Hello, I am new to this forum. I am an avid shotgunner and like to shoot varmints.

I just got back sunday from the Klamath Basin on a trip to shoot rats. Apparently the winter really took its toll on the rats, as those in the valley were nonexistent. We hunted a number of alfalfa fields and really spent time glassing. No rats or sign of them.

We then traveled to our old stomping grounds east of Klamath and did find a few. But the Rockchucks were plentiful, as we had not hunted that area in three seasons. I was shooting a 223 with target knobs on the scope and using a rangefinder. We would set up so we could see the dens and spot with a spotting scope. The normal ranges were around 200 yards. The wind was either blowing at our backs or blowing in our faces, depending on where we set up. Problems with the wind became quite apparent, although I have had many years of experience shooting in the windy conditions.

The wind was raising the bullet at 200 yards enough to shoot over the mature chucks. I finally had to adjust the scope to a 100 yard setting to make those kills. I have had similar experiences over the years, but this was the most difficult.

Anyway, I ended up shooting 33 chucks on friday afternoon and saturday. Just like the old days.

Thanks for having such a nice shooting forum.

Fred

Welcome to the forum Fred. Rules are simple, be nice and join in.

It sounds like you had a great time. Over here in Idaho our ground squirrels have really suffered the last few years and I'm hoping to get out and get into the high country as soon as the snow goes off.

I shoot a 204 Ruger and a couple of 243's for that duty. I sure wish we had more rock chucks over here.

Bob, Thanks. I also have a HB 243 and wish I had taken it along. It overcomes the effects of the wind quite well. I have been hunting these chucks for about 15 years and really learned a lot. The 5 years prior to outright hunting them, we only shot an incidental few each season. I finally learned what it takes to search them out. Plenty of patience. Lots of time, we get out on foot to check the likely dens. Of course, when you see lots of droppings from the chucks, you can get an idea of the populations. We will sometimes sit in one spot for a couple hours to shoot 3 or 4 chucks. Other times it seems like we can't keep the guns loaded. When things are slow, we might only see the head of a chuck. If not prepared to shoot, they will disappear quickly.

Sure is a great outdoor activity.

i would love to get some, now i have herd that farmers will let you hunt in klamith fall is this bull or can you drive to klamith and get permishion??? timmy