[theNoid]

So I live in Rock River, Wyoming and was wondering if any other Wyoming folk, or northern Colorado folks would be interested in a gathering sometime this spring maybe? I know it's a couple of months down the road but this gives us plenty of time to arrange and discuss things. I am open as for as location goes, but would like to mention we have plenty of open range and pDogs out here in the Rock River/Medicine Bow area. Anyone interested?

Noidster

[theNoid]

If interested, maybe throw in your thoughts for some of the days activities. I am open to bringing my grill and several pounds of Elk, Deer, and Antelope steaks if anyone would be interested such a thing.

Noidster

[The-Fly]

did someone say varmints ??? I'd definitely be interested.

[bl4ckd0g]

Lucky I caught this. I'm driving back from Chicago to Casper tomorrow and I'll probably be in WY for a few weeks before going back to work.

Since I sold my house last year (damn crumbling foundation), I'm also checking out some of the houses in the Medicine Bow / Hanna area.

Count me if in I can get time off.

[bl4ckd0g]

Might be a good idea to get access to the MacMurry pit on a weekend.

[TimM]

I would be extremely interested in a get together. Just give me a date.

[colonial shooter]

I would be interested also but am only free on Sat afternoons and Sundays. Live in Casper, but own property near Medicine Bow

[theNoid]

Well I think a Saturday would be best most likely, possibly having a few stay overnight for some Sunday fun as well. Up to you folks. If you have no probs with the Rock River area, let me know and I will get things going here and see what I can drum/plan up for us.

Noidster

[wyM1Aguy]

I think a get together would be great.

Actually I would really like to see an Appleseed shoot somewhere in SE WY or NE CO in 2008.

[rnr4me]

Wyo is home for me too, although I live in CO now days.

But yeah, I'd go for busting a few P-dogs or sumthin. I'll keep an eye on this one.

[theNoid]

Ok folks, I will indeed keep all of this in mind. I think once the snow melts and the temps start to rise again, I will put it all together. As long as nobody has any probs with it, I will base the fun out of Rock River, which is 40 miles north of Laramie on hwy30.

Chuck

[357fan]

I'd be up for something.

I'm about 4 hours away, in Ogallala, NE.

[bearmgc]

Noid, better check Wy regs for closed areas for Pdogs. Certain species are now on the endangered list, and hell if I can tell the difference between the species at several hundred yards. Don't want to see Fish and Game confiscating your rifles and hitting ya with fines. I live in Riverton. I'd love to come over just to shoot targets and eat burgers on the grill. Depends on my new work situation.

[rnr4me]

Actually the 10 western states are working keep them off the indangered list. Colorado has done a survey and they found many more than was estimated.

From the CO DOW site (http://wildlife.state.co.us/About/Reports/2002SpeciesConservation.htm)

The USFWS has listed the black-tailed prairie dog as a "candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA)." In response, Colorado and the 10 other states within the prairie dog's range are developing plans to conserve the species and prevent federal listing. A comprehensive, range-wide survey by the DOW determined that prairie dogs occupy about 631,000 acres in the state, more than six times the acreage reported by the National Wildlife Federation in its 2000 petition to the USFWS asking for a listing of the back-tailed prairie dog under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

From the WYO G&F site (http://gf.state.wy.us/services/news/newsletter/07/06/070607_6.asp) :

Question
Do I need a license to shoot prairie dogs?


Answer
No license is required to shoot prairie dogs and there is no closed season. However, there are some portions of the National Grasslands that are closed to prairie dog hunting. A map showing closed areas can be obtained from the National Grasslands office in Douglas, WY 307-358-4960. Also, to hunt prairie dogs on private lands, permission must be obtained from the landowner. Greatest densities of prairie dogs are found on private lands in eastern Wyoming.

[Toten Kopf]

My wife works at the Douglas Ranger District and the only thing thing that I've heard of as far as restictions go on P-Dogs is up in the Thunder Basin National Grasslands area but this is for the "Black Footed Ferret".

