Everybody is looking to improve their hunting game. But are they doing it right? You can start by practicing long-distance shooting at the range. This habit will not only improve your hunting game overall. But it will avoid risky mistakes in the future.
What is it about practicing long-distance shooting at the range? For one thing, it’s not easy. And it takes a lot of time out of your real hunting quest. Aiming long distance is the mark of a skilled huntsman or huntswoman. But you will only aim for a long-distance shot when you feel confident, right?
If you feel you’re lacking in accuracy while taking long-distance shots. The following tips might help. They show you how to improve your hunting game. And mastering long-range shooting to target a single or multiple shots.
Tips to Practice Long-Distance Shooting at the Range in Order to Improve Your Hunting Game
#1 What’s your point of impact?
This is a serious criterion. There are plenty of choices out there for you. For example, using a .223, your point of impact is anywhere around 5 to 500 yards. This is good enough if it’s good for your hunting game.
However, if you want an effectively longer distance. You need something like the .308 Win long-range ammo. It goes farther to a 1,000 yards.
With both standards, know where the rifle hits to. This is your point of impact with a .223 or .308 Win long-range ammo. While this may seem significant for long-distance shooting at the range. It’s also an important criterion when you are equipped with high-end optics.
If a 10-yard farther point of impact is easily missed. There’s a lot that comes between you and let’s say a 500-yard distance.
To improve upon this, here’s what you need to do. Start realizing and aiming at the correct target from every 10 yards. And keep increasing the distance, every 10 yards, maintaining a streak. If a 10-yard increment is too short a distance for you. 50-yards or 100-yards are suitable.
#2 Don’t lose sight of the wind conditions
The one thing a huntsman or huntswoman cannot control is the weather. But you can read the wind and estimate its effect on your hunting game. Especially for long-distance shooting, estimating wind is most important. You just can’t miss it unless you want to fail.
The most effective and quick way to estimate the wind is by movement. Look around you, the vegetation, the trees, and other natural elements. This should give you the direction of the wind and if you’re observant enough, the speed.
These are the only two factors of consideration for improving the point of impact. And getting it right, no doubt. The direction of the wind and the speed.
A good way to practice shooting is to shoot when it’s windy. And keep a log of your point of impact, bullet flight, and your hits. If you shoot enough long-distance targets at the range when it’s windy. You have no idea how effectively it can improve your hunting game.
#3 Mounting the scope
Only someone who practices long-distance shooting will tell you the importance of scope. Short-range professionals consider it a secondary means of improving their hunting game. But you’re not here for improving your short-range shooting, are you?
Getting the scope right can be costly and time-consuming. If you want to beyond the 100-150 yards mark. You need to be careful about how you mount the scope. You can’t expect your point of impact to be accurate if you just drop it into the ring. And then forget about it.
Make sure you level the scope so it stays sturdy as you shoot 5 times in a row. Besides, you must always expect your rifle to take a hit during long-distance. A good scope adds weight, isn’t that expensive to buy, and assembles quickly.
#4 Understanding trigger release
The trigger release is a tricky thing to handle. The trigger guard must be parallel to your fingernail. The same hand that presses the middle part of the index finger. This is how you’re supposed to squeeze the trigger.
And through the scope, your line of sight must be clear and straightforward. It’s obvious you know that blinking or moving any facial muscle is like playing with fire. Especially during squeezing and releasing the trigger.
Having said that, the way you handle your trigger is important. Your “trigger finger,” or index finger, must have a mind of its own than the rest of the hand. This exerts better control and stability while releasing the trigger.
Keep your finger on the trigger after taking a shot. Because it’s obvious that the rifle or gun will move due to recoil. So you’d want to follow through like a pro!
#5 The right grip technique
This is how you can improve your grip technique for long-distance shooting.
The butt of the gun or rifle must be pocketed in your shoulder. Using your trigger hand, wrap your middle and ring finger around the rifle’s stock. Make sure this is high enough for your index grinder to reach the trigger.
Keep your thumb loose and free. If it isn’t already, correct your stance to make sure it is. The best position for your thumb is to set it along with the grip. That way, it isn’t in the way nor does it come into contact with the rifle.
Conclusion
You’re calling the shots when you’re out hunting. So you better do it responsibly and expertly. This article will help you get your positioning right. So you practice long-distance shooting at the range in order to improve your hunting game.
The principles behind this technique are plenty. But coupled with dedicated practice, theorizing, and evaluation on your part. You could improve your hunting game more significantly. With these tips and tactics, you’re halfway there already! So why stop now when you can take shots beyond the 200-yard mark?