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Early Rock Chuck
Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2026 10:55 am
by Bill 204
Day before yesterday I saw a Rock Chuck out sunning on top of rock pile in a known location, but also where you just can not shoot. First time I have seen one out this in the year, I thought. But neat to see regardless, might be a sign of a good season approaching.

Re: Early Rock Chuck
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2026 9:03 am
by MTPaul
Bill - Yes indeed! Perhaps a harbinger of things to come?

While I have yet to see any sort of small furry creatures (Richardson's Ground Squirrels, Prairie Dogs, Rock Chucks, etc.) scurrying about, with the warm temperatures we have experienced this winter in SW MT, it probably won't be too much longer before they emerge from their long winter slumber. In the meantime, I like many, am in the process of making ready for the time they show up...

Re: Early Rock Chuck
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2026 12:40 pm
by Rick in Oregon
Well it's late January and so far, I have not seen any chucks here yet, but as Paul mentioned, with this unseasonably warm weather this 'winter', they'll be up soon.
I check my "chuck barometer" weekly near home. I expect in two or three weeks, they'll be up sunning themselves outside their dens. Here's a few from last year with dens in my chuck barometer.....
Early last year, this young pup came up for a look-about:
And our buddy "Skippy the Flying Squirrel" should be up very soon too. Right now I'm in my gun room seating 32gr Nosler Ballistic Silvertips over RL-7 for my Cooper 20VT for the upcoming season to be ready for the fun to start.
Tick-tock.....won't be too much longer now.
Last month I finished up all my 204 cases and have 1,200 rounds ready with 32gr and 39 gr bullets for "fun with rodents".

Re: Early Rock Chuck
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2026 8:51 am
by Bill 204
I think the same unless weather takes a dive in Feb/Mar and keeps them down longer. TIme will tell. And Thanks RIck for the photos, always enjoy your shutterbug shots.

Re: Early Rock Chuck
Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2026 11:00 am
by Rick in Oregon
Sooooon.......
Now all we need is sunshine and a few more weeks....tick-tock.....

Re: Early Rock Chuck
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2026 8:30 am
by Bill 204
I am ready and looking forward to this years crop.