But please don't hold me to that as things do change. I would be another who would like to get together, please keep us informed of what you have planed.

Oh, it's good to have the USFS, BLM and State maps just to make sure that your "not" on someone elses property. And as far as food goes, I make wicked cherry and apple pies.

[bl4ckd0g]

Just set a date. I'm going to be drilling in Jonah, then Parachute, so I don't know when I'll be able to make out east.

[funfaler]

Actually I would really like to see an Appleseed shoot somewhere in SE WY or NE CO in 2008.

Having an Appleseed Weekend/THR get together is as simple as finding a location and letting me know. I will get the Appleseed folks there and get the details taken care of.

We just need a location. Appleseed Shoots travel very nicely;)

PM me for details and more info, but that would be a great location for an Appleseed.

[Hanzerik]

I'm up for a get together. Thinking a campout or just a one day fun shoot or something?

[Hanzerik]

Oh, I'm in Cheyenne, Active Duty so I may have to take leave if it falls on a date that I'm scheduled to work. As long as I have a month or so advanced notice I should be good. And can snag the truck from the wife to bring the camper trailer if needed.

[rnr4me]

Hey Noid.

Gettin warmer down here in CO. I know you still got a bunch of snow up there tho.

But the itch is gettin worse.:o

[fjlee]

Any dates or updated info yet regarding the Rock River WY "get-together"....?

FJ Lee Denver CO

[Dravur]

Im interested and in NOCO

[O C]

Post a schedule and they (me ) will come. O C

[xring44]

I've spent quite alot of time in the Rock springs, Rawlins area, a little time in the Laramie area, I envy you and those that get to make this get together, and the prarrie dog shooting is iceing on the cake. If it wasn't so far, I'd drive out. Have a safe and fun outting!

[Samuel Adams]

Brings back "fond" memories of my days at Francis Emory Warren Air Force Base. Honestly, I have to admit to missing the hunting.

[07Lway]

If we could get an appleseed event in North Colorado or Southern Wyoming that would be great for me.

I would also be interested in a get together some time in the area, but I really haven't gotten enough time to actually practice shooting so I suck. Hence the support for the appleseed :o. Still, as long as you don't mind a newbie crashing your party (I am 19) and I don't have any tests to study for, I would be all game. Maybe one of you can even teach me the proper way to shoot :D.

[funfaler]

Hey 07Lway,

You would shoot FREE at an Appleseed, so how about putting forth some effort to bring one to your area?

All we need is 25 meters, longer is nice, but not required.

You could be the ring leader, just find a place and contact me. I will walk you through the process. It is rather easy, we (RWVA) do most of the work, just need a little help locally.

An Appleseed would be a great excuse to get together, meet a bunch of good, like minded folks, learn some marksmanship skills, reconnect with our Rifleman Heritage passed on to us from 1775.

Kids shoot FREE, Military shoot FREE.

Heck, find us a good location, with range out to 300-500 yards, and a 3 day weekend, we can do a special event, with the third day being an 'All Actual Distance Shooting Day'.

Always looking for new locations for these shoots and using one as a reason for a group of folks to get together would be lots of fun!

PM me if you would like more details.

[theNoid]

Ok folks, the pDogs are out, the jacks are still hopping around and Spring is here according to the calendar, and right around the corner....or at least I HOPE so, according to the weather. As far as setting up a date, how does the 3rd of May sound? I am sure it will be warmer by then, plenty of pDogs to be shot still, and it gives us all a bit of time to plan the day/weekend.

I am going to approach the local gun club here in Rock River about using their property, and if not I will get something else squared away.

Noidster

[Shalloe]

Hey folks, I'm in Fort Collins and would love the chance to shoot somewhere's else besides the Pawnee and have a chance to meet a few other THR guys (and ladies of course). If ya'll get this thing going count me in.

[fjlee]

May 3 sounds ok........as long as it ain't blowin' and snowin'!!

Will there be a place to camp? If yes, can we target shoot and plink at camp?

