Scope It Out: Best Hunting Optics for Prairie Dog

When it comes to hunts that require extreme precision and long ranges, prairie dog hunting all but takes the cake.

When shooting prairie dogs, you will typically sit several hundred yards away from tiny varmints out on open prairies, which is what makes the hunt particularly challenging for shooters, with accurate shots at small silhouettes being more difficult than you might think. 

At UUQ, we know that the right scope can make the difference on any hunt, but in some cases, quality optics can make or break a day in the field.  

So, we’ve decided to break down what exactly makes the perfect prairie dog hunting scope, from high magnification to fine reticles, and then highlight the best rifle scopes we have in our UUQ arsenal that will give you the best chance at hitting that perfect shot.

 

What to Look For in a Prairie Dog Hunting Scope

Now, before we dive into the four UUQ optics that we think are the perfect fit for prairie dog hunts, we must first understand the contributing factors behind our recommendations. 

High Magnification Range

First off, as we already mentioned, prairie dogs are just about the small game you can hunt, and 

more often than not, your shooting must be done at a long distance. 

Keeping that in mind, a scope with 12x, 16x, or even 24x on the high end is probably your best bet for picking out and hitting prairie dogs at that 200–500 yard range. You don’t want to make the mistake of not having a scope with enough range.

A variable zoom can also be a viable option, as you can dial it down to mid-magnifications (around 4x–6x), which can be useful for closer shots and general scanning for dogs.

Optical Clarity & Objective Lens Size

Next, having crystal-clear glass and high-quality lens coatings is always a plus when it comes to distinguishing prairie dogs from dirt and grass. Having a clear line of sight is also extremely important when it comes to hunter safety, especially when hunting in groups.

Fully multi-coated lenses and a large objective lens (40–50mm or more) offer a brighter line of sight and overall better resolution when shooting. 

Now, while a larger lens can also add weight, it does improve visibility if you’re hunting during the early morning hours or if you’re on a late afternoon hunt.

Precise Reticle

When it comes to reticles, this can often come down to hunter preference, but the general consensus is that fine reticles are most common when hunting prairie dogs.

This is due to the fact that a fine reticle is best not to obscure your target, which is extremely important when hunting small prairie dogs at range. Mil-dot and rangefinder-style reticles are also ideal for making accurate holdovers. 

A BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle is another option that provides distance references, which can be extremely useful in the field. 

If you prefer an early morning or late afternoon hunt, illuminated reticle options are quite popular as they can help in low-light situations. Just keep in mind that they are all but ineffective in full daylight. 

Parallax Adjustment

Parallax error can impact your aim at long distances, so a good prairie dog scope should have an adjustable objective (AO) or side-focus knob to fine-tune parallax for varied shooting distances.

Turret Precision

Reliable turrets are another important feature to consider. You’ll want 1/4 MOA click adjustments that are tactile and repeatable. 

Whether dialing for elevation or zeroing your scope, you should be able to count on your adjustments holding true if you want to hit your shots.

Durability & Weather Resistance

Lastly, nothing is worse than having a scope fail on you after getting all the way out on a hunt.

Quality scopes should be shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. Prairie dog hunting often takes place in the hot sun and dusty fields. UUQ scopes feature top-of-the-line nitrogen-purged tubes and sealed internals, so you can trust that your optic will remain clear and consistent throughout your hunt.

 

Top UUQ Scopes for Prairie Dog Hunting

Now that we’ve got a grip on the basics needed for a reliable, quality scope for prairie dog hunting, we can get into the fun stuff.

Based on what we have already covered, these are the UUQ optics we determined would be best for prairie dog hunting. Each model balances magnification, clarity, and field reliability.

UUQ 6-24x50 AO Rifle Scope: Best for Long-Range Precision

Our first option boasts a 6–24x magnification range that is ideal for hitting targets 300+ yards away, such as prairie dogs. 

The 50mm objective and fully multi-coated optics give you sharp visibility at long distances. The scope features an illuminated rangefinder-style reticle as well, with an AO for parallax correction. 

Shock-resistant and built with 1/4 MOA turrets, this optics is a go-to choice for long-range varmint control or just shooting fun.

Key Features

• 6–24x magnification

• 50mm objective, multi-coated lenses

• Illuminated reticle with holdover marks

• Adjustable objective for parallax correction

• 1/4 MOA turret adjustments

 

UUQ 4-16x44 AO SFP Rifle Scope: Best Mid-to-Long Range Versatility

Next up, the 4–16x magnification range on this scope makes for a more flexible option when it comes to hunting prairie dogs at various ranges. 

Its 44mm objective lens delivers brightness without the extra weight, and the mil-dot second focal plane reticle offers amazingly precise aiming points. On top of that, the AO feature all but guarantees that parallax is never a problem. 

Rugged and fogproof, this scope excels on rifles like a .223 Rem or .22-250.

Key Features

• 4–16x zoom

• 44mm objective, fully multi-coated glass

• Mil-dot SFP reticle with red/green illumination

• Adjustable objective for parallax

• 1/4 MOA windage/elevation turrets

 

UUQ 3-9x50 VibeShield SFP Rifle Scope: Best for Moderate Ranges

Another solid option for shooters staying within the 100–300 yards range, this 3-9x scope offers a larger 50mm objective for excellent light transmission. 

It also features a BDC reticle with red/green illumination, which is perfect for varying holdovers without touching the turrets. 

Fixed parallax at 100 yards keeps things simple, and the reinforced VibeShield design means it holds zero even under heavy use.

Key Features

• 3–9x magnification

• 50mm objective with glare-reducing coatings

• BDC reticle with illumination

• Fixed parallax at 100 yards

• Shockproof and sealed for durability

 

UUQ 3-9x32 AO Compact Rifle Scope: Best Lightweight and Budget Option

Last on our list, being both compact and affordable, this scope is an amazing option for rimfires or shorter-range prairie dog control and hunting. 

The 3-9x range offers some great versatility, and the 32mm lens keeps the weight on the lower side. 

Despite the compact size, it does still include an AO for parallax correction and a rangefinder-style reticle with red, green, and blue illumination. 

It’s nitrogen-filled, shockproof, and includes mounting rings.

Key Features

• 3–9x magnification

• 32mm objective, multi-coated optics

• Illuminated rangefinder reticle

• Adjustable objective

• Lightweight and easy to mount

 

Final Sights

It all comes down to precision and consistency when prairie dog hunting, and nothing makes more of a difference than having the right scope that ensures that every shot you take counts. 

From high-magnification setups like the 6-24x50 to compact options like the 3-9x32 AO, we offer optics for every varmint hunter’s needs here at UUQ. 

All UUQ scopes feature dependable construction, bright optics, and the technical features that modern-day hunters need in the field and look for in their optics.

So, whether you’re scoping out prairie dogs at 500 yards or managing pests at 150, there’s a UUQ scope ready to elevate your shooting experience and either get the job done quicker or allow you to hit more of those shots and impress your group. 

Check out the full selection now in our shop, and start tagging prairie dogs with precision.