Endless Winter

Will Spring ever get here? Rats are up, even here near Sisters and Jim shoots rats every day at Crane. But, he shoots them from inside his truck because it is so cold, and sometimes windy, that you can't stand to be outside. A few of our shooter friends have gone to Crane to give it a try, but, most have only stayed a day or two and then headed home.
With fuel prices as high as they are, you don't want to make any wasted trips. Diesel in Bend is at $4.10. Ride sharing is the way to go. I postponed my trip this last week. Waiting for better weather. Supposed to get better the middle of next week.
Some of you that e-mailed and asked to be informed when the rats are up, well being "puter challenged", I put your e-mails in a folder where I can't get to. Duh me. Calling me is the best way to get info. 541-420-5342 Jerry

Back from the near dead

Sorry about the gap in info on the rats, but have been under the weather with whatever this nagging cough is. Probably a terrorist planted virus. I have been in contact with Jim at Crane and he is killing rats at an alarming rate. As of yesterday, there still was about an inch of snow on the ground but it hasn't slowed down the rat invasion. If you are headed that way just remember that the weather is really fickle this time of year. Our group will start forming up around the 15th of this month, coming and going as time and weather allow.

I picked up a brick of 525 Federal 36 gr HP ( my favorite ) at Bi-Mart today for $14.97. Probably as cheap as you will find anywhere right now. Also, gas in Sisters is $3.55 and Diesel is $3.99. I don't know about you, but I am going to have to car-pool to Crane this year.

The Central Oregon Sports Show starts in Redmond on the 10th. A bunch of us

are going to meet there and plan and scheme our Spring outings. One of which will be to Wallowa Lake around the first of June, looking for a world record Kokanee.

Start looking for me at Crane around the 15th and on. Tan Excursion with a black roof rack and labeled " Ratrouster Sage Rat Central " See Ya in the Killing Fields. Dobe

50 degrees, sunny, windy

That was the weather report from Crane a 10 am this morning. Here in Sisters, the weather wasn't as nice. Woke up to 10" of wet wet wet snow. See picture of outhouse now. Just finished snowblowing the drive way. What a bitch.

Hoping the storm will pass Crane to the North as the fields are starting to dry a little now.

More Rats Every Day

Jim has been spotting and killing more rats every day now near Crane. Been nice weather, but it looks to be changing for the worse this week. I made a trip to Redding last week and looked for rats along the way, Nada, but did spot one rock chuck just North of K-Falls. Heard from a shooter that was in the K-Falls area a few days ago and he claimed shooting 2000 rounds in 3.5 days. Today I spotted several rats on the Lazy-Z ranch just SE of Sisters. Looks like it is starting. The picture is of the new outhouse for "Rat Camp" at Crane. We will, hopefully have it place by 3/1.

A Few More Rats Today

Jim made his route today of about 5 pivots that are right near hjs house and tells me he got 10 rats.
I'm starting to get inquiries every day now about renting shooting rests and have got some dates booked. If you are thinking about renting a rest ( $65 a day ) including shooting with our group, you might want to call and reserve a date. Jerry at 541-420-5342

February 1st Rat Report from Crane,Or

I just got off the phone from talking to Jim at Crane and he got out today and spotted 10 rats of which he killed 8. Not a bad ratio. Ten rats isn't many to brag about, but, as each day goes by a few more are showing, maybe setting the stage for an early start to the season. Time will tell.
There is still about an inch of snow on the ground and melting slow. It will also be a while yet before driving in the field will be OK. Way to soft yet and the ranchers don't need any more ruts to contend with.
For anybody shooting a 17 HMR, Bi-Mart has shells on sale, for $9.97 per box. They also have 10/22. 25 round clips on sale for $12.97. If the anti-gun nuts get their way, 25 round clips will be hard to get in awhile.
The weather in Eastern and Cenral Oregon is forecast to be clear and resonably warm for this time of year for the next week. If you are getting cabin fever it might be a good time to make a road trup and check out your favorite "go to " rat shooting area. Might even be some good fishing in some of the reservoirs that are open year round. At any rate, rat shooting should be up and running in about a month or so, giving us enough time to get all our gear ready. For me, that means by the time I leave, I will have 10 times what I need. Bullseyes & Tight Lines

First Rat Shot at Crane

Late yesterday morning, I got a call from Jim. He had just shot his first sage rat of the season in one of our shooting areas near Crane. In fact, within walking distance of his house. There is still some snow on the ground and he spotted a few more also.

When he called, I was on my way out to Xmas Valley to see if any rats were up there. Usually the Xmas Valley rats surface later than the ones at Crane. And sure enough, my wife and I scoped out all the fields between Fort Rock and Xmas Valley and never spotted one rat. However, we did ,during the course of the day, see 4 Yotes. No snow on the ground there. Just FYI, it is about 93 miles from Bend to Xmas Valley townsite.

Call me. Jerry at 541-420-5342 for info on renting a shooting chair at Crane, including a day shooting with our group. $65. Or you might check your local craigslist under sporting--sage rats. Check sage rat central often or sign up as a follower.