Lee Denver CO

[theNoid]

Will there be a place to camp? If yes, can we target shoot and plink at camp?

If we do this in Rock River here, my yard is big enough to support PLENTY of tents and camping folks, and even a few RVs if that is what you bring. Of course, I do live in the town limits so plinking will be out.

On the other hand, if we do it out at Wheatland 3 reservoir (about 15 miles from town out in the middle of the prairie), we can set up a few targets at whatever distances you want, shoot pDogs and jacks on state and BLM land, and have camping to accommodate anyone and anything, plus be able to hike around and shoot and plink and such. I might add that there were several nice trout taken from the south pond last weekend, just in case anyone likes to fish as well.

My grill is portable and so are the coolers, so if you guys and gals would prefer, we can just go for it out on the prairie, and have camping, cookout, shooting, and just an all around fun time. I can easily draw up a map and take a few pics of the area out there so you can have an idea of what we are looking at here.

Up to you folks...

Noidster

[rnr4me]

The 3rd works for me although I've got to be back in Denver for the 4th. I'd probably head up on friday and shoot Saturday and head back that nite. 10th might be better.

I'm going to bring a small popup camper so the reservoir would work for me. #2 is the big one??? so I assume that #3 is the smaller one to the west, right?

But yeah, sounds good to me.

[theNoid]

Ok, to confirm a few things. We are going to meet/camp/shoot at Wheatland 3 reservoir. We will be out there as early as Friday afternoon (May2nd) and prolly be out there until Sunday afternoon/evening. While the lake is really dried up (to smaller lakes now actually), there is still some fish in thar, so if that floats your boat, go for it. There is plenty of BLM land out there to walk and shoot pDogs, coyotes, and jacks if you want. I will have my gas grill out there that anyone can use, or you can bring your own. I will have plenty of cooler storage for cold stuff, but you can bring your own as well. As far as food and beverage goes, I am just going to call it bring your own on this as well. I will do antelope and elk burgers for one night though...prolly Saturday afternoon/evening. The lake has two modern outhouses so if the ladies are coming, they will have a civilized place to "go" if that's a necessity.

For a map to get there do a Google map search for "Wheatland Reservoir No 3" and once you are there, I will have signs posted to let you know what part of the lake we are at.

Okie Dokie then, anyone have any questions or comments?

Noidster

[fjlee]

Thank you for your efforts in organizing an event such as this.

I'm trying to arrange things so my wife and I can attend.

Is this a THR-only event........or can we invite a shooting friend or 2?

If campfires are allowed at the site, is there firewood?

Thank you...... Lee C. Denver CO

[07Lway]

Sounds great. Now all we need is shirts printed up with our screen names on them that way we know who everyone is :D.

[SAKOHUNTER]

Sounds like fun!:cool:

Hopefully my work schedule (Railroad) will allow me to make it.

I thought the wind was bad in Rawlins but I think Rock River takes the cake!

[bearmgc]

If I can get off from work, count me in. Just put the wind at your back or in your face and start shootin....we're used to it.

[theNoid]

Not to sure about the open fires, but I have seen firepits on the bank there. I will find out tomorrow and let you all know. If they are allowed, there isn't any firewood out there so you will need to bring some. I will be able to truck some out there but no promises as to how much. You know what, I will post tomorrow night if fires are allowed out there and if they are, then I will just have enough out there for whomever.

Chuck

[theNoid]

Also, as long as nobody else has a problem with it, I say it's a more the merrier so no need to limit it to THR members only. Friends and family are always welcomed 'round my parts.

Noidster

[Executnr]

Hey guys, just joined so I could chime in about another gathering in the area. If Rock River is within driving distance, then keep driving a little more and attend the 11th annual Machine Gun and Cannon shoot south of Casper.

http://www.wyomingnfa.com/eventflyers/MGS.pdf

There might be line positions available as well.

I'd like to make it to the gathering on the 3rd, but have a conflict.

Wayne

[BAD SHOT]

I'll be coming up from Cheyenne on saturday. How are the roads out there, or should I bring the ATV to get around on.

