In 2009, my friend Dick (Sixshot) invited me to Soda Springs, Idaho to shoot some rockchucks. Now, I'm no stranger to shooting the occasional groundhog in the eastern U.S., as you can see:



But I had no idea what was awaiting me in Sixshot's part of the world. Now, Dick is a very well known and likeable fellow. He has also worked and coached ball in the Soda Springs area for many many years, and was the sparkplug that developed the area's range and shooting facility. This community involvement has given him access to an unbelievable amount of local property for hunting.
In about 8 hours of hunting on 3 properties spread over 2 days, I shot 32 rockchucks, at distances out to 340 yards. Here, we paused for a break after about 20. At this point, I was using my Remington Custom Shop XP-100 in .223 Rem.



We even learned conclusively that a .500 WE with a 350 XTP @ 1350 fps will definitely kill rockchucks. Here's part of the evidence:


Sixshot even got excited the 2nd morning and leveled his 5 1/2" Lipsey's .44 Special at a running rockchuck at about 100 yds.


Later that day as we drove over to Freedom Arms, Sixshot said " I wish you could stay longer, we could REALLY find some rockchucks..." And he said it with a straight face!

Sounds as if that was a very fun trip! Congrats on the whack'n and stack'n with the chucks!

Looks like a 'blast'!

That hunt with Ken went way too fast, next time we'll run the numbers up a little! He's a terrific shooter by the way, both revolver & SS.

Dick

Sounds like you guys had a blast. Thanks for sharing the story and pics. I've only ever seen a Rockchuck ONCE and that was in Custer State Park in South Dakota's Black Hills. However I have been known to shoot a Prairie Dog or two in my day.

Larry

You know Dick is good when he is fanning his 44sp on a Chuck at 100 yards! And well Ken is obviously sporting taking the little ones with the wheelgun because the big ones were to easy...

Ken I hope you make the Holiday this year, hanging out with Dick is as good as it gets and your absence was notable last year. I doubt the chucks will be very thick but I bet there will be pleanty of steel to ring there...

Thanks, Bill. Kay is doing much better these days, and I'm planning to be there, Lord willing.
Yep, that 350 XTP weighed about as much as that rockchuck !

Looks like both of you had a good time! Great shooting too!

Sounds like a fun time!

very cool!

Good story, good shooting and good pictures.
Sounds like a great time was enjoyed by all.
I have shot rockchucks just one time with Steve.
We were above tree-line in the Sangre De Cristo mountain range. We had to pack in to get there.
Not nearly the numbers you guys are doing-Wow!
I surely want to do that again at some point in the future.

That look's like a lot of fun.

Yes, it was a great outing.
Ernie, I'm planning to be in the Gillette area sometime in October. Perhaps we can meet and visit for a little while.

I would enjoy that.
my home # is 307-257-7431