We examine the 7 Best Scopes For Prairie Dog Hunting nowadays. An excellent scope is essential for a successful hunt when hunting prairie dogs. To satisfy the requirements of this distinct hunting method, a decent rifle scope for prairie dog hunting should have the ideal balance of flexibility, durability, magnification, reticle design, and clarity.
The 7 Best Scopes For Prairie Dog Hunting is a popular and enjoyable pastime. If you have the proper equipment, the activity becomes more successful and enjoyable. The appropriate riflescope is one of those. Whether you fill a tag or return home empty-handed depends on the scope you have. Having the greatest one is therefore crucial.
7 Best Scopes For Prairie Dog Hunting
1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane (FFP) riflescope series is a highly-regarded choice for precision shooters and hunters seeking exceptional clarity, durability, and performance.
The reticle stays proportionate to the target at all magnification levels thanks to the FFP design. This feature is perfect for long-range shooting since it makes holdover and windage corrections easier. With its XDTM (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and completely multi-coated lenses, the Viper PST Gen II offers exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, color accuracy, and image clarity. The exclusive XR™ coatings improve light transmission and provide better performance in low light.
The exposed turrets have tactile and audible clicks for windage and elevation, allowing for accurate adjustments. Even in difficult situations, shooters may easily return to zero thanks to the RZR Zero Stop system. Furthermore, the reticles are laser-etched onto the glass, guaranteeing precision and longevity.
The scope is lightweight and sturdy, made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum. Because it is O-ring sealed and argon gas purged, its performance is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof. The hard anodized surface reduces glare and increases scratch resistance.
Features & pros
- Inches of eye relief
- Over 150 hours of battery efficiency
- Elevation and windage turrets with grooves
- Matte black appearance
- One-piece tube
- Shock, fog, and water resistant
- Ten brightness settings for the VMR-2 MOA reticle
- Robust construction quality
- Excellent eye relief
- Quite light
- Turret settings that are precise
Cons
- Pricey
2. Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Riflescope is a multipurpose sight made to satisfy hunters’ and shooters’ demands for dependable performance at an affordable price. The Crossfire II offers versatility for both long-distance and close-range shooting because to its 4–12x zoom range. This makes it perfect for target shooting and medium-to-large game hunting.
Even in low light situations like dawn and dusk, the 44mm objective lens provides enough light transmission for sharp, vivid photographs. The Crossfire II is fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof, and it is made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum. Consistent performance across a range of environments is guaranteed by these features. Sharp, high-contrast images are produced by fully multi-coated lenses, which improve light transmission and lessen glare. Quick and accurate reticle adjustments are made possible by the fast-focus eyepiece, ensuring precision at all times.
The Dead-Hold BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle helps eliminate guesswork on holdover and windage corrections, making it particularly useful for shooting at varying distances.
Features & pros
- Completely multi-coated lenses
- BDC reticle in dead-hold
- MOA turrets that can be reset
- One-piece tube
- made of aluminum of aircraft quality
- Extended eye relief
- Finish that is hard anodized
- Broad field of vision
- Fully waterproof
Cons
- Heavy
3. Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APLR2 Rifle Scope
The Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APLR2 Rifle Scope from Athlon Optics is a high-performance, multipurpose scope made for hunting and long-range precision shooting. The scope’s fully multi-coated lenses produce bright, crisp images and greatly enhance light transmission. When hunting in low light, like at dawn or dusk, this ability is especially helpful.
The APLR2 lighted reticle can scale with magnification because it is situated in the first focal plane. It is perfect for long-range shooting since it guarantees precise holdovers and windage adjustments at all power settings. Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum tube, the Argos BTR Gen II is made to endure challenging conditions. Additionally, it is completely waterproof and nitrogen-purged for fog-proofing, guaranteeing dependability in harsh weather.
Features & pros
- Illuminated reticle
- 6-24x adjustable range
- Waterproof, Fogproof, and Shockproof
- Affordable Price
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Single-piece 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- Features exposed tactical-style turrets
- Side focus knob provides parallax adjustment
Cons
- It is not on par with premium scopes
4. Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope is a high-end sight made to satisfy hunters’ and shooters’ demands for accuracy, dependability, and affordability. This riflescope is perfect for long-range shooting since it combines excellent optical qualities with a flexible magnification range.
