Eurooptic vortex burris nightforce sale




teslong borescope digital camera barrel monitor


As an Amazon Associate, this site earns a commission from Amazon sales.









September 25th, 2026

Practical Shooting Tips for Hunters — Three Good Videos

Field rest hunter hunting hunting day stalk stalking rifle resting

Thomas Haugland HuntingTomorrow, September 26, 2026, is National Hunting and Fishing Day. Hunting season is here — and we know many of our readers will soon head to the woods in pursuit of deer, elk, or other game. To make a good shot, it’s wise to rest your rifle when possible. In this video, methods for stabilizing a rifle in the field are demonstrated by Forum member Thomas Haugland, who hails from Norway. Thomas focuses on practical field shooting skills for hunters. Thomas (aka ‘Roe’ on Forum and Sierra645 on YouTube) shows how to verify his zeros from bipod and then he demonstrates improvised field rests from the prone, kneeling, and sitting positions.

Thomas explains: “In this video I focus on basic marksmanship techniques and making ready for this year’s hunt. As a last check before my hunting season, I got to verify everything for one last time. My trajectory is verified again, the practical precision of the rifle is verified. I also practice making do with the best [improvised] rest possible when an opportunity presents itself. After getting knocked in the face by a .338 Lapua Magnum rifle during a previous filming session, I had to go back to basics to stop [flinching]. I include some details from bipod shooting that hopefully some hunters will find useful. Fingers crossed for this years season, good luck!”

How to Stalk Game — Tips from Thomas
If you liked that video, here is another valuable video from Thomas. In this “How to Approach Deer” video, Thomas explains the basics of a successful stalk. If you are headed into deer country this fall, definitely watch this video.

Resting a Hunting Rifle on Backpack
Here’s a great practical tip that can help you make that perfect shot. Thomas shows the best way to use a conventional backpack to provide a steady support for your hunting rifle. He also explains how to correctly deal with parallax in your scope.

Permalink - Videos, Hunting/Varminting, Shooting Skills Post comment »
September 25th, 2026

Buyer’s Guide to Pistol Holsters — 30 Carry Holsters Reviewed

Holster CCW review EDC Every day carry pistol handgun

AccurateShooter.com is more about rifles than pistols. But we know that the majority of our regular readers own handguns, and many also have concealed carry (CCW) permits. And with the prospect of social unrest following the election, we expect more reader than ever will be “packing” a sidearm. Accordingly, we’ve found a great resource for CCW holders that can help you select a holster. On the Shooting Illustrated website you’ll find a detailed review of 30 different holster types. Each holster is illustrated, with pros and cons explained. These are all EDC holsters, meaning those designed for “Every Day Carry”.

SEE Full HolsterPallooza Story with 30 Holster Reviews »

Shooting Illustrated calls this article “HolsterPallooza” and it really does provide a ton of helpful information. Most other holster reviews on the web may feature a half-dozen holsters at the most. In this Holsterpallooza article you can see 30 holsters, with a wide variety of materials, designs, and applications. There are small molded IWB holsters for CCW, conventional on the belt holsters, leather shoulder holster rigs, and even ankle holsters. This is a great place to start if you are in the market for a holster.

Holster CCW review EDC Every day carry pistol handgun
Here’s sample of the many holster options reviewed, an innovative hybrid IWB holster constructed with leather over Kydex. That gives you the “best of both worlds” — the secure fit/retention of a molded Kydex shell, with an attractive leather exterior.

Shooting Illustrated explains: “As the interface between your gun and your body, the holster is a vital component of your carry rig. In many cases, the circumstances of your daily life will determine the method of carry you choose. This, in turn, will determine what type of holster you need, which may end up determining the handgun you carry. Therefore, choosing the method and type of holster may be as, or even more important than, choosing a firearm.”

MORE Reviews — Hickok 45 Reviews 15 CCW Holsters:

If you want to see even MORE holsters for “Every Day Carry” (EDC), check out this video from Hickok 45. This popular YouTube host looks at 15 different IWB holsters from a number of manufacturers. Hickok 45 examines many hybrid holsters that combine Kydex or plastic with leather for increased comfort. He has his favorites… and they might not be what you’d expect. NOTE: As this video has been watched over 900,000 times, you may also want to read the viewer comments. There are many helpful suggestions from CCW holders who carry daily.

