We were in the Grand river national grassland, opening weekend of the 2004 prairie dog season. It was 26 degrees in the tent when I got up to make coffee. As usual things got turned around due to wind shifting and cattle being rounded up and it was cold. After a new set up and some ok shooting we settled into a day of shooting gradually moving from 22 lr to 22 Hornets and .223. I always take my 26-06 or long Range shooting. About 1:30 the wind changed again requiring us to reposition on the down wind side of the town but the sun came out and seemed to warm thing up. My son was on his first PD shoot he was having a good time as we all were. This was not a 250 round day but one of relaxed shooting with plenty of time to tell stories and drink plenty of coke. About 5:00 I was tired. Looking around at our set up I began picking up and repacking the truck.. I got on my binoculars again and spotted a Prairie dog on the other side of the pasture, just below the crest. By this time the other guys and my son are on their way back. I called to Martin, and gave him the Binoculars, giving him some idea where to look, He found the target.
Meanwhile Im getting out the 25-06. A Ruger M77mkII hand-loaded with100 gr. Spbt it is a game getter. I set up on my day bag to make the shot. I estimate the shot to be 500 yards, and ask Martin to tell me where I hit so I can be walked in. With the two of them watching ,the pressure is on. Turning the scope all the way up to 9 power I find the dog place the cross hairs on the top of his head. Then higher--- I get this wild idea not to think about the shot just let the onboard trajectory computer do the work. I was actually able to see the impact after recovering from the recoil. Way cool, not only is it a long shot worthy of telling, I have got witness. It does not get much better than that.
The optical range finder says over 500 yards, Stepping it off indicated 534 yards, Ill claim 500.
Whats it all mean, I dont know. Accept there is no substitute for trigger time and shooting experience. Was it lucky? You Bet. Would I shoot an Antelope or Mule Deer out that far, no way. Did it prove the old man still has a few tricks up his sleeve a resounding YES !
Longwalker