[altitude_19]

Sounds like a HOOT! I'm Active Duty in Cheyenne, so I hope I can make it! Coyote shooting you say? I may just have to bring out the 870 and try for a night hunt...

[Hanzerik]

I'm scheduled to trip out to NE 1-4 May, so I'll miss this one. Too short of notice to put in for leave :-(

Maybe next time.

ETA: you can get to WR.3 from 34 can't you? It's going to be wierd for folks that are used to populated areas when they see that area LOL, not much out there.

[funfaler]

Hey All,

Douglas, WY just got an Appleseed Shoot for May 31-June 1.

http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=2309.msg24333#msg24333

Kind of in the neighborhood.

[fjlee]

My wife and I plan on attending. We have a 4x4 Ford with a pop-up camper. It's very possible that we'll arrive at WR#3 at night.....after it's dark.

Sounds like there is a specific site we should go to.......any GPS co-ordinates for that specific site? Not real important.....just a thought.

Lee C. Denver CO

[theNoid]

Ok, in the pic below, the road coming in from the left of the pic is Fetterman Rd. In my pic, the two little rectangle thingies are where the outhouses are located on the lake. The parts of the lake that I have "spatter" painted, is where the water is now. As I said in the past, what used to be one lake is now two smaller ones. Depending on weather for that weekend, we may be better off setting up on the south end. But once that weekend comes, I will have signs posted out there plenty so you will know where we are.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y209/Noidster/MapImage.jpg

The roads and two-tracks are usually fine for a truck, but ATVs are fun as well so that is up to you if you want to bring them.

Sorry I don't have GPS coordinates for the lake but as mentioned, come that weekend I will have the area well posted.

By the way, if anyone wants to speak to me directly for whatever reason, send me a PM here at THR and I will give you my phone number.

Chuck

[theNoid]

Also, for those who aren't familiar with the area, Rock River is a small town and we have a gas station/convenience store, a bar, a lodge, and a rancher's supply. Here is some contact info:

Longhorn Lodge 307-378-2555
Hostler's General Store 307-378-2555
Double Shot Bar 307-378-2422
Rancher’s Supply 307-378-2434
Wienies and Things 307-378-2254

Now my suggestion is to gas up and do your shopping in town before you come out here due to the high prices of stuff in a small town in the middle of nowhere. Of course Mitzi at Wienies and Things does have some good food at good prices I must say...love them onion rings.

Any how, any questions or comments, let me know.

Noidster

[fjlee]

I've been looking at a BLM map of Wheatland Reservoir #3 area.

It's pretty much the typical "checkerboard" pattern of BLM property.

A good map to look at is the 1:100,000 scale BLM surface management status map titled "Rock River".

I assume that what I see on my paper map is also viewable at some Internet website, but I've not searched. If any of the group is fluent in finding BLM boundaries on the Internet, maybe they could pass that info/link to the rest us?

FJ Lee Denver CO

[fjlee]

I called WY Game and Fish today @ 307-777-4600. I talked to a guy named John.

I asked if any kind of license was required for a non-res of WY to be able to legally shoot jack rabbits. He said no license, of any kind, was required for shooting jacks, p. dogs, or coyotes.

FJ Lee Denver CO

[Hanzerik]

Be sure to take pictures for those of us that won't be able to make it this time.

[RancidSumo]

PERFECT, My dad is comming ot visit that weekend and he lives in Denver so I might try to make that a stop for the trip. Doubt I will stay overnight but I will try to be there. We should try to get another set up for later this summer since a lot of people can't make this one due to short notice. The Green River/ Rock Springs area has good shooting ranges and a lot of area to just go shoot in the prarie and lots of 'yotes and P.Dogs.

[fjlee]

On Thursday morning, April 24......cheapest regular gasoline I see in the Denver area is $3.31/gal.

Average is $3.41/gal

Anyone know if gas is any cheaper in Laramie?

FJ Lee Denver CO

[RancidSumo]

I can find out for you, my brothers live in Laramie.