Permalink Gear Review, Handguns, New Product Post comment »
September 24th, 2026

Four Valuable Articles from ShootingUSA — Read and Learn

Shooting Sports USA

NRA publication Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) has thousands of articles online, all free for the reading. Many of these stories have been written by top competitors, including National and Olympic Champions. You will find SSUSA articles spotlighted every week on the NRA Competitive Shooting Facebook page. We recommend you bookmark that page as a valuable resource. Here are four notable SSUSA articles that have been featured on Facebook this month. Go to SSUSA.org to see even more current articles, with new content every day.

Shooting Sports USA Mirage Read optics scope
CLICK Above Image to READ Mirage Article

Here is an insightful, fairly lengthy 1850-word article about the phenomenon we call mirage. The article explains how and why mirage appears, how it can best be monitored, and how mirage can indicate both wind velocity and direction. Top competitors follow the adage “Mirage is your friend”, because mirage can often be the most important indicator of wind variables — sometimes even more important than wind flags. “The mirage is more sensitive than the flags since it has less inertia and momentum”, wrote Desmond T. Burke, in his book, Canadian Bisley Shooting, an Art and a Science.

Well worth reading, this SSUSA article talks about the properties of mirage. Here is a sample:

“Mirage — can make all the difference between a shot landing squarely in the X-ring or being victimized by an undetected downrange breeze. The true power of mirage is found in its ability to betray the subtlest of breezes downrange. Its fluid movement… can not only provide wind direction, but speed as well.

Typically, the ability to detect mirage is maximized on warm, sunny and sultry days. Expect mirage to be most pronounced in mid-morning or early afternoon, although it ignores these rules with regularity[.]

Mirage is extremely powerful at identifying winds of less than 12 mph, particularly those gentle breezes subtle enough to not even bother moving the flags.

When there is no wind, or a gentle head or tail wind, mirage will appear to be ‘bubbling’ directly up from the ground. Many call this ‘boiling’, and it is probably the easiest of all to detect.

As a general rule of thumb, when wind speed increases, overall height of the waves produced by the mirage is reduced. Large peaks and valleys in the waves mean that particular mirage is being driven by a very slight breeze. Conversely, crest size is reduced with wind speed, making it harder and harder to detect, until the mirage disappears entirely at somewhere around 12 miles per hour. In other words, the taller mirage’s waves appear, the slower the breeze.”

South Texas Mirage Reading article
Diagram from SouthTexasShooting.org.

Shooting Sports USA barrel maintenance break-in procedures Glen Zediker
CLICK Above Image to READ Barrel Break-In Article

Authored by the late Glen Zediker, this article covers barrel break-in procedures. It is particularly useful for dealing with factory barrels. We CAUTION readers — with outstanding, hand-lapped custom barrels from top barrel-makers, you may want to do very little break-in — clean sparingly and keep barrel heat low. Do NOT use abrasives aggressively. On our Krieger and Brux barrels, we simply wet-patched every 2-3 rounds for 20 rounds and the barrels shot superbly from the start with minimal fouling. But for factory barrels, a moderate break-in process may prove beneficial.

Zediker explains: “Lesser, lower-cost barrels are going to have more pronounced … imperfections within the bore[.] These imperfections are largely tool marks resulting from the drilling and rifling processes. And if it’s a semi-automatic, like an AR-15, there might be a burr where the gas port was drilled. The goal of break-in is to knock down these imperfections, thereby smoothing the interior surface.”

Shooting Sports USA pistol cartridge kaboom safety blowout
CLICK Above Image to READ Case Failure Article

As one who has experienced a cartridge case-head blow-out with a 9mm pistol, this Editor is very conscious of the risks involved and the damage a blow-out can do to the pistol, to the magazine, and (worst of all) to the shooter. Even with new brass, the possibility of a case failure is always present. And even if the case remains intact, we’ve seen primer failures that create a dangerous jet back towards the pistol shooter. That’s why shooters should always employ protective eyewear whenever they shoot.

Shooting Sports USA revolver forcing cone repair damage
CLICK Above Image to READ Revolver Forcing Cone Article

We love our wheelguns, but there’s no doubt that forcing cone damage can occur, particularly with hot loads and if your cylinder-to-barrel gap is excessive. This article explains how to inspect your revolvers, and how to mitigate the likelihood of forcing cone damage. The article also explains how to clean your revolvers properly. This is very important to avoid build-up of lead and powder residues.

Permalink - Articles, Handguns, Shooting Skills, Tech Tip Post comment »
September 24th, 2026

The Many Ways American Hunters Aid Wildlife Conservation

National hunting fishing day wildlife conservation habitat preservation tags licensing
This Saturday, September 26, 2025, is National Hunting and Fishing Day.

