Prairie Dogs Mid-Eastern MT

I can't wait for the snow on the west side of MT to dry up and for gophers to come out!!! This winter, I purchased a Howa 1500 .223 and have been really itching to do some varmint shooting with it. I've gone out calling coyotes a few times with no luck:animal26: and have got some moderately good loads worked up. My question is about what time of year does prairie dog shooting get good in Central to Eastern MT. I just moved to the state about a year ago and also don't know of any public areas around Shelby/Great Falls ect. Do you know of anywhere you can turn me onto? Please let me know.

Thanks

Nick

The 223 really does a number on gophers they shoot into the air.