How to be a good shot

[wildWoman]

So what tips do you have for neophyte hunters to practice their shooting so that the animal will die instantly?? What has kept me from shooting anything so far is partly the horror of the animal not dying right aways. I don't have a problem with the concept of killing an animal to eat it, but it would really haunt me if I caused the animal to suffer at any length before dying.
I'm pretty good shooting at a target but is there anything in particular you'd recommend that might make you a "one-shot-and-it's-dead" hunter??

[Alpine_Sapper]

So what tips do you have for neophyte hunters to practice their shooting so that the animal will die instantly?? What has kept me from shooting anything so far is partly the horror of the animal not dying right aways. I don't have a problem with the concept of killing an animal to eat it, but it would really haunt me if I caused the animal to suffer at any length before dying.
I'm pretty good shooting at a target but is there anything in particular you'd recommend that might make you a "one-shot-and-it's-dead" hunter??

I'm assuming you've been taught good marksmanship on the range? Breathing, controlled squeeze, etc? Same principles. And aim for a vital area. :)

[Tahyo]

Wildwoman, assuming what Alpine said is true, make sure you are using the right weapon for the job. Don't use a gun not powerful enough to do the job, but on the same note, don't use a very powerful gun to try to kill very small game.

Here's a link to get you started. Keep in mind that there are going to be differing opinions, but generally speaking all pretty much agree with the same area.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/article.jsp?ID=1000031760&typeID=2345&categoryID=119

The other think to keep in mind is that sooner or later you are going to hit something and it is not going to die right away.

[Alpine_Sapper]

Nice find on the article.

On a semi-humorous note, Isaw the result of a cousin who mixed up their 12ga. load one day when dove hunting. Buck shot on a bird hunt makes a nice mist.

[Tony uk]

Nice find on the article.

On a semi-humorous note, Isaw the result of a cousin who mixed up their 12ga. load one day when dove hunting. Buck shot on a bird hunt makes a nice mist.

Mmmmm Pre-minced bird :) No chopping required

[Tahyo]

Nice find on the article.

On a semi-humorous note, Isaw the result of a cousin who mixed up their 12ga. load one day when dove hunting. Buck shot on a bird hunt makes a nice mist.

When I was about 14 years old, we were "pass shooting" teal. I was using a 12 gauge 30 inch full choke with #7 1/2s. It was one of those low flying teal that was coming almost dead on to me. All I know is that it was one of those shots that should have missed, but it didn't and he was close. Made a mess all over me and didn't leave much to pick up.

[wildWoman]

Thanks - not much "training" to boast of, more like some guys showing me the ropes. I have a 30-06 and a moose, black bear or mountain goat would be the unlucky target. Is there really no other trick to it than just doing the same stuff as when target shooting?

[Tahyo]

Other than what Alpine said earlier about "good marksmanship on the range? Breathing, controlled squeeze, etc? Same principles. And aim for a vital area.", that's about it. Your biggest hurdle if you have not done it before is going to be trying to stay calm. Some people really start breathing hard and the adrenalin rush can sometimes mess you up if you can't control it.

Make sure you have the best possible chance at a clean un-obstructed shot.

[LadyTrapper]

If you are a good shot on the range and confident of your markmenship...a head or neck shot is the most effective in putting them down the fastest and quickest....these targets are smaller but require extreme accuracy. The way I see it, if I aim for the neck/head and miss, it will more than likely be a clean miss because of the size of the target...rather than aim for the foreshoulder for example and either hit high or low, hitting leg bone or worse...paunching the animal. Aim small...hit big.
Target shooting is most definitely different than when a big game animal is in your sights.
Breathe and squeeze my friend.

[Ole WV Coot]

Don't shoot at the whole animal, pick a spot and know where the vital areas are. A 30-06 packs a pretty fair kick and some ladies have a problem with it. Practice, Practice can't say it enough. Take advantage of any cover and try and get as close as you can. Shoot off a rest, sitting or on your stomach. If you get a good shot and a deer drops, drink a cup of coffee, read a book or do something for about 1/2 hr and the animal will die without running like crazy and getting all gamey tasting. That's the easy part, the rest is work.

