It's January and I'm Going Ground Squirrel Hunting

[Eric M]

I'm headed down to Vegas for this year's SHOT Show. Afterwards, I'll be heading to Northern Nevada to go after badgers and Belding's Ground Squirrels! Since I hunt alfalfa farms, the landowners appreciate me hitting them early in the year. In years past, the squirrels haven't appeared until February. But, temps have been in the 50s for a couple of weeks, so I'm going prepared! The CZ .20 Ackley Hornet and Winchester XPert 17WSM should be getting a good workout!

The earliest ground squirrel I've taken here in Idaho is January 5th. Even as warm as this winter has been, it was raining the first week of 2026.

Any guesses on how many we'll get?

 

[Bullseye69]

Hopefully you get a couple hundred. Idk really I've never had the chance to shoot those so I'm not good at the numbers available.
But as long as the suns shinning I'm sure you'll have targets.
Ive shot PD in MT after shooting my Mule deer.
It was 19° out but the sun was shining and they can out for some 223 pistol fun.
Good luck, shoot straight!!