The 4-16x magnification range provides flexibility for both mid-range and long-range engagements. The 44mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission, delivering bright and clear images even in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk.
In order to provide crisp and vibrant images, fully multi-coated lenses improve light transmission and reduce glare. Consistent image quality is maintained throughout the magnification range using the precision-glide erector technology. The single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube of the Diamondback is designed to endure harsh field conditions. Because it is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, this tough design is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof.
Features & pros
- Adaptable 4–16x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- The first reticle in the focal plane
- Eyepiece with fast focus
- Composed of aluminum of aviation quality
- Completely multi-coated lenses
- Finish that is hard anodized
- ED glass components
- Design that is intuitive
- Extensive eye relief
- Views that are clear and bright
Cons
- Relatively heavy
5. ZEISS Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope
The ZEISS Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope is a premium optic designed for precision shooters and hunters who demand performance in challenging conditions.
The ability to adapt to different distances makes the 6-24x magnification perfect for long-range shooting. The magnification range guarantees versatility whether shooting prairie dogs at long range or focusing on far-off targets during competitive shooting. Even in low-light situations, like dawn and dusk, the big 50mm objective lens optimizes light transmission to produce bright and clear photos. This guarantees that no matter the lighting, you never pass up an opportunity.
Throughout the magnification range, the reticle’s size stays constant, enabling accurate holdover and windage adjustments without reticle distortion. For hunters and target shooters who value accurate aiming positions, this function is especially helpful. Shooters can make fast and exact corrections because to the exposed elevation turrets’ precise adjustments, which come with tactile and audible clicks. A crucial component of repeating precision is the Ballistic Stop’s dependable return to zero.
Features & pros
- 6-24x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Windage adjustments without reticle distortion
- External Elevation Turrets and Ballistic Stop
- 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
6. Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52mm Side Focus Riflescope
A high-end scope made to satisfy the needs of hunters and precision shooters is the Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52mm Side Focus Riflescope. The VX-5HD offers exceptional low-light performance, vibrant color reproduction, and edge-to-edge clarity. It is perfect for long-range shooting and hunting at dawn or twilight because of its high-definition glass, which guarantees crisp visuals.
The “HD” in VX-5HD stands for High Definition, which means the scope features advanced optical systems that deliver exceptional image quality. The proprietary Twilight Max HD Light Management System enhances low-light performance, providing bright and crisp visuals during dawn or dusk when game is most active.
The huge 52mm objective lens collects a lot of light, which enhances performance in low light. Additionally, its broad field of view enables quicker target acquisition. Shooters may prevent parallax mistakes with the side focus feature, which guarantees that the reticle stays steady on the target even at long range. The location of this adjustment makes it easy to fine-tune quickly and accurately.
Leupold’s Custom Dial System, which is included with the VX-5HD, allows shooters to customize their elevation turret according to the ballistics of their rifle. Because of this feature, holdovers are no longer necessary, enabling simple dialing for long-range precision. Constructed with the renowned workmanship of Leupold, the VX-5HD is shockproof, fog-proof, waterproof, and durable. It has been verified to function in harsh environments, guaranteeing dependability in every setting.
Features & pros
- Offers a wide magnification range of 4-20x
- High Definition
- 52mm Objective Lens
- Side Focus Parallax Adjustment
- Custom Dial System
- Fog-proof, and shockproof
- ZeroLock Windage and Elevation Knobs
- Reticle is illuminated
Cons
- Pricey
7. Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Riflescope
The Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Riflescope is a high-performance optic designed for hunters, tactical shooters, and precision enthusiasts. It offers a combination of rugged construction, advanced optics, and ease of use, making it a great choice for those who seek reliable long-range performance in various environmental conditions.
With its broad 6x to 24x magnification range, the Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm makes it simple for users to transition between close-up and long-range shooting. This adaptability is especially useful for hunting at different distances, from medium-range shots to those that need accuracy at long ranges.