[wildWoman]

If you are a good shot on the range and confident of your markmenship...a head or neck shot is the most effective in putting them down the fastest and quickest....these targets are smaller but require extreme accuracy. The way I see it, if I aim for the neck/head and miss, it will more than likely be a clean miss because of the size of the target...rather than aim for the foreshoulder for example and either hit high or low, hitting leg bone or worse...paunching the animal. Aim small...hit big.

That sounds like a really good idea to inexperienced me. What do other folks think about it?

[beerrunner13]

I like to put one in the pump house, heart lung areathe ribs and shoulders will not deflect a bullet as much as the skull. But it also depends on the position of the animal. Draw a line from where the bullet will enter to the point it will or would exit in your minds eye. A head shot will do it but it also will ruin the head if you are planed to have the animal mounted.

[Alpine_Sapper]

That sounds like a really good idea to inexperienced me. What do other folks think about it?

If you don't feel comfortable taking a body shot for a vital organ, and your concerned about lingering pain from a non-fatal wound, absolutely.

And if it's not a hunt for food but self defense, you can probably count on most animals bolting at the sound of a decent powered rifle. A .22 pistol not so much. :D I know in Scandinavia they carry rifles to scare away the polar bears, and one shot in the air *usually* does the trick.

If it's for food, well, that depends on how hungry you are. If you can survive without it, sure, go for the head shot, and take the chance. If it's take the game or starve, take the chance on a wound and track situation.

Just my $.02

[Tahyo]

Like beerrunner I'd rather go for the heart lung area. I'd rather pass up a shot than risk winging what I'm shooting at, and I have passed on my share. If it was a survival situation I may be more liberal with my choice of shots, but if I was just doing normal hunting... the "shot" is either there or it's not.
The other thing is the more head-on the shot into the chest, be aware that it's probably going to end up in the abdomen and that can get messy if it goes through the guts come time to dress it.

[rebel]

Practice. Know your weapon and what it likes to shoot. It will not perform the same with all ammo. Know you and your weapons limits. The best shot will be the heart / lung. I've seen botched head shots and they are not pretty. Be patient for the right shot. Some folks don't kill and that does not make you less of a survivor. It may make you more resourcefully for gathering and other skills. Don't point your weapon on anything you do not intend to shoot. Don't put your finger on the trigger until ready to shoot. Know your target and what is beyond it. blah, blah, blah. i.e. Don't pull a Cheney.

[beerrunner13]

Practice. Know your weapon and what it likes to shoot. It will not perform the same with all ammo. Know you and your weapons limits. The best shot will be the heart / lung. I've seen botched head shots and they are not pretty. Be patient for the right shot. Some folks don't kill and that does not make you less of a survivor. It may make you more resourcefully for gathering and other skills. Don't point your weapon on anything you do not intend to shoot. Don't put your finger on the trigger until ready to shoot. Know your target and what is beyond it. blah, blah, blah. i.e. Don't pull a Cheney.

Hey don't pick on Dick. after all it was a lawyer he shot. :D

[Phoenix70]

All the info posted on here is really good, so I hope you don’t mind if I add my .02 on my very first post. These are just a few tips to add to the ones you have now.

1. The 30-06 Springfield (7.62x63mm) is a fantastic caliber. But there more to it than what meets the eye. I would highly encourage you find the right cartridge for what you expect to encounter. Some go fast and deep with minimal damage (in relation to cal.) and some go slower with a heavier wound channel. With the ammunition advancements over the past few years, you should be able to find the right round that delivers most of its kinetic energy within the range you are comfortable with.

2. Know your cone of fire/trajectory/MOA in relation to the impact zone. I’ll use an example taken from the Federal Arms trajectory table. The round is Triple Shock 180 grains with the zero at 200 yards, the drop or rise is in inches:
50yrd .9
100yrd 2.0
200yrd zero
300yrd -8.6
300yrd with 10mph crosswind -8.6 lateral.

What this does for you is simple. If the hypothetical kill zone is 12 inches, then you would know that within 300yards of your target, you could place your sight center mass and without calculating the rise, fall or range (within reason), your shot will be in the kill zone. Basically, this would buy you more time for a smoother shot and shot placement.

Sorry for the ramble, I just realized how long my post is; I think I’ll get off my soapbox now.

