Rick Hammel: Protect prairie dogs
April 24, 2008
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Craig — This is in regards to “Petitions opposing prairie dog ban circulate” published in the Craig Daily Press on April 22.
The white-tailed prairie dog is currently being considered for inclusion on the U.S. Endangered Species List. Further reduction of the species could very well trigger an emergency listing, of which the residents of Moffat County really don’t want to see.
“Hunting” prairie dogs, to me, is not a sport, it is an inhumane activity that is not sport. It is the willful destruction of wildlife that serves no useful purpose.
As far as livestock are concerned, prairie dogs have been here longer than sheep and cattle. Ranchers have had to deal with them, besides shooting them. Fencing is an alternative to shooting. If listed, that may be the only option. I urge the Wildlife Commission to ban the shooting of these small, defenseless animals.
Rick Hammel
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24 April 2008 at 9:34 a.m.
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davesanrn (Anonymous) says…
I know I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but could you explain what type of fencing keeps prairied dogs out?
24 April 2008 at 10:38 a.m.
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AltitudeAdjustment (Anonymous) says…
There are all types of prarie dog fences on the market. We have a couple fence suppliers right here in Craig. Remmington brand fencing works very well. I also here that the Marlin, Savage, and Kimber corporations make a prarie dog fence too. As a matter of fact, my son and I are going to be putting up some fence this weekend. If you would like, you can drop by and help put up fence with me. It's a low cost fencing system and depending on whether you are building it 17”, 22” or 25.06” the cost will likely vary a little bit. Its important that as you build the fence you keep your eye on how plumb your line is, and how much drop is in your terrain. Building a crooked fence will likely result in prarie dogs getting through the fence. Most prarie dogs are so confused as how to get through the fence, they just fall over backwards in exhaustion and will never try to get through the fence again. The best part about the fence is that it's recycleable and nature friendly. It not only helps cut down on errosion, but it also doubles as feed bunk for coyotes, fox, and many types of birds, and doesn't mess with the migration patterns of othe animals. Best of all each fence helps add natural organic nutrience back into the soil (talk about earth friendly). I would recommend that anyone who has a prarie dog problem put up a fence as soon as possible.
24 April 2008 at 1:56 p.m.
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whispering_rain (Anonymous) says…
Oh yes, my husband put up a .22 fence a few days ago but it is not keeping all of them out of our fields and yard! They are tearing up my yard and we will not have no hay this year again because of them. SO I guess the people that want to ban shooting the “adorable” prarie dogs don't mind me calling them and asking them for money next year to feed our livestock. Now I bet that would change their minds really fast.
And anyone that wants to help us “put up fence” is more then welcome to help! *smiling*
24 April 2008 at 1:59 p.m.
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whispering_rain (Anonymous) says…
Oh I by the way I will be supporting the business that has the petition going around to be able to get rid of the rodents, in fact I will go today and find it and sign it. Along with our neighbors and family. So make sure that everyone that supports it goes out and signs it. We don't need to lose the right to hunt or do as we need for our land.
24 April 2008 at 2:08 p.m.
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Florida2548 (Anonymous) says…
The gentleman who commented on the types of fencing is right on the money. I would be more than happy to assit in the construction of the fencing. Myself, I would use a different type, probably .22 Henry fencing or .25-.35 Winchester fencing, both have been very effective in the past for me. I do a lot of this type of fencing up in Wyoming and there aren't ignorant people up there who consider the prarie dog as an asset. You also probably think the wolf is an asset as well. I guess there will always be your types around who don't care about the economy of the area where they live. You would probably rather see a rancher lose his cattle and sheep than have a few prarie dogs fenced off.
Rick, go hug a tree somewhere else. You would probably enjoy Boulder and they would accept you with open arms over there…you are there type of guy.
24 April 2008 at 2:19 p.m.
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grannyrett (Anonymous) says…
Please explain these fences to me. Prairie dogs dig holes and tunnel. What kind of fence keeps them out?