The Engage riflescope’s 50mm objective lens offers superior light transmission, producing sharp, crisp images even in dimly lit environments like dawn or dusk. For hunters who frequently shoot in difficult lighting conditions, the bigger objective lens helps collect more light.
The side parallax adjustment feature allows users to eliminate parallax at various distances, ensuring that the reticle remains in focus regardless of the target’s distance. This is an essential feature for long-range shooting, where parallax can significantly affect accuracy.
The Bushnell Engage riflescope is equipped with Exo Barrier coating, which is a protective layer designed to repel water, oil, and dirt. This hydrophobic coating helps keep the lenses clean and clear, even in wet or muddy conditions, ensuring optimal performance in all environments.
Features & pros
- Use the MOA reticle.
- Completely multi-coated lenses
- Turret locking
- Eyepiece with fast focus
- Adjusting the side focus parallax
- Elevation turrets and tactile windage
- Five inches of eye relief
- Eye box that is comfortable
- The reticle’s design is excellent.
- Outstanding quality of glass
- Simple modifications
Cons
- Absence of reticle lighting
Factors to consider when choosing the 7 Best Scopes For Prairie Dog Hunting
Magnification
Prairie dog hunting typically involves long-range shooting, so magnification is a critical factor. A scope with adjustable magnification, such as a 3-9x or 4-12x, is ideal for prairie dog hunting. A higher magnification allows for precise targeting at distances ranging from 100 to 500 yards or more. However, an excessive magnification may make it harder to locate the target, especially in windy conditions. Consider a scope with a variable zoom range, like 4-16x, to offer flexibility for different distances.
Objective Lens
The objective lens size influences how much light the scope can gather, which affects image clarity and brightness. For prairie dog hunting, where you often shoot in wide-open fields with varying light conditions, a larger objective lens (40mm to 50mm) is beneficial. Larger lenses gather more light, offering better clarity and brighter images, especially in low-light environments like dawn or dusk.
Durability
In prairie dog hunting, you may face challenging weather conditions, such as wind, rain, or dust. A scope with durable construction and weatherproofing is essential. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant to withstand the elements. A well-sealed scope will ensure consistent performance and protect against internal fogging.
Field of View
A wide field of view helps you spot prairie dogs more easily, especially when they pop up unexpectedly. A larger FOV allows for better situational awareness, helping you track fast-moving targets. A scope with a good FOV at lower magnifications (e.g., 10-15 feet at 100 yards) is particularly useful for spotting and tracking prairie dogs across open fields.
Weight and Size
Weight and size are important factors, especially if you plan to hike across the prairie or carry your rifle for long distances. A lightweight and compact scope will help reduce fatigue while maintaining accuracy and performance. Avoid overly heavy scopes that could add unnecessary bulk to your setup.
Reticle Type
The reticle, or crosshair, plays a significant role in aiming accuracy. For prairie dog hunting, a fine reticle such as a duplex or Mil-dot is recommended. The Mil-dot reticle is particularly useful for ranging and compensating for bullet drop over long distances. Some scopes come with illuminated reticles, which can enhance visibility in low-light conditions, although this feature is not always necessary for daytime prairie dog hunting.
Read Also:
7 Best Scopes For Prairie Dog Hunting FAQs
- Which reticle is ideal for hunting prairie dogs?
It is frequently advised to use a Mil-Dot or fine crosshair reticle for hunting prairie dogs. These reticles make it easier to estimate range and aid in pinpoint accuracy, which makes them appropriate for long-range shooting at small targets.
- How much eye relief should a prairie dog hunting scope have?
For prairie dog hunting, 3 to 4 inches of eye relief is ideal. In addition to offering a sharper visual picture, particularly at higher magnifications, this guarantees comfort over prolonged usage.
- Can I hunt prairie dogs with a rimfire scope?
A centerfire rifle sight with higher magnification and more accurate adjustments is advised for the greatest results when hunting prairie dogs at longer ranges, even though some rimfire scopes might be effective for shorter distances.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you learn more about the 7 Best Scopes For Prairie Dog Hunting. A successful hunting experience depends on having the appropriate scope. There are good mid-range alternatives that successfully strike a compromise between price and performance, even though higher-end scopes offer better clarity and functionality.