Early Rock Chuck

[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.

[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...

[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".

[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.

[Rick in Oregon]

Sooooon.......



Now all we need is sunshine and a few more weeks....tick-tock.....

[Bill 204]

I am ready and looking forward to this years crop.