[tsitenha]

1. often there is no "instant kill" but you can make it as humane as possible.
2. use enough gun, and back off the power setting of your scope so you can see all of the animal, aim for a specific spot, not just hair.
3. go out and help other hunters field dress an animal if you can and see exactly where the vitals zones are actually located from as many angles as you can determine and the size of them.
4. go help a butcher work his way around an animal to make the best use/cuts when you get yours
5. start with smaller game and as experience is acquired expand your game options

[hopeak]

I have guided two women who had never fire a firearm ever in there life, not in practice at the range, never. One women got a Moose and one got a Caribou the very first time they ever discharged any firearm.

[hoosierarcher]

wildWoman In shooting game you must understand that not even the best placed shot always kills instantly. Even if life lasts only a few seconds some animals can travel a very impressive distance before death overcomes them. Here is the rule of thumb for a shot to drop an animal where it stands. You picture the placement of the shoulder opposite side from you and you aim for it's rotator cuff. This will put the bullet through the lungs and breaking that off shoulder will knock most big game animals down. A broadside or slightly quartering away shot are prefered for this of coarse. You'll need to study the antomy of each animal you hunt for. So you know where the vitals and the skeleton are so you can envision that off shoulder.Neck and head shots are too risky for a beginner. One last thing you may have heard the axiom "Practice makes perfect." well that axiom is only half right Perfect practice makes perfect. When training do everything by the numbers slowly and surely. With familiarity will come more speed. Remember the words of Wyatt Earp. "Speed is fine but accuracy is fin-al. The key is to do things slowly in a hurry." That means doing them by the numbers so many times slowly and with care and control that you can do them with your eyes closed or even in reverse order. Get yourself some dryfire safety caps. These will allow you to cycle the action, take aim, breath deep, hold, squeeze and release held breath s the trigger breaks over and recycle the action for a follow up shot and reaquire target once you have the actions mastered and someone has explain what your "soght picture" should be with your choice of scope and can acquire that sight picture with smooth nearly effortless movement you'll nbe ready to actually shoot some holes in paper. Once again doing everything slow and by the numbers. So let's recap, Study animal anatomy, fo perfect practice in dry fire exercises, do live fire exercises and always by the numbers and you'll be an absolutely lethal markswoman. Take it from a former Marine Corps sniper.

[vagrant]

Like most have said before, even a perfect shot might not kill an animal instantly, so I won't comment on that. My advice is for the range. Think of how you are going to be hunting and that is the way you want to practice at the range. I see folks at the range every day using bench rests and can hit a dime at a hundred yards. But that is the only way they practice. I always ask them if they have a bench rest when they go hunting :)
Practice with the bench rest or other aids til you become proficient with the weapon. Then practice the way you are going to shoot in the field, i.e. sitting, standing ,prone. Aslo read up on the animal you wish to hunt and find the vital shots. They don't differ much from each other except in the angling shots.

[hopeak]

Like most have said before, even a perfect shot might not kill an animal instantly, so I won't comment on that. My advice is for the range. Think of how you are going to be hunting and that is the way you want to practice at the range. I see folks at the range every day using bench rests and can hit a dime at a hundred yards. But that is the only way they practice. I always ask them if they have a bench rest when they go hunting :)
Practice with the bench rest or other aids til you become proficient with the weapon. Then practice the way you are going to shoot in the field, i.e. sitting, standing ,prone. Aslo read up on the animal you wish to hunt and find the vital shots. They don't differ much from each other except in the angling shots.

Man I used to enrage target "HUNTERS". As you say they would be shooting sub-MOA and, there was me at the next station doing jumping jacks and running hard in place to get winded and heart rate up, then I would grab my firearm, and off-hand fire fairly quickly, and reload and more jumping jacks, and shoot.

They would be mad and start raving at me, and go to the Rangemaster to complain. He knew what I was up to.........:)

[tsitenha]

Something else to keep in mind, is bullet backdrop. Bullets often go right through an animal's vitals; make sure of what is on the other side, ridge silhouetted (animals on the crest of a hillside) allows too much possibility of the bullet traveling where you can not see its final trajectory and backdrop.
Good hunting:)

[trax]

There's been a lot of good advice here Wildwoman. I'd recommend a couple of things to the novice hunter that have only been touched on here. Practice after you've worked out a bit, so you're winded and a little shaky. Practice from different firing positions (kneeling, prone, standing)and different distances. I knew a guy that could hit sub MOA at 100 and 150 yards and freaked when a moose was only 40 feet away.

