Pennsylvania Hunter Ed Course: Unit 9: Fundamentals of Good Marksmanship

Fundamentals of Good Marksmanship

A fair amount of knowledge, skill, and experience is required to become a successful hunter. One of the essential skills is good marksmanship, which is accurately and consistently hitting the target where planned. When hunting, accuracy is critical for a clean kill. Good marksmanship is built on three fundamentals: Proper sight adjustment or patterning Proper shooting technique Practice

Six Steps for an Accurate Rifle Shot

Aim carefully. Take a breath. Relax. Release half of your breath. Squeeze the trigger slowly. Follow through.

Choosing the Proper Choke

As with firing a rifle, good shotgun marksmanship begins with proper preparation, which includes adjusting your gun and ammunition for maximum performance and mastering shotgun techniques. A choke allows you to fine-tune your shotgun for the type of game you're hunting. Built-in or attached to the muzzle end of the barrel, the choke is a constriction that controls the shot string, thus affecting pellet density at various distances. The tighter the constriction, the greater the distance that the cluster of pellets stays together. The looser the constriction, the faster the shot pattern spreads. Recall that the most common chokes, ranging from tightest to most open, are: Full Modified Improved Cylinder Cylinder (unchoked)

What You Learned (cont.)

Handguns Many of the fundamentals of rifle firing also apply to handguns. The way you load a handgun depends on whether it is a single-action revolver, a double-action revolver, or a semi-automatic. Body position and grip are vital to hitting your target. With both hands, hold the handgun high on the grip and at arm's length. Use a stable object as a rest when hunting.The pistol-shooting fundamentals of breath control, trigger squeeze, and follow through are almost identical to those in rifle shooting. Ear and eye protection are essential when shooting any firearm.

Handgun Loading and Handling

Hunting with handguns has grown in popularity in recent years. Many of the fundamentals of rifle firing also apply to shooting handguns. Single-action revolvers typically load through a gate on the right side of the frame. To rotate the cylinder, pull the hammer back to half-cock. For a safer carry in the holster or hand, leave an empty chamber in front of the hammer. Double-action revolvers have cylinders that fall downward, exposing all chambers for loading. Semi-automatics usually fire rounds stored in a magazine that is inserted in the grip or handle. ← Previous

Patterning Procedure

atterning can be done with a simple homemade target. All that is required to make the target is a marker, a nail, a two-foot length of string, and a sheet of blank paper large enough to hold a 30-inch circle. Hang the blank sheet of paper on a backboard or smooth wall. Tie the marker to one end of the string and the nail to the other so the two are 15 inches apart. Hold the nail in the center of the target while swinging the marker around the paper in a full circle. Fire at the center of the blank paper from a distance of 40 yards, which is close to the maximum range for shooting game birds. At this range, the pellets should be spread fairly evenly on the paper. Hold the end of the nail close to the center of the pattern. (This is not necessarily the center of the paper!) Stretch the string out from the nail and place the marker on the paper. While holding the nail in the center of the pattern, swing the marker around the nail on the outstretched string to draw a 30-inch circle on the blank paper. Count each of the pellet holes in the paper, while marking them with the marker. The pattern of pellets should be of a proper, even density to ensure a clean kill. The pattern also should contain the correct minimum amount of pellets, which should be at least 55% to 60% of the total number of pellets in the load. To determine the percentage of pellets that hit the target, count the number of pellet holes in the circle, and then divide that number by the number of pellets in the load. Continue this process using different choke and load combinations until you get an even pattern with a sufficient minimum density. After you have determined a proper choke and load combination for this distance, repeat the exercise at 30 yards, and then finally at 20 yards.

Handgun Shooting Position and Grip

Body position and grip are vital to hitting the target. The hand position on the grip of a pistol is especially critical. Although the grip configuration of the revolver and semi-automatic are different, the gripping procedure is the same. Hold the handgun high on the grip so that the recoil is directed back to the hand and arm in a straight line. This allows better repeat shots and more accurate shooting. Use a two-handed hold whenever possible, applying pressure from front to rear. When hunting, use a tree trunk, steady limb, or other stable object as a rest. Placing some padding, such as a hat or a jacket, on top of a hard rest helps with your aim.

Sighting-In Procedure

Fire your rifle from a solid bench rest with the forestock resting on a pad or a sandbag. Don't rest the gun on its barrel—it will shoot higher than normal. Ideally, use an adjustable shooting tripod with sandbags. A spotting scope is also useful. Sight-in instructions are printed on some targets available from retail outlets or manufacturers. The sighting-in process for most centerfire rifles begins at 25 yards and then should be repeated at 100 yards. The basic steps involve firing at least three shots carefully and consistently at a target. If the bullets form a relatively small group of holes on the target, but not where you were aiming, the sights will have to be adjusted.

