2026 17HMR hunting pictures.

[Sieg]

Also, the number of times we've hammered 100+ sage rats in the 70-140yd range and took a break to walk the field of fire and inspect the carnage only to find less than 50% of the KIA are above ground. Those cannibals are very stealth too; we (4 or 5 of us) don't observe that many body-snatchers in the act.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Also, the number of times we've hammered 100+ sage rats in the 70-140yd range and took a break to walk the field of fire and inspect the carnage only to find less than 50% of the KIA are above ground. Those cannibals are very stealth too; we (4 or 5 of us) don't observe that many body-snatchers in the act.

Yup, seen the same thing in the rat patch over the years.

There's another reason we always don't see the carnage. Sometimes the rat being mortally wounded still gets to their hole, but not really intact:



Then other times we've seen this.....he made it to his hole, but left some critical body parts outside in his rush to bail inside:



I hate to see any animal suffer, even the lowly sage rat. Quick exploding hits with a nice high launch factor is where it's at.



It seems they enjoy eating their moribund buddies, and it not, the raptors make short work of whatever's left. Cleanup on aisle six!

 

[M_Strohmeyer]

Yup, seen the same thing in the rat patch over the years.

There's another reason we always don't see the carnage. Sometimes the rat being mortally wounded still gets to their hole, but not really intact:



Then other times we've seen this.....he made it to his hole, but left some critical body parts outside in his rush to bail inside:



I hate to see any animal suffer, even the lowly sage rat. Quick exploding hits with a nice high launch factor is where it's at.



It seems they enjoy eating their moribund buddies, and it not, the raptors make short work of whatever's left. Cleanup on aisle six!

Here in Idaho we have the Belding's ground squirrel as well as many other species. When I was introduced to the desert, I discovered ground squirrels. With 22 in hand I slaughtered thousands of them. I would pile the carcasses and draw the squirrels in for a feast. Always worked. I could sit in one place and watch the ground move with hungry squirrels. I measured a movement of one squirrel who traveled over 180 yards to get at my pile. I was impressed. Eric Mayer gave me this great book every squirrel hunter should get. Weatherproof pages makes it a must. Shows squirrels and the regions the inhabit on the pacific northwest.

 

[MTPaul]

Here in Idaho we have the Belding's ground squirrel as well as many other species. When I was introduced to the desert, I discovered ground squirrels. With 22 in hand I slaughtered thousands of them. I would pile the carcasses and draw the squirrels in for a feast. Always worked. I could sit in one place and watch the ground move with hungry squirrels. I measured a movement of one squirrel who traveled over 180 yards to get at my pile. I was impressed. Eric Mayer gave me this great book every squirrel hunter should get. Weatherproof pages makes it a must. Shows squirrels and the regions the inhabit on the pacific northwest.

While comprehensive this booklet leaves off an important ground dwelling squirrel found throughout many parts of Montana, the Richardson's Ground Squirrel. For those interested, this field guide provides a very good overview of the species; it's distribution and characteristics.

Richardson's Ground Squirrel - Montana Field Guide

fieldguide.mt.gov

 

[Sieg]

Oregon DFW website has this information:

Squirrels, Chipmunks and Marmots | Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife

Squirrels, chipmunks and marmots are found throughout Oregon.

myodfw.com

 

[M_Strohmeyer]

Scored another female today. Didn't grab a picture. Forgot my phone. To my surprise 2 new chucks moved in. One down one to go. The one I shot had a gorgeous coat, very long tail. Perfect for a taxidermy mount. Thinking about getting one made for a decoy.