24 April 2008 at 2:32 p.m.
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Florida2548 (Anonymous) says…
I have had many years of this type of fencing experience…as an ex-resident of Florida and a recent residnet of Craig had serious issues we armadillos and we used the same type of fencing down there…for the most part it was fairly effective. It is not only cost effective but the gentleman pointed out good for the enviroment, it keeps the wildlife feed and it doesn't disrupt the natural beauty of the landscape. Anyone who needs help with the fencing can contact me on my cell phone at 720-937-6100. My brother is also an expert at this type of fencing and he uses it from long range in many different fencing numbers….he will here in another month or so and would greatly enjoy the work as he needs to stay occupied while in Colorado. He will bring with him many different fencing systems that many of you would be interested in seeing.
24 April 2008 at 2:53 p.m.
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whispering_rain (Anonymous) says…
My husband really loves the .22 browning fence. *smiling* He too is a from FL and contolled the pests down there the same as here.
24 April 2008 at 3:13 p.m.
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Fenceking (Anonymous) says…
I've been coming out west for 20 years and was introduced to prairie dog fencing. Every year I drive out from Florida to help people fence prairie dogs out. It helps me stay in shape and they say it keeps your eyes from deteriorating. My favorite fencing is called wildcat. It goes up extremely fast. You can fabricate it in your garage or loading dock. We customize it depending on the size and viciousness of the prairie dogs. You really have to watch out for them. They will try to hide from you. Anonymous was correct when he said you have to use a plumb bob. it's invaluable. I mostly do long distance fencing. I generally use ear muffs to muffle their cries when their siblings realize they have been fenced out. Poor buggers scurry to warn the rest of the village. I would recommend the light but strong and long 219 Donaldson Wasp fence or the 219 Zipper Improved with 40 Degree shoulder fence it holds them better .Also the 25-35 Ack Imp. fence is a stout one. The beauty of this type of fencing is it doesn't ruin the landscape and is very pleasing to the eye. Every once in a while someone want to put in a fence that is overkill, just to be sure that out of town prairie dogs don't move in. That's when the 25-06 or the 6.5x284 fence is pulled into play. Little more expensive but really fences the shy ones at a long distance. What I don't like about those long range dogs is when you stick that first run of fence out in front of them and they seem to leap 20' in the air to avoid the fence . Somehow ALL the jumpers seem to get fenced. It is my dream to fence them all in or out, makes no difference. Fencing also helps feed the the national symbol, the Great Bald Eagle. All the money for this purpose is donated by the fencers, it does not come out of the public coffers. What a great group of guys. AND they do it without the first complaint and a smile on their face after a hard days work.What other group does so much for the eagles ,Skunks ,badgers ,Coyotes, wolves, hawks, and other birds of prey. I sincerely hope all you people out there introduce your children to fencing.It's a proud legacy to be passed on. We are always looking for new techniques to fence, to improve . It's the American way.
24 April 2008 at 3:33 p.m.
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jdsd00 (Anonymous) says…
After reading Rick's letter I am glad to hear from the level headed people on this forum. You all are right on. However we all need to make sure we vote and take action by signing the petions because you can bet Rick and people like him will also.
24 April 2008 at 3:43 p.m.
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Fenceking (Anonymous) says…
It sounds to me like Rick has found a way to keep all the prairie dogs in. Maybe we should all take our fenced dogs over to Ricks. If I am not mistaken the headquarters for Fencers Unlimited is in and around Craig. We should invite Rick to the yearly banquet this year so he can meet all the great hard working fencers in the area. It might give him an incite into the hard working Fraternal Order of Fencers. Possibly the Grand High Exalted Mystic Fencer will grace us with his presence this year. Maybe Rick can get his autograph or maybe the Grand High Exalted Mystic Fencer will take him on a fencing expedition. Or better yet we can donate a fence of his choice for his property to keep all the prairie dogs in. What do you say guys.
24 April 2008 at 4:08 p.m.
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AltitudeAdjustment (Anonymous) says…
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
24 April 2008 at 4:37 p.m.
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Fenceking (Anonymous) says…
There definitely is an underground fence. It also is active when messed with , It pops out of the ground and fences everything within 100 yards instantly. It's called Claymore fencing. You have to have a severe problem and a permit is needed. If they get too bad you have call the USAF and they will deliver the finest fencing in the world. I believe it's their Daisy Buster Terminal fencing.Talk about a beautiful system. The ultimate underground fencing .Very simple system to deliver but quite expensive, but well worth it . The beauty of it is once the prairie dogs are gone you have the making for a nice big watering hole for your cattle at no extra charge. Just add water. Kind of unique system with a very desirable side affect. So far the Daisey Buster hasn't been improved on without going nuclear. I 'll touch on that system later. It is usually reserved for the Al Quida terrorist Prarie dog which is not indigenous to the Craig area. But who knows when it will arrive. The African Killer bees made it across the oceans. It's just a matter of time. I will be prepared and I will fill anyone in on it when the time comes. I believe our brilliant congress is also contemplating fencing out prai. More laterrie dogs also