There are over 9.2 million hunters in the United States. The fees paid by hunters are essential to support conservation efforts and to protect/maintain habitats.

These infographics explain the vital role that American hunters play in protecting wild species in North America. Currently 60% of state Fish & Wildlife Agency funding comes from excise taxes and licensee fees paid by hunters and anglers. The system has provided billions of dollars for conservation over the past nine decades. Since the late 1930s, hunters, target shooters and the firearms industry have been the nation’s largest contributors to conservation, paying for programs that benefit America’s wildlife.

National hunting fishing day wildlife conservation habitat preservation tags licensing

CLICK to Load full-screen Infographic (Easier to Read)

National hunting fishing day wildlife conservation habitat preservation tags licensing

The Pittman-Robertson Act generates $700 million annually, which is distributed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to state fish and game agencies across America.

National hunting fishing day wildlife conservation habitat preservation tags licensing

Permalink - Articles, Hunting/Varminting, News Post comment »
September 24th, 2026

Cartridges of the World Book Covers 1500+ Cartridge Types

Cartridges of World Barnes 18th Edition

The 18th Edition of the Cartridges of the World was released in spring 2026 so it is up-to-date. This massive 720-page reference contains illustrations and load data for over 1500 cartridge types. That makes it a unique, very valuable resource.

If you shoot a wide variety of cartridges, or are a cartridge collector, this book is a “must-have” resource. The latest 18th Edition includes many new cartridge types and 1500+ photos. The print version costs $37.71 at Amazon.com. Or you can get the print book from Amazon 3rd party sellers starting at $29.58 plus $3.99 shipping. The Kindle eBook version costs $21.99.

CLICK HERE for a large FREE Content Sample from the Kindle eBook version.

Cartridges of World Barnes 18th Edition

Cartridges of World Barnes 15th EditionUpdated 18th Edition with Feature Articles
The latest 18th Edition of Cartridges of the World includes cartridge specs, plus tech articles on Cartridge identification, SAAMI guidelines, wildcatting, and new cartridge design trends. Cartridges of the World, the most complete cartridge reference guide in print, includes a full-color section with feature articles on new 7mm Cartridges, PRC Cartridges, 9mm Cartrdige, and a special feature on Gun Safes.

View Free Book Sample Content
FREE STUFF for You: If you want to see what you are getting, there is a very large sample section of the 18th Edition available online with over 100 pages of content and dozens of photos and illustrations. To access all this FREE INFO, CLICK HERE, then look for the cover photo and click below the cover photos where it says “Read Sample”. It may take a few moments to fully load the sample pages. NOTE: This content is primarily from the Kindle digital 18th Edition.

Cartridges of World Barnes 15th Edition

Cartridges of World Barnes 18th Edition

Cartridges of the World 18th Ed. CHAPTERS:
Chapter 1: Current American Sporting Cartridges
Chapter 2: Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
Chapter 3: Wildcat Cartridges
Chapter 4: Proprietary Cartridges
Chapter 5: Handgun Cartridges of the World
Chapter 6: Military Rifle Cartridges of the World
Chapter 7: British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Chapter 8: European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Chapter 9: American Rimfire Cartridges
Chapter 10: U.S. Military Ammunition 5.56 to 20mm
Chapter 11: Cartridge ID by Measurement
Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Gear Review, Reloading Post comment »
September 23rd, 2026

New ORYX Chassis Systems for Rem, Savage, Ruger Long Actions

mdt oryx long action chasses remington savage ruger new

Here’s some good news for owners of long-action rifles that want to convert to a modular chassis system. MDT now offers the ORYX Chassis System for three popular long action platforms: Remington 700 LA CIP, and the Savage LA CIP, and Ruger American LA. These chassis systems start at $549.99 at MDTtac.com. Four colors (for polymer components) are offered: Black, Flat Dark Earth (FDE), Olive Drab Green (ODG), and Gray. Shown below is the Remington Long Action version in FDE.

mdt oryx long action chasses remington savage ruger new

The ORYX is an aluminum chassis built to bring factory rifles closer to a precision setup. The action is bedded on a V-block and the barrel is free-floated. The buttstock adjusts for both length of pull and cheek height, allowing the shooter to customize the rifle ergonomics to suit his preferences. And the ORYX takes AR-15 compatible grips, allowing the owner to easily customize his rig.