[RancidSumo]

Gas is at $3.29 in Laramie.

[fjlee]

It's 3:45 AM on Wednesday, April 30th as I write this from Denver.

I've been watching the developing weather for SE Wyoming for the past several days.

For an outdoor activity in the area of Wheatland R#3 the period of May 2-4......it looks pretty dismal.

I've put my preparations on "HOLD".......and will say that it looks very doubtful that my wife and I will make the gamble that a "sunshine miracle" will happen. The SE Wyoming "weather alert" that I just read simply sounds too ominous.

What do the rest of ya'll think?

FJ Lee Denver CO

[theNoid]

Yes indeed folks, click here for the forecast:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Rock+River&state=WY&site=CYS&textField1=41.7312&textField2=-105.973

It's pretty darn irritating considering the beautiful weather we have had the last couple of days. Anyhow, I don't blame you a bit if you don't come and maybe we can schedule again in the summer.

For those are going to stick it out, I will indeed be out there Friday afternoon/evening, depending on what time I get off of work.

Once again, if you have any questions, send me a private message and I will get you my phone number and we can go from there.

Chuck

[Iggy]

It's all my fault.

I've got 18 truck loads of cattle scheduled to arrive north of Rock River Friday and Sat.

In the last seven years, any time I have scheduled shipments, spring or fall, I have had to postpone at least some of the trucks due to weather.

Only trouble is, the guy that has been feeding them all winter is out of feed.

Talk about about being between a rock and a hard place. I'm there..

Noid, I'm bettin' this isn't the first time that good ol' mother nature has throwed a turd in the churn on you with something you have planned. :cuss:

Can you imagine 18 55,000# trucks trying to navigate Marshall Rd in the mud?

Rock River has a way of testin' yure character, that's for sure.:banghead:

[rnr4me]

I got stuck in New Orleans and won't be back till Fri nite. Then I have to get back in the air to Winnipeg on Sunday. I'm not going to make it either. :fire:

But by the sounds of the weather, it's not really a bad thing. :uhoh:

I'll keep an eye on this for future opportunities.

[Iggy]

I'm thinkin' it's a wooly booger up there today.. Blowing snow and wind gusts to 70mph.. You would have to take about a 100 yards of windage to pop a dog up there today!!:evil:

[theNoid]

Ok folks, nasty weather here this morning. Snow on the ground, snow in the air. Supposed to get real cold tonight, but clear out. Saturday is supposed to be nice in the 50's, and the wind is supposed to lay down for the day. Anyhow, I will be out there for a few tonight to see if any diehards show up, if not I will also be out there tomorrow morning with my son to have some shooting fun.

Once again, if you don;t show up, I don't blame you as mother nature has dealt us a cold hand this time.

Iggy, I don;t like driving my jeep down Marshall when it;'s nasty, let alone a big rig...NO WAY JOSE!!!

Chuck

[Iggy]

Well, no snow, no mud.

Sat and Sunday look to be pretty nice days.

Good luck!!!

[fjlee]

Chuck.......up in Rock River........

Thank you for doing all the legwork and organizing of the get-together at Wheatland Res. #3.

I hope a few folks did show up. The weather sure didn't want to cooperate as far as encouraging a whole lotta folks to enjoy the adventure.

That's nice country up there. I've hunted goats in Unit 42 near WR#3......on True's property. I hunted NW of the res...camped by a big corral up there, right off Fetterman Rd. It's sure a nice place to spend some relaxing time.

Anyway, my friend....."Thank you" for all that you did, and hopefully we can all have another chance at doing it again. Maybe bribe the weatherman beforehand!!!

fjlee Denver CO

[theNoid]

Ok, so the weather pretty much cleared up Firday evening so I took a short trip out to the lake to see if anyone showed up for some camping. They did not, and I can't blame them...it got COLD. Anyhow, headed out Saturday morning to check again and still nobody there, no big deal, my son and I shot some gophers and pDogs and had a good time. Unfortunately on the way home, my Jeep's motor gave up on me so I have to go tow her in tonight. We ended up going back out Saturday as the weather was pretty nice in the AM. My wife, two sons, and two good friends went out this time and we had about 4 hours of great shooting fun and then the darn Wyoming wind came up. Was actually kind of breezy early in the afternoon but heck, we don;t even notice such things around here until it's above 25mph or so, hehe.