24 April 2008 at 4:43 p.m.
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Florida2548 (Anonymous) says…
As most of you know the prairie dog is known to carry the bubonic plague as well as many other diseases that are associated with the fleas and other bacteria they carry. After just reading about this worthless creature they have been known to destroy as much as 7% of a ranchers property, injuring and maiming their livestock and destroying numerous crops. During the late 90's the prairie dogs numbered over 5 billion in the American west. I don't think all the fencing we could put up would help much but it sure is worth trying. I will do my part and hope that all reasonable people will continue to try to prevent the spread of the diseases they carry and the wanton destruction of people's property. This character, Rick, doesn't have a clue the damage and destruction these animals cause to people and their property. People like Rick love to tell people what to do but don't offer any reasonable solutions to their problems. He's very typical of the people from NY who moved down south and told us how they did things up there, much like the people who move here from California and say this is how we do things out there it best that you do it this way. These people are not only scary but very inconsiderate of people's right to protect their property as they see fit.
24 April 2008 at 5:29 p.m.
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Fenceking (Anonymous) says…
Would love to see “Ricks” prairie dog fencing. Maybe he is on to something. If he has a system he shouldn't be keeping it to himself. After all Ricky got this thing going in the 1st place. I reckon he has already gotten a patent on it. He just threw it out there like bait. “Fence'em out”.Boy What a brilliant and knowledgeable fencer. Please don't keep us in the dark about this Prairie dog fence Rick.We are all waiting to hear about this thermo nuclear fiber optic fencing of “Rickys”.. I'm sure it's a trade secret and will only sell it in limited quantity so that we don't fence all the prairie dogs at once and ruin his market. Praytell. Yeah he's just going to give it to a select few of his friends and make the rest of us suffer. I googled” Rickys Fence” and he's got it tied up tighter than a drum. If he has a humane fiber in his body he will release this 8th wonder of the world. He will probably wait until the big Nucla and Naturita Fencing that takes place every year before he releases it. OR he will use it on his ” Ricks' Prairie Dog Preserve'. He'll fence the whole place in and the first thing you know he will be responsible for the increase in prairie dog poaching. Pleaseeeeeeee Rick give us the fence.
24 April 2008 at 9:20 p.m.
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grannyrett (Anonymous) says…
OK-I get it! LOL-I should have paid more attention when I read the first posts. It is amazing what pops out when you read through them a second time. I'm with you guys! My husband and I went to Estes Park years ago and they were all over the place. Some lady was trying to get her kid to pet one so she could get a picture of them together. Told him to get away from it and ask her if she was trying to kill him. Those things carry the plague. What idiots!
