Wow, Dave! *smacks self on forehead* Now that I know that, I'm reversing my POV on gun safety. In fact, I'd like to propose that WalMart start selling 200-round big base drum mags, .50 machine guns, and RPGs — and stock 'em in the $1 bin so even the homeless can afford it! Butt pads, indeed.

That's not hunting. That's just killing for the sake of killing.

But oh so efficiently. And ain't that the point?

I will say that I have a friend in GA that hunts wild hogs and it's for meat and to control the hog population. The way he explains it is that each sow can have 2 liters of 12 or more each year. They are overpopulating the countryside where he lives and in many other parts of GA. ... to the point the state has declared them vermin and you can hunt them year around wo a permit and they don't care how they're disposed of. Reason he got into it is they were destroying his deer hunting spot. Again he does hunt for meat to stock his freezer... and I'm sure he would cry if he got a 12 pointer !

I'm not defending hunting per se (I am not a hunter and never want to be) but there are some legit reasons for some hunting of certain animals. I do think it's sick if someone goes out to kill just "for fun". To go for meat or trophies is legit reason although I don't care for it... but I don't consider it "sick". The prairie dog and coyote killing above is not "hunting" to me. I got a gopher problem in my yard.. the little bastids !! ... anyone know how to contact Bill Murray ?

You are correct 100% in your statement.

I've not lived on an area that was populated with prairie dogs. But from what I've heard ranchers talk in western ks they are a problem in some areas . Around here in SE ks the deer are numerous. Driving can be hazardous .

Also deer and geese can devastate a crop . I've seen deer in groups of 20 .

Dave

I don't live in the area so will let those who do determine what equipment works best.

Dave

I'm in agreement with "thinning the herd" for certain animals.
Hunting isn't the problem.
Well... hunting "animals" isn't the problem.

I've not lived on an area that was populated with prairie dogs. But from what I've heard ranchers talk in western ks they are a problem in some areas .

The problem MrB , from my understanding is;
Prairie dogs or any similar animal - The ranchers cattle and horses will step into the prairie dogs (burrow) and break a leg . Now the rancher has to put down (shoot) the animal before it becomes a marketed value, if there is a infestation of prairie dogs, the rancher can lose tons of money on lost investment , it takes time to grow cattle.

Good point. The ranchers need ARs to put down more hobbled livestock, too.