Patterning Your Shotgun

No two shotguns will shoot identical pellet patterns. In some cases, the pattern will be off-center. In other instances, there may be gaps in the pattern. In addition to the firing characteristics of the gun, the gun's choke, the brand of shotshell, the shot size, and the type of shot also affect the pattern. In order to select ammunition that provides the best performance, it's necessary to "pattern" your shotgun. Remember... Shots at game birds in flight should be limited to your "maximum effective range." This is the distance at which you can hit the target consistently. Shooting beyond this distance leads to an increased number of birds wounded and lost. Also, firing at game too close may destroy the meat.

Sighting-In a Rifle

Rifle bullets don't travel in a straight line. They travel in an arc, formed by the pull of gravity. "Sighting-in" is a process of adjusting the sights to hit a target at a specific range. Deer hunters, for example, often sight-in their rifles to hit the bull's-eye at 100 yards. All rifles should be sighted-in before every hunt using the ammunition you plan to use, especially rifles with peep or telescopic sights. Guns you sighted-in prior to your last outing could have been knocked out of alignment by a single jolt. That misalignment could mean the difference between a successful hunt and a disappointing experience. Other than ensuring accurate shots, sighting-in a rifle has other advantages: Forces you to practice Makes accurate shooting possible Helps identify problems with your firing technique Helps determine the farthest range at which you can hit your target Improves safety by helping you know where your rifle will shoot Builds confidence in your shooting ability

Shooting a Shotgun vs. a Rifle

Shotgun Point a shotgun. Focus your eye on the target. Pull the trigger. Rifle Aim a rifle. Focus your eye on the crosshairs or front sight. Squeeze the trigger. Remember... Point a shotgun. Pull the trigger. Aim a rifle. Squeeze the trigger.

Sight Alignment

Sight alignment is the process of lining up rear and front sights. The sight picture is the image you see when the sights are aligned correctly with the target. To ensure that the bullet will travel to the target in your sight, it's necessary to sight-in your rifle. Before you can do that, you need to determine your dominant or "master" eye. With an open sight, you line up the target with the blade or bead of the front sight within the notch of the rear sight. With an aperture sight, you line up the target so that the front sight is within the rear peephole. With a telescopic sight with a crosshair reticle, you line up the target with the crosshairs of the sight. With a telescopic sight with a dot reticle, you line up the target with the dot of the sight. The dot must be centered.

Snap-Shooting

Snap-shooting is a technique to use if you must make a quick shot and the target is straight ahead at close range. You simply raise the shotgun and point where you think the target will be when the shot arrives.

Handgun-Shooting Techniques

The pistol-shooting fundamentals of breath control, trigger squeeze, and follow through are almost identical to those in rifle firing. There are, however, some important differences to remember. The first joint of the finger should take up trigger pressure, not the tip, as is often done with rifles. When a revolver is fired, powder flashing at the front of the cylinder can cause burns. Be sure to keep your fingers away from the front of the trigger area. The slide and hammer of a semi-automatic gun can deliver a bruising blow when held too close to the body. All handguns should be fired at arm's length. Remember... Carry a handgun in a safe holster with a strap. Draw a handgun only when you see game. Cock your gun only when ready to shoot. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

Leading the Target—Swing-Through Method

The two most common methods of leading targets at long distances are swing-through and sustained lead. Point your shotgun at a moving target and swing with it. Increase the speed of the gun so that the muzzle passes the target and then fire. In other words, literally "swing through" the target and fire at a blank space in front of the target. Swing-through is the best technique for the beginning student.

Firing Positions—Prone

There are four standard rifle-firing positions: prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling. Prone The prone position is the steadiest of the four positions. Because it's the easiest to hold, it's the best position for mastering the fundamentals of firing—aiming, breath control, trigger squeeze, and follow through.

Firing Positions—Sitting

There are four standard rifle-firing positions: prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling. Sitting Both arms are supported by your legs. Next to the prone position, this is the steadiest position.

