What's the best time of year for Sage rat hunting in Oregon?

[galvweld]

In Wyoming high country was scouting for elk. Accepted two dares. First, could I hit critter ( marmot) in the head? Still have Ruger Single Six with both cylinders. Second, would I eat if I killed it? Buddy was tired of the mantra, "Don't kill it unless you are going to eat it". Had to try rockchuck. Made a head shot so no bloodshot meat. Skinned, cut into appropriate sized pieces. No off putting aroma. Rolled in flour. Cooked outdoors on Coleman stove. Used some butter, Crisco, salt and pepper. Two ground men ate the whole chuck. Meat was dark but not tough. Nope, didn't taste like chicken. Might be the amount of Coors in a bottle that made it tasty. Swore off Coors so can't recommend eating chuck. Abandoned childhood command to eat what is shot, so sand rats stay where they die.