Varmints, east to west across the nation, provide predator hunters with an excuse to get out and exercise their predator rifle setups. That alone is a standout reason to take an afternoon, or an extended weekend, to vacation with varmints.

Skunks may look cute but if you're around one, your overriding thought is to not get sprayed with their foul-smelling oil. What causes skunks to stink so badly?

Mountain lions tracked by researchers over nine years in Yellowstone National Park showed evidence of infection by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, which was the cause of the bubonic plague in the mid-1300s.

Naked lead, then jacketed soft-nose bullets, reigned supreme for predator hunters wanting performance and success. Then we took the lead out. Why?

Rifle shooters are still speed obsessed, but varmint and predator shooters take this need for speed into new realms with 4,000-fps rounds.

Some of the best varmint hunting of the year lies ahead. It’s time to begin marking your calendar so you don’t miss it.

Engage a variety of rodent targets with the .17 and .22 if you really want to challenge your shooting skills at a reduced cost.

Hunting prairie dogs is a great way to sharpen your shooting and spotting skills. But the open country where these varmints live isn't always a bed of roses.

Spring is a great time of the year for turkey hunting, fishing and getting chores done that stacked up during winter. But don't forget about varmint management efforts that can benefit other wildlife species.

The amount of time you have to spend cleaning depends a lot on your choice of rifle and the load you pick.