For those of us who enjoy shooting sports welcome to the wonderful world of sage rat shooting. Each spring we host a number of families, couples and addicted shooters on our varmint hunts. These squirrels are affectionately known as sage rats, squeaks, varmints and pop-ups. Heck anything with that many nicknames has got to be fun to hunt. So, from late March through May we shoot squeaks. We shoot them in the sun. We shoot them in the snow. We shoot them in the rain. We shoot them in the hail. Heck my friend, sage rats, they are everywhere. (Oops, too much Dr. Seuss)

We shoot from stable shooting platforms that we have dubbed VEU which stands for Varmint Extermination Unit. These shooting trailers have two levels, shooting benches and stabilizing jacks on all corners. The amenities, along with hopefully abundant sage rats equal a mobile outdoor shooting gallery.

It is not unusual for a single “rat hunter” to expend 500 rounds of ammunition in a single day. High season for this sport is definitely spring time, when sage rats are most active.  But hey, this is still hunting!  We can’t guarantee that the little varmints will be out in force on any given day or that you’ll get as many shots off as you’d like.  We’ll do our best for you but we can’t guarantee any certain number of kill shots!!

A 22-caliber rifle with a scope is the weapon of choice of the rat hunter because the ammunition is reasonably priced, although some hunters use the twelve-ounce “pop-ups” to sight in a big game rifle in anticipation of deer or elk season. A 17HMR is also a very popular gun for the sport. it never ceases to surprise me though when a group arrives and they begin to unload their arsenal. Occasionally a single shooter will bring 5 or more firearms for the day. We’ve seen some pretty amazing guns on our hunts; some rare, some custom and some fresh out of the box.

Sage Rat Hunt

It is a fact that Belding ground squirrels eat alfalfa plants and roots, damage fields, bury plants, and build mounds that damage swathers and other equipment. They also attract badgers, a natural predator that can cause major damage to fields as well. Badgers dig deep and they dig wide. They can cause perilous conditions for horses. That said, shooting these varmints does help curb a population often run rampant. But I have to admit that while it is nice to be doing a “good and helpful deed” for the farmer, varmint hunting is almost all about fun.

Hunts begin early in the morning. Typically you’ll meet your guide at 7AM and we wrap up the day by about 3PM. We recommend packing a lunch and bringing plenty of nonalcoholic beverages. Sunscreen and a hat are advisable and wear layered clothing. Eye and hearing protection are HIGHLY recommended. Hiking boots are suitable.

We hope you’ll join us in the high desert farmlands of the Klamath Basin for a shooting adventure soon.

Rates:

Double Level Platform:
Up to 4 shooters – $600 per day
(price is per group up to four. Not each)

Must hunt TWO or more days.

More than four shooters must book two guides and two platforms.

Firearms and ammunition not provided
Rates per Guide/Platform

Trip Length:

• 1 or more days. Approximately 7am – 3pm

Season:
Late March – May

Minimum Age:

• 8 with accompanying adult supervising at all times.

License Requirements:

• No license required when hunting ONLY SAGE RATS/SQUIRRELS

Trip Begins/Ends:

• Klamath Falls Oregon – ROE office.

Nearest Airports:

• Commercial – Medford Oregon (MFR)
• Private: Klamath Falls Oregon (LMT)

WHERE DO WE HUNT?

On varmint hunts we hunt private property throughout the Klamath Basin and Cascades.  Most properties are about 20 minutes to an hour from the ROE office.

DO I NEED A HUNTING LICENSE?

If you plan to shoot ONLY varmints/sage rats you do not need a hunting license. If you hope to shoot any other critter that happens by you should purchase an Oregon hunting license.

DO I NEED HUNTER’S SAFETY?

Hunter’s safety is not required in the State of Oregon for those 18 and older and it is not required for shooting sage rats for any age. We do however recommend a hunter’s safety class for anyone handling firearms.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

You should stay in Klamath Falls. Most of our guests stay at one of the following hotels.

Running Y Ranch Resort – 541.850.5500

The Comfort Inn – 541.882.1111

The Cimarron Inn – 541.882.4601

The Olympic Inn – 541.882.9665

Camping:

KOA  – 541.884.4644

DO WE NEED A CAR?

Hunting groups will need a car during their trip.  Four wheel drive is recommended.  You will follow your guide to the hunting location each day.

DO YOU RENT GUNS OR SELL AMMUNITION?

NO, we do not rent firearms or sell ammunition.  There are several stores in Klamath Falls that sell a variety of ammo.  Like many places, some ammunition can be hard to find.  We recommend that you come with some and then shop while you are here.  No sales tax in Oregon!  Its like an automatic discount!!

DO YOU HUNT IN THE SNOW OR RAIN?

Yes, we hunt in the rain and snow!  We do not cancel hunting trips because of rain or snow.  Please be prepared to hunt in all types of weather. Spring time is usually pretty weather friendly but it can also be all over the board for temperatures and precipitation.

WHAT IF SHOOT A PIPE OR OTHER FARM EQUIPMENT?

Guests are responsible to pay for any damage caused to a pipe or other farm equipment.  Farming equipment can be quite expensive so please be mindful of your shooting directions.  You must have a credit card on file in order to take care of any damages caused while hunting.  We will bill your card as soon as the repair is made and the final bill amount has been invoiced for the repair.

DO YOU PROVIDE LUNCH?

ROE does not provide lunch on hunts.  Please plan to bring a boxed lunch and plenty of nonalcoholic drinks for your trip.

WHAT KIND OF GUN SHOULD I BRING?

A 204 or 223 are the most popular firearm on varmint hunts.  17 HMR is also very popular.

HOW MUCH AMMUNITION SHOULD I BRING?

Varmint hunters should bring 500 rounds per day minimum for each person.

Booking/Cancellation: 50% to reserve the date. Other half due 30 days before trip. Cancellation before 30 days out are refundable to 50% of deposit. All cancellations inside 30 days from trip are non-refundable.

Trip Start/End Location: All starting locations will be determined by the guide before the trip.