Sight in for the Hunting Season

By Mike Demick - Idaho Department of Fish and Game With the general rifle season fast approaching, many hunters are thinking of taking their rifle out and shooting a few rounds. For many, the last time they even touched their rifle was during last year's hunting season. Since then, their gun has been tucked away in their cabinet gathering dust. Many find it strange how a rifle in a locked gun cabinet no longer shoots as straight as it once did. Idaho Fish and Game encourages big game hunters to visit their local rifle range before the hunting seasons start. Not only is practice shooting important for future success, it is also important for ethics of the sport. "By taking the time to prepare and become a better marksman, you show great respect for your quarry," said Kent Henderson, IDFG hunter education coordinator. "And the better marksman you become, the better your chances for success." For those looking to target practice, ammunition and targets are a must, but shooting glasses and ear protection are also very important. Many shooting experts recommend setting your initial target at 25 yards to make sure that you are on the paper. After shooting at that distance, move your target out to 100 yards to finish the sighting in process. Consistent accuracy is the ultimate goal when practicing shooting skills, so it is important that hunters determine their effective shooting range. "All hunters have an ethical obligation to know their personal limits and be prepared," Henderson said. "Hunters should practice shooting from a variety of distances to help prepare them for the very situation that might be encountered in the field." Personal shooting skills vary, but for most, effective shooting ranges vary between 100 yards for iron sights and up to 300 yards maximum for scope-sighted rifles. "Six hundred yard shots are usually a result of misjudging the range or a "luck" shot that, ethically speaking, should not have been taken," Henderson said. According to Henderson, it is important for hunters who have others sight in their rifle, to shoot it themselves before hunting season, as it may not be exactly accurate for them. In addition, hunters should always use the same bullets for hunting as they did when sighting in their rifle. Those adults mentoring young hunters need to keep in mind that recoil is a big consideration. Talking to 12 year olds at hunter education classes, Henderson cringes when they tell him that they are planning to use a 7-mm magnum or a .300 magnum. Several firearms adequate for deer hunting that will not beat young shooters include the .243, 257 Roberts, .30-30, .270 and .30-06. "Once a kid starts flinching, it is really hard to overcome even when changing to a smaller caliber," he said. Finding a place to shoot in many areas can be difficult, as there are not many public rifle ranges around. My recommendation for safe shooting would be to get permission from a private landowner or to find some public land where shooting is allowed. When shooting on private or public lands one must be conscious of safety at all times. An earth bank or hillside offers the best backstop while rocks and water will often cause a ricochet. Remember to watch for livestock and pick up after you are finished and leave a clean site. Some communities in Idaho do have shooting ranges that may be open for sighting in centerfire rifles. Mike Demick is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Clearwater Region. He has worked for IDFG since 1994.