you should try to take game at that range.  Know your shooting and be steadfast in your ethics.  

Maybe you are that guy who can consider all the variables and ethically take that 1000-yard shot on a buck or elk. Most of us are not and just enjoy punching targets at long range. So please be smart about your shots.

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Get Long-Range Training here: https://angelsfirearmsinstruction.com/

Del