The ORYX chassis accepts AICS pattern magazines and AR15 pattern grips, carries M-LOK on the underside of the forend for bipods and accessories, and includes an integrated barricade stop for positional shooting. These long action ORYX chassis systems are offered in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Olive Drab Green, and Gray.

The ORYX LA chassis systems with long action inlets cover most chamberings used in factory field and hunting rifles. The ORYX is built for the shooter who wants bedded, free-floated accuracy and a stock with good ergonomics, without moving to a custom action.

The ORYX chassis systems for the Ruger American LA RH, Remington 700 LA CIP RH, and Savage LA CIP RH are currently available (as of 9/22/26) through MDT dealers and at MDTtac.com.

Permalink Gear Review, New Product, Tactical Post comment »
September 23rd, 2026

Be Smart, Be Safe — Seven Key Tips for Reloading Safety

seven reloading safety tips powder primers brownells manual

You can never be too safe when hand-loading your own ammunition. This article outlines the Seven Fundamental Reloading Safety Tips, as explained by Brownells. This is important information for novice hand-loaders and a good refresher for those with reloading experience! The Ulimate Reloader video below has some specific tips on loading hunting ammo, as it’s now hunting season throughout much of the nation.

Summary of the Seven Safety Tips:


1. Do NOT mix powders. Keep your powders clearly marked and dated. You can use masking tape to write the date on the container.

2. Check cases frequently. Look for split necks, case head separation or other signs of fatigue and excessive pressure.

3. Store your reloading supplies in a safe and dry location, away from children and away from any possible source of ignition. It is also smart to keep your powder and primers separate.

2. Get and use respected reloading manuals, especially for new cartridges. Start low and work up slowly while watching for warning signs of pressure and/or case fatigue.

5. Make sure you cannot be distracted when reloading. Turn off your phone. If you get interrupted, stop. (Distractions will eventually lead to mistakes.)

6. Make sure your ammo headspaces properly in each gun if you load the same cartridge type for different firearms. Even with the same cartridge, different guns may require different loads.

7. If reloading military brass, be aware that case capacity is usually reduced, and initial loads should be at least 10-15% lower than published data.


Here are some other tips that will help your avoid making costly mistakes (such as using the wrong powder, or undercharging a case):

  • Powder Type — Always double-check the label on your powder containers. After placing powder in the powder measure, put a piece of tape on the measure with the powder type written on it. Some guys write the powder type on a card and place that right in the hopper.
  • Scale Drift — Electronic balances can drift. If you are using a digital powder scale, calibrate the scale with a test weight every 50 rounds or so.
  • Case Fill — If you throw more than one charge at a time, look INSIDE every case before seating a bullet. Squib charges can be dangerous if you don’t notice them before firing the next round.
  • Progressive Presses — When using a progressive press, consider using an RCBS Lock-Out Die. This will detect a low charge and stop the machine. These dies will work with RCBS, Hornady, and Dillon progressives.

Permalink - Videos, Reloading, Tech Tip Post comment »
September 23rd, 2026

Good Dewey Aluminum Jags Eliminate False Positives on Patches

Aluminum jag copper eliminator Dewey

Conventional brass jags work great — except for one thing. They can react to solvents, leaving a blue “false positive” on patches. In recent years, jag-makers have experimented with many different materials in an effort to cure the solvent-reaction problem. Today we have polymer jags, nickel-plated jags, and stainless steel jags. And the latest innovation is the aluminum jag from Dewey.

Aluminum jag DeweyJ. Dewey Mfg. offers a series of “Copper Eliminator” jags and brush adapters made from aircraft-grade aluminum with the same hardness as brass. Dewey claims that its aluminum jags will not become embedded with grit or particles that could harm your bore. At the same time, Dewey’s aluminum jags will not react to ammoniated bore solvents that can turn patches blue green when used with brass jags. Dewey aluminum jags are offered with either male OR female 8/32 threads.

The $5.25 Dewey aluminum jags and $3.70 brush adapters are offered in a wide variety of calibers. You can order these products from Dewey Mfg. or Brownells.


Story Tip from Boyd Allen. We welcome submissions from our readers.
Permalink Gear Review, Tech Tip Post comment »
September 22nd, 2026

Upgrading F-TR Rifle with Bix’N Andy Competition Trigger

bix'n andy rem remington 700 competition trigger

ADDING ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT — Bix’N Andy Rem 700 Competition Trigger
By Les Voth

An accomplished shooter buddy of mine is going to Tennessee for a family visit, but with the priorities a guy’s gotta have, he’s going to stop off at a F-Class match in Indiana on his way there. F-TR is his chosen corner of that discipline.

