Prairie Dog Ranching
You are possibly aware of the recent growth of domesticating prairie dogs for pets. In some states, they fetch several hundred dollars each and are prized as a scarce, unique pet. Due to federal and state laws, we are prevented from exporting them outside of the State of Utah. Fifty or so years ago, they proliferated the Uintah Basin but their numbers have decreased substantially due to hunting for sport, oilfield expansion and their natural predators. Virtually every carnivore cherishes a succulent prairie dog dinner. They even feast on themselves when left for dead by hunters. Eagles, hawks, owls, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, and numerous other meat eaters wait patiently around prairie dog mounds for the opportunity to munch on a prairie dog carcass. I personally saw numerous prairie dog carcasses left by a hunter in a hay field only to be invaded by a flock of several beautiful black vultures which promptly finished off the trophies.
Prairie Dog Hunting
Because of the huge damage prairie dogs cause to hay fields and other crops, the agricultural industry has attempted to eliminate them by hunting, poison, and other methods. Hunting prairie dogs has attracted out-of-state hunters as well as the local gentry. The rodents provide an excellent environment for hunters practicing their shooting skills as well as their hunting ability. Even with intensive hunting from humans and natural predators, the population of prairie dogs have been nearly impossible to control.
Four Star Ranch Hunting Policy
While Four Star Ranch suffers extensive damage to its cropland, it maintains a very humane approach to controlling the pests. It allows approved hunters to come on Four Star properties in order to manage the devastation they create. Due to the often overwhelming requests for hunting rights for prairie dogs on Four Star Ranch land, Four Star has imposed a very strictly-enforced policy of "eat-what-you-kill". Some hunters have expressed concerns and asked, "how this policy is enforced?" Four Star maintains a high level of faith in humanity and relies primarily on the "hunter honor code" but is receptive to confidential informants, snitches and wives who object to cooking the tasty little beasts. In its 53 years of existence, Four Star has NEVER had to discipline any hunter for violation of its policy, possibly because of the excellent cuisine the prairie dogs provide to gourmet cooks. (See recipes below.)
Prairie Dog Cuisine and Cooking Tips
You may recall a couple of years ago when the public "hype" was promoting the eating of insects as an alternative protein food source. Several famous actors and actresses demonstrated that eating insects wasn't so bad and that one could survive by eating them. If you have not tried prairie dogs before, you will find them to be a dramatic and exciting alternative. (See the recipes below.)
For some of the uninitiated, incorporating prairied dogs into one's diet might be somewhat offsetting. One of the first questions asked, is "What do prairie dogs taste like?" Of course, the standard response is, "Chicken", but that answer fails to adequately describe the taste sensation you will experience when eating gourmet prepared prairie dogs. You will find that the taste sensation you experience with prairie dogs far exceeds your experience eating ducks, geese, bear, beaver, badger, raccoon, or even possum.
Some of the decline in utilizing prairie dogs as a food source might be attributed to the increased incidence of bubonic plague which manifested itself just a few years ago. Rest assured that there has not been a single incidence of bubonic plague occurring in any of our hunters at Four Star Ranch nor any reported in any of the prairie dogs. It should be noted that other species have their unique problems with infectious diseases: fowl with salmonella and Asian flu, deer and elk with chronic waste disease, etc. So, bubonic plague should not thwart one's ecstasy in the enjoyment of a filet of prairie dog. Proper care should be taken by washing one's hands after preparation. And, as an additional safety measure, one should keep a supply of the drugs Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin.
(From Google): The bubonic plague can be treated and cured with antibiotics. If you are diagnosed with bubonic plague, you’ll be hospitalized and given antibiotics. In some cases, you may be put into an isolation unit. Antibiotics that treat bubonic plague include: Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin. So, you can see that any fears of eating prairie dogs are offset by the culinary marvels you'll discover when you eat them.
One of the really special surprises of prairie dog cuisine are the drumsticks / legs. After cutting off the paws, soak them in Winger's sauce (which is available at most grocery stores) and bake them on low heat (300 deg.) until done. You will probably never go back to Winger's for their legs and wings.
We're sure that you'll find the delight of eating prairie dogs well worth the effort.
