Adventure Outdoors Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 109

FOR THE IDOL SPORTSMAN ///////// Ever gone varmint hunting? Tried chasing down a wild boar? What about taking down a coyote or a bobcat? It’s time to test your skills against the 5 most satisfying summer hunts you’ll ever experience, so grab your gear and get going! Varmint hunting is perfect for summer. Varmints are unprotected species that can be hunted year round in most states. These animals in- clude but are not limited to: squirrels, prairie dogs, rabbits, feral hogs, woodchucks, and rac- coons. Regulations on these hunts only appear if you’re looking to hunt in a concurrent season. Since every state has different rules, it is impor- tant that you check with your state’s hunting and wildlife websites. Varmint hunting is extremely exciting. Take squirrels, for example. These critters are small and fast, making the hunt challenging and quite enjoyable. Many of us think whitetails when we hear the word “hunt,” but bushytails can be just as gratifying. All you need is your basic rifle and some patience. Prairie dogs are also a popular summer pick for practice. These rascals are popping up all over the country, but if you’re wanting to make a summer hunting vacation out of it, try taking a road trip to your nearest dog town, a desig- nated hunting ground for prairie dogs. Ne- braska and Texas are great states for prairie dog hunting, with outfitters and ranches avail- able for year-round booking. Again, all you need to have some fun with these guys is a reg- ular old rifle and plenty of ammo.