A Krauger Arms action is the rifle’s anchor/foundation, with a 28” Heavy Varmint MullerWorks cut barrel, Richards Microfit self-finished stock, Vortex scope, Leupold rings, Sinclair bipod makes up the equipment. He’s running Lapua brass and Berger 185 Juggernaut Target bullets. The powder? VV N150.

Benefits of a Trigger Upgrade
What we are encouraged to do as competitive shooters is run what we brung until some part of that is clearly holding us back. But sometimes some don’t know if something will, actually, make them better. Anyone who has already won their division in a F-Class match, and consistently scored right up at the top, must know their equipment and what that package brings to the target. My buddy knew, said so, and I believed him. But if there was a way to help even incrementally, I was after that increment.

bix'n andy rem remington 700 competition trigger

Pulling out a used Bix’N Andy Remington 700 Competition trigger, I handed it to him and said, “I built this out of the used parts bin. Put it into your gun. Shoot it in Indiana, and give it back to me when you get back home.” Buddy put it in his gun and went to the underground range and shot it at 100 yards that night.

bix'n andy rem remington 700 competition trigger

This target is the result of the use of the borrowed trigger. In the first group, on the left, the 30 cal hole on the bottom is the cold bore shot, out of a newly cleaned barrel. The group above the cold bore shot is seven rounds. The second group, on the right, is also seven rounds, shot immediately after the first group.

Buddy said, “I’ve done that before — but it’s never been that easy before! It’s always taken everything I’ve had to get those results!” Here’s how he described his first experience with this trigger: “Effortless”. For him to see the result of his ongoing lack of effort was exciting and exhilarating. It was easier than it had ever been. The kicker was that he did not have to concentrate on the trigger at all. He said he could concentrate on fundamentals more completely, and was not distracted by anything trigger-related.

Comparing Previously Installed Trigger
I will not mention the brand of trigger this Bix’N Andy Comp trigger replaced, but he brought it in the next morning so we could use our measuring device/fixture to compare pull force with the Comp trigger. To his astonishment the trigger force required to between the Bix’N Andy Competition trigger and what he had been using was within an ounce and a half. The difference was in the inner mechanisms of each trigger. The Bix’N Andy felt effortless. With the other, it felt like he had to “overcome” something.

Conclusion
I’m glad he’s happy with the Bix’N Andy Rem 700 trigger. I’ll get the used-bin trigger back when he gets home, but he’ll acquire a brand new Bix’N Andy Remington 700 Single Stage Competition trigger from Bullet Central as soon as he relinquishes that borrowed piece.

Permalink - Videos, Gear Review, Gunsmithing Post comment »
September 22nd, 2026

20 Tips for Hunters Before National Hunting and Fishing Day

hunting safety annual day top 20 tips

This coming Saturday, September 26th, is National Hunting and Fishing Day, held each year on the fourth Saturday of September. To help the avid hunters among our readers, here are Twenty Tips that can help ensure a safe and successful hunt. These tips have been compiled from our AccurateShooter Hunting Forum, with help from Hunting Editor Colton Reid (who has already been out hunting this month). Some items are preparatory — such as working with maps, sighting in the rifle, and improving physical fitness. We also talk about equipment — having the right gear, from proper boots to a GPS for multi-day hunts.

Of course there are entire volumes written on hunting, but these 20 Tips can benefit all hunters. Follow these suggestions and you should have a safer hunting experience with greater likelihood of success. If you liked these pointers, you’ll find two dozen more helpful hints on the NSSF Website.

hunting fishing day Hunting guide

Preparations Before The Hunt

1. Map Your Hunt and Notify Others — Before your hunt, make a plan and notify friends and family members about WHERE you are going and your intended return date and time. Print out a Google Satellite map and locate landmarks and trailheads. Mark where you plan to park your vehicle and give a copy of this map to friend and/or family members. A hunter may injure himself by falling off a rock, or tumbling in a creek-bed. After that kind of injury the hunter may be confused or unable to walk. If you get stranded in the wilderness, you want trusted persons to know where you are. So, before you leave on a trip, provide a map to a friend or family member. Show them where you will leave your vehicle, and where you expect to be every day of your hunting adventure.