24 April 2008 at 10:38 p.m.
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Fenceking (Anonymous) says…
I've spent the last 4 hours trying to hack into Ricks fencing company and have finally succeeded. I believe he is on to something. At first I was just poke'n' a little fun .Sometimes you've got to eat a little crow. I 'll be the first to apologize to Rick. I'll be a son of a gun, HIS fencing is perfect, effective goes up fast and very efficient. It's fairly old technology but he put a big twist to it. Every once in a while a real genius rises to the top. I believe Rick just might be our man. All you guys are thinking the old way. He has definitely superceeded all of our expectations. Once I got thru all the fire walls and security settings without leaving any footprints I broke the code and came up with the blue prints I was astonished at what I found .It's extremely well thought out, simple, efficient and very inexpensive. Most of you guys have been staring at it for quite some time now. Rick has surreptiously been laying this fence in test fields all over the west. He is not some country bumpkin that just fell off the turnip wagon . The man has slipped in to our pastures,fields,canyons, draws, arroyos, farms and ranches. and mountains. Being the Fenceking I should have thought of this but I didn't . All the credit goes to Rick and to Rick alone. He has come up with the AIR Fence( like the air guitar) He has basically fenced in the whole west right under our noses The poor prairie dogs can't get out. Upon further study I've found out that the prairie dogs are now forming secret gangs in response to Rick's fencing. There are 2 gangs around Craig that have been identified , It has identified the Cribbs and the Bluds. The Colorado Dept. of Law Enforcement has infiltrated the Cribbs and Bluds with under cover agents and is getting intelligence on a daily basis. Word on the street in the prairie dog towns is that they are planning as mass break out next month and it's going to be freedom or death trying. This will be the true test for Rick's fence. If it fails they are goimg to smuggle Al Queada terrorist Prairie dogs from the middle east into town and try and take over. Word also has it that they are so mad at Rick because of his air fence that they are going to disguise themselves as humans and run for office in Craig and try a peaceful takeover. If not it will be all out war. They are stashing weapons as we speak in their tunnels. When this happens we will all have to go back to the old fashion Remington, Winchester,Marlin ,Stevens,Savage, Ruger, Weatherby and Wildcat fencing if we want to protect the citizens of Craig. It's not a pretty sight. I hate to be the bearer of bad news folks but this is what we are looking at. It might be the time for the nuclear fencing option. The usaf, us army , us navy,marine corps, coast guard and merchant marines are standing by . Their alert status is at defcon iii. Thanks Rick/
25 April 2008 at 7:41 a.m.
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AltitudeAdjustment (Anonymous) says…
This has been the greatest forum of all time. I challenge anyone to go back and read all the threads from the beginning and not laugh hysterically. When it's all over. When there are over ten billion prarie dogs in the U.S. instead of the current 5 billion. When all humans have died away from starvation due to our crops being eaten and destroyed by prarie dogs. When a wave of evolution sweeps this land and the prarie dog has risen to the top of the food chain and develops an aposable thumb and is master of all he sees. I will die happy knowing at least I had this forum. To know that as a species we did not go quietly into the night - that we tried to survive - that we tried to infuse a little common sense on our beuracrats in governement - that this whole world made one final stand - because today is not just an american holday - today the whole world declares its independence day!
25 April 2008 at 8:20 a.m.
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rhammel (Anonymous) says…
Look at it from the perspective of keeping livestock out of prairie dog habitat.
25 April 2008 at 8:30 a.m.
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Fenceking (Anonymous) says…
Want to thank AltitudeAdjustment for his brilliant comment which got the ball rolling. What a riot. I'll fence with you any day my friend. I agree whole heartedly with you. This has been the best forum ever. I think we need another Rick article to go to the Boulder, Jackson Hole, Aspen etc. and move in on them with our tactics. talk about fun. I can live on the retorts of the greenies. It's easy to get them going. How about this for an editorial: it's time to put a bounty on wolves again.
A field day would be had. I am working on this article now to be submitted. will keep you informed.
25 April 2008 at 8:33 a.m.
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whispering_rain (Anonymous) says…
Keeping livestock out of prairie dog habitat????? Now there is a thought!…not… *lol* i will go tell my horses and all the cows to stay away from those prairie dog habitats right now.
25 April 2008 at 8:43 a.m.
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Fenceking (Anonymous) says…
Rick when people own their property they are entitled to clear it of pests, vermin etc. Rick what is going to stop the prairie dogs from moving across the fence line. Quit while you are just a little bit behind the eight ball. Your grasp of the situation is embarrassing. With your mouth shut people wonder if you are a fool open it and you confirm it.
25 April 2008 at 9:01 a.m.
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Florida2548 (Anonymous) says…
Rick….you are an idiot…you have no common sense….and you are also , with that dumb ass statement you just made , show your lack of education….prairie dogs carry diseases….maybe we should dump them in your background. And who are you to tell people what they can do to their property….you are one of type of people who love to stick their nose in others business. You are pitiful. Not only once you show your complete ignorance but you've done it twice, you're amazing. You remind of some of these Democrats that are running for office, you're so out of touch that its embarrassing. I'll bet your parents are real proud of you. You've got your head so far up your ass that it'll be years before you ever see sunshine.
26 April 2008 at 8:37 a.m.
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Blondi (Anonymous) says…
“Hunting” prairie dogs, to me, is not a sport, it is an inhumane activity that is not sport. It is the willful destruction of wildlife that serves no useful purpose.
