South Dakota Prairie Dog Hunting
Prairie Dog Hunting in South Dakota
Found throughout western South Dakota, these small, gregarious rodents subsist on prairie grasses and can be an irritant to stockmen whose cattle compete with the grass-eaters. Prairie dogs prefer large basins, flat pastures and rolling hills.
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South Dakota Prarie Dog Hunting
Prairie Dogs can be found on South Dakota’s five western Native American reservations: Standing Rock, Cheyenne River, Lower Brule, Pine Ridge and Rosebud. In addition, they can be hunted on South Dakota’s three national grasslands: Grand River, Buffalo Gap and Fort Pierre.
Prairie dogs are burrowing rodents (not actually dogs) native to the grasslands of North America. There are five different species of prairie dogs: black-tailed, white-tailed, Gunnison, Utah, and Mexican prairie dogs. On average, these stout-bodied rodents will grow to be between 12-16 in long, including the short tail and weigh between 1-3 lb.
The highly social prairie dogs live in large colonies or "towns" - collections of prairie dog families that can span hundreds of acres. Families usually consist of 1 male and 2 to 4 females living in a strict social hierarchy. Prairie dog pups reach sexual maturity at about 3 years of age, and after their third winter the dominant male in a given family will drive them away, forcing them to establish their own families on the edges of the colony.
The dominant male will defend the family's borders against rival prairie dogs, and disputes are resolved by fighting. Prairie dogs are also aggressive against predators such as badgers and snakes. Prairie dogs are social animals, however, and often make social visits with each other, and greet each other with a sort of kiss.
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South Dakota Hunting provides information on Pheasant Hunting, big game hunting, small game hunting, waterfowl hunting, and predator hunting. If you are looking for a professional outfitter to guide you on your hunt, South Daktoa Outfitters is where you will find it.