Optional Sighting-In Techniques

Use bore or collimator sighting-in initially to line up the rifle on the paper target. However, these techniques alone are not sufficient to sight-in a rifle. You must make final adjustments by firing the rifle with the same ammunition you plan to use in the field. Bore sighting-in with bolt-action rifles: Remove the bolt, brace the firearm on sandbags, and look directly through the bore. Correct the rifle's position until you see the bull's-eye in the center of the bore. Adjust the sights to give you a good sight picture. Collimator sighting-in for rifles without bolt actions: A collimator slips into the muzzle end of the barrel and allows you to adjust the sights, much like bore sighting-in. Remember... You must sight-in your rifle with the ammunition you plan to use. Be sure you sight-in and practice firing your rifle before you go hunting.

Aligning an Open Sight

When properly aligned, the front sight should be centered in the rear sight with the top of the front sight even with the top of the rear sight. The front and rear sights should form an "E" lying on its side.

Know Your Accuracy Limits

After selecting your firearm, you should practice with it before you go hunting. Ethical hunters know their personal accuracy and limit their shots accordingly. Rifles: Use an 8-inch paper plate as the standard target to establish deer hunting accuracy. An 8-inch target is about the same size as the vital area of a deer. Before hunting, practice until you are confident you can hit the required target at the distances and from the shooting positions you expect to use in the field. When hunting, limit your shots to your most accurate range. Shotguns: Pattern your shotgun, and then practice hitting targets at the distances you expect to be from game you shoot. This will develop proficiency with the chosen firearm and help to ensure an ethical, clean, quick kill.

Firing Positions—Kneeling

There are four standard rifle-firing positions: prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling. Kneeling With only one arm braced, the kneeling position is less steady than the prone and sitting positions.

Protect Your Vision and Hearing

Shooting a firearm can cause immediate and permanent hearing loss and can damage your vision. Shooting a firearm creates a loud noise. To protect your hearing, always wear properly fitting ear protection.For target practice, use an earplug or earmuff (or both) with a high Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).When hunting, use electronic or non-linear devices that allow normal or even enhanced hearing but block damaging levels of sound.For more information, visit the National Hearing Conservation Association website. Not only does shooting a firearm send the projectile(s) downrange, but it also discharges small particles from the projectile, burning gas, and other residue. Also a shell could rupture or your firearm could malfunction.When shooting, always wear suitable eye protection, such as shooting glasses with high-impact lenses, to protect your eyes.Wear eye protection also whenever disassembling or cleaning a firearm.

When Is Your Shot Patterning Correct?

The pattern of pellets within a 30-inch circle should be of a proper, even density to ensure a clean kill. The pattern should contain a sufficient percentage of the load, which should be at least 55% to 60%. Continue this process, trying different choke and load combinations, until you get an even pattern density with a sufficient percentage of the load within a 30-inch circle while shooting from the distance that you expect to be from your quarry.

Leading the Target—Sustained Lead

The two most common methods of leading targets at long distances are swing-through and sustained lead. This method is a little more challenging because it requires more experience. You estimate the length of the lead necessary to hit the target and maintain that lead as you swing with the target, fire, and continue the swing.

What You Learned

An essential skill needed to be a successful hunter is good marksmanship, which is accurately and consistently hitting the target where planned. Ethical hunters know their personal accuracy and limit their shots accordingly. The three fundamentals of good marksmanship are proper sight adjustment or patterning, proper shooting technique, and practice. These fundamentals apply to rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Rifles Sight alignment is the process of lining up rear and front sights on a rifle. The sight picture is the image you see when the sights are aligned correctly with the target. To ensure that the bullet will travel to the target in your sight, it's necessary to sight-in your rifle using your dominant or "master" eye. All rifles should be sighted-in before every hunt using the ammunition you plan to use. Using correct rifle-firing techniques will help improve your accuracy. The four basic fundamentals you should master are shooting from a rest, controlling your breathing, squeezing the trigger slowly, and following through with the shot. The four standard rifle-firing positions are prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling. Prone is the steadiest position, and standing is the most difficult.

What You Learned (cont.)

Shotguns Built-in or attached to the muzzle end of the barrel, the choke is a constriction that controls the shot string. The most common chokes are Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Cylinder (unchoked). A choke allows you to fine-tune your shotgun for the type of game you're hunting. No two shotguns will shoot identical pellet patterns. To select the ammunition that provides the best performance, you must "pattern" your shotgun. The goal is to produce a pattern of pellets with even density and a sufficient percentage of the load within a 30-inch circle. Using proper shotgun-shooting techniques will help improve your accuracy. The four fundamentals you should master are standing in a relaxed, balanced shooting stance; shouldering the shotgun by bringing the stock to your cheek and then back to your shoulder; pointing the gun with your eye sighting along the top of the barrel; and pulling the trigger quickly as you continue to swing the gun. The two most common methods of leading targets at long distances are swing-through (best for beginners) and sustained lead. A third method is snap-shooting.