As far as livestock are concerned, prairie dogs have been here longer than sheep and cattle. Ranchers have had to deal with them, besides shooting them. Fencing is an alternative to shooting. “
Rick Hammel
I just LOVE this forum - it is the funniest and greatest one ever, and it is so refreshing to finally have one where people aren't at each other's throats over something! The editorial comment by Mr. Hammel made me wonder if all hope for the human race had vanished. Then along comes the “real” folks and I feel comfortable again.
I don't know Mr. Hammel - does he live in a town or city? It is obvious that he hasn't ever had the fun/sport of shooting prairie dogs. Some of the funnest times I've had was sitting on the neighbor's porch with all the grandkids and kids having a shootout and seeing who could get the most, biggest and furtherist out one. Yea….so I'm a redneck blonde but I don't care what people like Rick think of me. I'm having fun. You have to remember that a “sport” like this only confirms my belief that a country kid who knows how to shoot and handle guns ain't likely to be found muggin' ole ladies in a mall somewhere! It teaches them how to handle a firearm and become great shots. There was one 10 year lil ole kid who could outshoot us all and it was great fun when he'd jump up and yell “whoooo hoooo i got a nuther one!” He always won the prize for the most and furtherest out. So yea Rick…it is a SPORT. Try it you might like it.
As for the ranchers dealing with them? I'm old. I know. ranchers have always shot them and WHY? The critters carry disease and maybe YOU would like to ride your horse out across prairie dog town. Better yet … gallop out across there. Whatcha gonna say when your horse stumbles into one the holes and you fly off and break your neck? GIMMEE a break! Better yet…gimmee my fencin' gun. Yea….I might be blonde but I caught on immediately as to the fencing out of prairie dogs! THANKS for the wonderful comments and fun. I haven't laughed so hard in ages. whooo hoooo!
26 April 2008 at 3:55 p.m.
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Florida2548 (Anonymous) says…
Native….glad to hear you did your part. Prairie dogs haven't changed over the years, just people's attitudes. The prairie dogs still continue to harm livestock, carry diseases and cause untold damage to people's property. They are a very serious pest and need to be controlled any way possible. My choice is .22 fencing as it relatively cheap and quite enjoyable, and yes it does teach kids gun safety, competition, sport and commradrie and its a lot of fun. This character who wrote original article doesn't have a clue and could care less about the plight of the rancher or the economy of the region. It would be very intersting to find out in dollars how much damage they cause over a one year period. This forum has been interesting and a lot of fun. Shoot em' straight, check the windage and adjust the sights and have fun.
26 April 2008 at 10:36 p.m.
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hunter (Anonymous) says…
This was great to read. I encourage everyone to get out there and fight this ban. The Earth First group is based out of SC or someplace back east they are gearing up full bore to make the meetings here in Colorado. I saw a realease from them today that mentioned how as many members should attend the CDOW meeting next month as psossible. I ahve heard that there will be several in attendance.
This is about property and shooting rights. This group and other groups will always work to take away hunting rights. In this case they are trying a little at a time. Just like they managed to take away some in teh 90s with teh trapping and bear hunting bans. Look at how that has faired in teh state.
2 May 2008 at 12:24 p.m.
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50cal (Anonymous) says…
I love this just found it. Wow and I was argueing with the huggers on another daily press site. For your answer about Rick Hammel. I do believe he is the proud owner of the local radio station. At least there is a Rick Hammel who owns 93.7, 55 country station. This could be a huge media coop for him if thats the case. Keep on fencing evveryone.
2 May 2008 at 1:58 p.m.
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50cal (Anonymous) says…
your native I just logged back in when I realized my mystake sorry for the slip. I had prairie dog steak on my mind
2 May 2008 at 4:24 p.m.
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grannyrett (Anonymous) says…
Okay, native and 50cal-Do you cook em on the grill? Let me know when the next BBQ is and I'll bring the baked beans.
13 May 2008 at 10:43 a.m.
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50cal (Anonymous) says…
where did everyone go? I've been gone for awhile but shouldn't we stay on the issue of this cookout and fencing party? granny I like to grill them but my favorite is shish kobobs on the grill. I've been doing some practice fencing out south of town by the old ranch on the smaller ground squirrels getting the sites lined up perfect for the opening of the season so I'm ready