The police, and I believe military, teach their people to shoot for center mass for good reason, more vital targets in a bigger area. The best shot I know of, if you can get the shot, is just behind the foreleg, like immediately behind it, shooting slightly forward. Your bullet will pass through a lung and hit the heart. With moose and caribou, head shots are incredibly difficult. I posted on this in a completely different context last year, but a moose's rack can deflect a high powered bullet. If you have the shot, and you're a good enough shot, the best head shot is through the ear. I know an old lady who dropped a bull moose with a .22 with that shot. I wouldn't have tried it with a .22, but I did drop one with that shot, I was just lucky enough to have a high powered rifle (good old SMLE) I've also let probably a couple of tons of meat walk away in my lifetime because I didn't have a shot I was sure of. Oh yes, it's frustrating.

Other than that, you can never get too much practice. I've hunted my entire life and I still spend a couple of weeks going out to a target range every day before my hunting seasons open. And was it Coot or Hopeak that said, once you've got the kill is when the work begins? Whichever one it was, absolutely right.

If you're moose hunting, the most important thing you can learn, right up front is patience. They're not terribly smart critters, but they're very cautious. I know guys that have stopped at a spot where they saw a moose at some time or other in the off season, call a few times and give up and leave. Some other guy comes a long and there's a moose standing there saying "who called me?" and hunter number two gets lucky. Call, wait 15-20 minutes before you call again, then ...usually, wait. If you're a smoker, that's one scent I can almost guarantee animals will shy away from, I'm a smoker and sometimes that's a long time to go without a cigarette, lol. Anyway, hope some of this helps. 30-06 is an excellent choice for moose or caribou.

[wildWoman]

Thanks you guys, that's all really awesome advice! Really makes sense too what Hopeak and Trax said about doing some hopping around before target shooting. Well, lots of time to practice until fall...let you know if I'll manage to shoot some critter or "just" be assisting my boyfriend again.

[Jason_Montana]

Well, I read some good stuff here. But, I think I can add some to it. First, get a .22 and practice, practice, then practice some more. .22's are cheap to shoot and learn with. Then after you become a good shot, then practice with your hunting rifle. It'll save you lots of cash.

I believe your hunting in the Yukon bush, your hunting big game, and your wanting to feed yourself with it- right? So, think beyond controlled shooting environments- practice shooting standing up, practice moving quickly and silently for 100 yards then pulling off a shot while breathing hard. practice shooting off your knee, practice shooting off a tree branch while leaning against the tree. Practice laying down shooting off a log, practice shooting uphill, shooting downhill. Practice walking around, then shouldering your gun and getting off a good shot- quickly.

While going to sleep at night, think about every possible scenario you may encounter game in. Think about how you can turn every wildlife encounter into a shot opportunity and harvest. As a long time hunting guide, I can tell you there is nothing more frustrating than encountering your quarry and not having a hunter be able to turn that opportunity into a harvest. Game animals present themselves way more frequently than they are killed because ill prepared hunters are looking around for a rest instead of getting off a shot.

Shot opportunites may only last for a split second. If your looking to feed yourself with your kills- you gotta be prepared to turn that opportunity into dinner! Be comfortable with your gun and every situation you might get into with it. Don't think of it as an object- think of it as an extension of yourself.

Research your gun and the ballistics of various loads for it. memorize that info so you really can make snap mental judgements on different yardage shots- instantly.

And, if you really are worried about dropping big animals- get a .375 H&H. I think it is the premier caliber for Alaskan-Yukon big game. And it makes clean kills. Do a little research on it- it is a great tool.

Lastly, if you want to really be a good hunter have great optics. Give me a crappy gun and good optics and we'll eat much better than if I have a great gun and inferior optics. Get some good bino's and a good scope. Good is a relative term too- If you can pronounce the brand- it ain't good.

Good Luck

[Jason_Montana]

Funny, I only read the first page of responses...I see I am just repeating some of what Trax and Hopak said. Great posts guys- sorry to paraprase your work.

[Alpine_Sapper]

Good is a relative term too- If you can pronounce the brand- it ain't good.

Good Luck

... :rolleyes: ...

[WildGoth]

two words machine guns

[sh4d0wm4573ri7]

perfect practice makes perfect there is no other remedy