Pointing, Shouldering, and Pulling the Trigger of a Shotgun

Shouldering the Shotgun When you bring the shotgun to your shoulder, the stock should be brought to your cheek first and then back to your shoulder. A common error is lowering the head and cheek to the stock, instead of bringing the stock all the way up to the cheek. When done properly, with your head naturally erect, the gun butt always should come to the same spot on your shoulder. Pointing a Shotgun Because targets usually appear suddenly and move quickly, there's no time to "aim" a shotgun. It's designed to be pointed, with the eye sighting along the top of the barrel or rib. The sight is usually a bead on the front of the gun. Your eye must be in line with the barrel, so it's important to position your head properly on the stock. When you bring the gun to your face, the stock should fit snugly against your cheek with your eye on that side above the centerline of the gun. If you can't assume that position comfortably, you may need to adjust the "gun fit." Pulling the Trigger Unlike rifle firing, quick trigger action is important when hunting with a shotgun. To fire, quickly slap the trigger with a firm motion, keeping a firm grip on the shotgun while pulling the stock rearward. Because the trigger is pulled quickly and the body and gun are typically in motion, breath control isn't necessary. Continue the shotgun's swing as you pull the trigger. Stopping the swing as you shoot will cause you to hit behind a moving target.

Handgun Sight Alignment and Aiming

Sight Alignment Sight alignment, which is important in rifle firing, is even more important in pistol shooting because of the shorter distance between the sights. Typically, handgun sights consist of a square rear notch sight and a heavy square front blade sight. However, your eyes cannot focus on the target, front sight, and rear sight all at once. Therefore, your focus should be on the front sight only. Most handguns are initially sighted-in at 50 feet. Aiming At the shooting range, many handgunners use a sight picture that places the bull's-eye on the top of the front sight, rather than placing it in the sights over the center of the target. However, hunters should hold the alignment directly over the vital area. Scopes with long eye relief have become popular with handgunners and offer exact sighting for hunters. Scopes may take longer to align on a target than open sights, but they're usually more accurate.

Firing Positions—Standing

There are four standard rifle-firing positions: prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling. Standing With neither arm supported, this is the most difficult position for firing an accurate shot. Rather than trying to hold the barrel steady, which is impossible, try to keep movement of the barrel to as small an area as possible. Smooth, natural motion will produce the best shot.

Adjusting Your Sight

When adjusting peep or telescopic sights, the rear sights or dials are adjusted by a certain number of minutes-of-angle or "clicks" in a certain direction. Read the sight's instruction manual to see how much each click changes the sight at 100 yards. The rear sight is moved in the same direction you want your shot to move on the target. Moving shots from side to side is "adjusting for windage." Moving shots up or down is "adjusting for elevation." Specific instructions about trajectory and what fractions or inches you should be above the bull's-eye at 25, 50, or 100 yards are usually included on sight-in targets. You also might consult a ballistics chart or get help from an experienced shooter. Glossary minutes-of-angleThe standard measurement unit of shooting accuracy; one minute-of-angle (MOA) is 1/60 of one degree, or approximately one inch, at 100 yards

Rifle-Firing Techniques

Using correct firing techniques will help you steady the rifle for the most accurate shooting. Bear in mind that these are only the basics. Further study will help you understand other factors that can affect your accuracy, such as wind, heat, and parallax. Shooting from a Rest When shooting in the field, the safest and most accurate shots are taken from a rest—a log, large rock, or other stable object. Don't rest the barrel directly on a hard surface, or it will shoot higher than normal—put some padding, such as a hat or a jacket, under the rifle. Breathing Your breathing can move the rifle just enough to throw off your shot. When you're ready to shoot: Take a breath. Exhale until comfortable. Relax and hold your breath. Squeeze the trigger within six seconds—if you hold your breath too long, your heart beats faster, which increases your pulse and causes the rifle to move. Remove your trigger finger after six seconds if you haven't fired. Take a few breaths and repeat the process from the beginning. Sometimes the excitement of spotting game will make it more difficult to control your breathing. Try to relax and follow the correct procedure. Trigger Squeeze Jerking the trigger or quickly pulling the trigger hand can move the gun enough to cause a miss. To squeeze off a shot smoothly: Place the first section of your index finger on the trigger. Don't tightly squeeze the stock with your trigger hand. Apply slow and steady pressure on the trigger until the firearm fires. Don't anticipate the shot—you should be surprised when the gun fires. Practice will make holding your breath and proper trigger squeeze habitual. Follow Through Proper follow through prevents you from jerking the gun before the bullet leaves the barrel. After you fire: Continue to squeeze the trigger for two or three seconds. Hold the shooting position and sight alignment. Four Fundamentals for an Accurate Rifle Shot Aim carefully, aligning your sights. Take a deep breath, and then release about half of it. Squeeze the trigger slowly. Follow through. Glossary parallaxOptical bending of telescopic crosshairs in relation to the target

