I know of a guy that has a silenced 22 magnum rifle he hunts ground squirrels in Eastern Oregon. He is paid in ammo at least cash I think... also.
Ranchers in eastern Oregon pay people to shoot ground squirrels, commonly known as "sage rats"
. This is done as a form of pest control, as large populations of these rodents cause extensive damage to agricultural lands. Outfitters and individual hunters are paid or granted access to private property to manage the squirrel population.
Why ranchers pay to have ground squirrels shot
- Property damage: The burrow systems of ground squirrels can undermine and damage earthen structures like levees, ditches, and dams. The burrow entrances and resulting mounds also pose a hazard to livestock, which can break a leg by stepping in a hole.
- Forage loss: These rodents consume substantial amounts of alfalfa and grasses that are needed for livestock. In some areas, ground squirrels have been known to destroy 45% or more of the first cutting of alfalfa. A study cited by the University of California found that 200 ground squirrels consume as much forage as a 1,000-pound steer.
- Equipment damage: The burrows and mounds created by the squirrels can damage farm machinery, such as mowers and harvesting equipment.
- Disease prevention: Ground squirrels can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and animals, such as plague.
- Population control: Ground squirrels reproduce quickly and live in large colonies, leading to rapid and steady population growth that can overrun a field. Shooting, along with other methods like trapping and baiting, helps keep populations in check.
The "sage rat" hunting industry
The practice has created a seasonal industry for hunters and outfitters in eastern and central Oregon.
- Land access: Outfitters and some landowners charge hunters fees for access to private land with high ground squirrel populations.
- Timing: Hunting is most common in the spring and early summer (February to July) when the squirrels emerge from hibernation.
- Hunters' perspective: For hunters, it offers a form of recreational target practice, with some outfitters setting up professional shooting platforms to provide comfort and stability.
- Ecological benefit: Hunters are seen as performing a service that benefits the landowner and also provides a food source for natural predators like hawks and eagles.
The people in the pics are so small in comparison, almost doesn't look real. One of my favorite parks, although I have to drive down "there" 
www.theyouthtimes.com