I am sorry the weather didn;t cooperate with us this time but it;s usually a crapshoot when planning such things in Wyoming in the Spring. We shall have to arange for another shot at it in coming months if anyonei s interested.

Also, we don't need a special date folks, anytime you want to come up for the weekend, or just a day, or whatever, ALWAYS feel free to get in touch with me and we can have some fun times.

Noidster

[SAKOHUNTER]

I wanted to come but 120mph+ winds Friday caused a derailment on Sherman hill so I got stuck at work for most of the weekend.

Today sure was nice and I actually got out and reduced the prairie dog population.

Count me in on the next one.:cool:

[Iggy]

I thought I recognized that Jeep sitting beside the road.:(

[Risky buisness]

Hey guys, here's a thought, I know it may be a little further than SE Wyo but we have a taylor made get together already happening over in Kemmerer Wyo May31-June1st, Yea it's the Appleseed that you have heard about, good guys, lots of shooting and classic instruction hands down the best bang for your buck check it out.http://appleseedinfo.org

[RancidSumo]

Well since the last one didn't work out how about setting one up for the begging/middle of July? It should be nice then (assuming we don't get more tornados or giant hail). Anywhere in southern Wyo would work great.

I don't know anything about the range where the last one was going to be but if you guys can stand Rock Springs, we have a nice public range between Green River and Rock Springs with three five stall 250yd sections and one five stall 500yd section. In Green River we have an OK range with about ten benches and at least a 700yd target, you could probably get one out at 1000yds if you felt like walking out there to do it. We have lots of PD shooting near both ranges and plenty of opportunities for camping along with two gun stores and several places that sell ammo.

[wyM1Aguy]

Looks like I just missed the Appleseed up in Douglas (5/31-6/1). BUT...it appears that there is another one scheduled there for 9/6-9/7.

I am definitely in for that one. How 'bout some other Wyomingites/N Coloradoans get together and come out for it?

[RancidSumo]

I'll probably be at the one in Kemmer in July.

[funfaler]

Looks like I just missed the Appleseed up in Douglas (5/31-6/1). BUT...it appears that there is another one scheduled there for 9/6-9/7.

I am definitely in for that one. How 'bout some other Wyomingites/N Coloradoans get together and come out for it?

You are not going to believe this, but.....

If you pre-register for the Appleseed in Douglas on September 6-7, you shoot FREE. Yep, no admission fee for this shoot, IF pre-register. (if you don't, it is $80 at the door)

So, they only have room for 100 shooters, so you had better see if you can get your fellows from CO to come on up and enjoy.

[wyM1Aguy]

If you pre-register for the Appleseed in Douglas on September 6-7, you shoot FREE. Yep, no admission fee for this shoot, IF pre-register. (if you don't, it is $80 at the door)

A FREE Appleseed shoot?! There is NO reason why we can't fill this one up with patriots from around the area. Last night I talked to 4 guys from our church who are highly interested. Once I tell them about the new 'cost' there will be 5 slots filled for sure.

I sure am looking forward to this....

Thanks for the info!

[RancidSumo]

I would love to make the one in Douglas but my rifle won't get here till tomorrow and I need some time to get to know it.

[funfaler]

I would love to make the one in Douglas but my rifle won't get here till tomorrow and I need some time to get to know it.


Ah.....That is the lamest excuse I have ever had the displeasure to read :neener:

First the shoot is not until Sept 6-7, so plenty of time.

Two, what better way to "get to know your rifle" than to spend two solid days, putting 400+ rounds down the tube, with quality instructions to back you up?

OK, we will mark you as "coming" on the officail list, see you there. ;)