Matching Choke to Your Quarry

For example, someone hunting small, fast, close birds would generally use an improved cylinder or modified choke, which creates a broad shot pattern that spreads quickly at close ranges. Conversely, someone hunting a larger, less mobile bird that is usually farther away, such as a turkey, would select a full choke, which concentrates the shot in a smaller area. Pellet size also varies based on the size of the game. The chart below suggests choke selections for a variety of game. It is intended only as a guide—choice of choke may vary depending on ammunition, target distance, and hunting conditions. Always pattern your shotgun for the quarry you are hunting and the ammunition you are using. QuarryCommonly Used Choke(based on typical distance from quarry)Suggested Shot SizeGooseImproved Cylinder or Modified Steel 2, 1, BB (over decoys) Steel BB, BBB, T (pass shooting) DuckImproved Cylinder or Modified Steel 6, 4, 3 (over decoys) Steel 3, 2 (pass shooting) TurkeyFull or Extra FullLead 4, 5, 6Pheasant Improved Cylinder or Modified Modified or Full Lead 6, 7½ (over dogs in heavy cover) Lead 4, 5, 6 (in corn fields, long range) GrouseImproved Cylinder or ModifiedLead 7½ or 8Woodcock, rail, or snipeImproved Cylinder or Modified Lead 8 (in heavy cover) Lead 7½ (open areas) DoveImproved Cylinder or Modified Lead 7½ or 8 Steel 6 (in waterfowl areas) QuailImproved Cylinder or ModifiedLead 7½ or 8RabbitImproved Cylinder or ModifiedLead 5 or 6SquirrelModified or FullLead 5 or 6

Determining Your Dominant or Master Eye

Just as you have a dominant hand, you also have a dominant eye. You need to aim with the dominant—or master—eye for the most accurate shooting. To determine your dominant eye: Form a triangular opening with your thumbs and forefingers. Stretch your arms out in front of you. Focus on a distant object while looking through the triangular opening and keeping both eyes open. Bring your hands slowly to your face, keeping sight of the object through the opening; the opening will come to your dominant eye naturally. If you're not sure, close one eye at a time. The weak eye will see the back of your hand; the strong one will be focused on the object in the triangle. Usually your dominant eye is the same as your dominant hand, but not always. If you are left-handed with a right master eye (cross dominance) you can learn to shoot right-handed or "distract" your dominant right eye by closing or squinting it and forcing your left eye to take over. If you are right-handed with a left master eye (also called cross dominance) you can learn to shoot left-handed or "distract" your dominant left eye by closing or squinting it and forcing your right eye to take over. Before trying to learn to shoot with your non-dominant hand, get help from a certified shooting instructor. Safety Tip If you are color-blind, you should be especially cautious when hunting. You may not be able to distinguish the fluorescent orange clothing of other hunters nor the color markings that help identify game. Remember ... Good vision is the foundation for good shooting and hunting safety. Have your eyes examined on a regular basis.

Shotgun-Shooting Stance

Unlike rifle firing, quick reflexes and flexibility are essential for effective shotgun shooting. Proper shotgun techniques will help you develop the rapid, fluid response you need to hit your target. Use a relaxed, balanced stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight slightly forward on your left foot (if you're a right-handed shooter), and lean your body in the same direction. A shotgun is almost always shot at a moving target from a standing position. You must be able to swing freely over a wide arc and maintain control. That requires a relaxed, balanced stance. Stand with your feet spread about shoulder-width apart and your knees bent slightly so that you are balanced perfectly. Bring your left foot slightly forward (if you're a right-handed shooter), and lean your body in the same direction. The position of the feet is important. The toes of your forward foot should point at about 45 degrees toward the target. Take the time to place your feet properly, even for a quick shot. Keeping your knees slightly bent makes it easier to swing with a moving target. The bent leg to the rear supports the movements of your hips, allowing you to swing smoothly.