2. Licenses and Permits — Make sure you have a valid hunting licenses and all the necessary tags. Begin this process with ample time before your intended hunt(s). The NSSF adds: “If you are crossing state or national borders, find out about any special considerations you must take care of. Border crossings can mean knowing about firearm transport laws or Chronic Wasting Disease-related regulations.”

3. Work on Your Fitness — On a multi-day hunt you may be trekking many miles. You need to be in good shape. If you are out of shape you may be putting yourself in a precarious situation, particularly if you underestimate the terrain difficulty. As the NSSF says: “Not being able to handle the conditions lessens your chances of success, can turn a great experience into an agonizing one and can endanger your health.”

4. Do Your Homework — Study the area you will be hunting. Talk to other hunters. Look at satellite photos. Get a real sense of the walking and terrain challenges. For a multi-day hunt, MAKE a PLAN. The NSSF states: “Eliminate surprises. Learn as much about where you will be staying, the area you will be hunting, what the weather might be like and what you need to bring[.]”

5. Rifle and Ammo — Make sure your rifle is sighted-in and your ammo is tested. Sight-in your rifle with the ammo you plan to use on your hunt. CLICK HERE for 4-Shot Sight-in Method. After sighting-in from the bench, confirm your zero by shooting from typical hunting positions (kneeling and with forearm supported on a rock or post).

hunting rifle sighting in target

6. Shooting Positions — Practice the shooting positions you will use in the field. Practice sitting, kneeling, and prone positions. You should also practice with shooting sticks, using your day pack as a rest, and with a bipod. Try to have a rock-steady rest before taking your shot.

Hunting Positions

7. Back-Up Irons — If possible, select a rifle with back-up iron sights. While modern scopes are very durable, they can and do fail (glass can crack). If you’ve invested a lot of time and money in your hunt, back-up iron sights can keep you in the game even if your riflescope fails.

8. Communications and GPS — Bring a GPS if you are in a wilderness area far from civilization. It’s a good idea to bring a cell phone, but you may not have coverage if you’re quite a distance from populated areas. A smart-phone also doubles as a digital camera to record your trophies. For navigation and safety, consider getting Garmin inReach Explorer+. This high-tech handheld unit features interactive SOS, connecting you to the GEOS 24/7 search-and-rescue monitoring center. They also allow you to send and receive text messages, no matter where you are, via advanced inReach satellite technology. Yes you can communicate even if you are miles from the nearest cell tower.

9. Select Good Gear — Make sure you have GOOD BOOTS that are comfortable — you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet. You may want a pack with harness for your rifle so you have both hands free. On a multi-day trip, make sure you can carry enough water, and that you will stay warm enough at night. Good practices for backpacking apply to multi-day hunts.

10. Make a Gear Checklist — Create a complete checklist of the gear and supplies you need. That includes arms, ammunition, rangefinder, binoculars, proper clothing (including spare clothes), hunting accessories, sleeping gear (on multi-day hunts), toiletries, medications. Don’t forget a good first aid kit — lots of bad things can happen during any wilderness trip. You can cut a hand, break an ankle or worse.

During The Hunt

11. Have a Plan — know where you plan to go and when. Try to be where you want in the early morning and early evening hours when deer are likely most active.

12. Take Your Time — If you spot a deer and get too excited and don’t take your time you may spook him. Go slow and glass. If possible, wait for the animals to bed down and relax. Then work out the best way to approach your prey. Remember, “You get so few opportunities, don’t screw it up!”

13. Glass More, Walk Less — Let your eyes do the walking — get good binoculars and use them. With their heightened senses of smell and hearing, deer/elk are able to spot you way better than you can spot them. If you are walking around a lot, chances are you are getting spotted by your prey.

14. Riflescopes Are Not Binoculars — Never use a riflescope as a substitute for binoculars. The temptation to do so is real, but when one does this, one is by definition pointing the muzzle of the gun at unknown targets. We like binoculars with built-in rangefinders. When glassing at long range, try supporting your binoculars on your pack.

hunting scopes binoculars Zeiss Colton Reid

15. Be Sure of Your Target before Shooting — Every year during whitetail season, farmers are forced to spray-paint their cattle or risk having them “harvested” by hunters who don’t bother confirming the species in their sights. Hunters with “buck fever” can make mistakes. When in doubt, don’t shoot.

hunting scope deer rifle

16. Know When to Unload — When finished hunting, unload your firearm before returning to camp. You should also unload your gun before attempting to climb a steep bank or travel across slippery ground.

17. Bring Hearing Protection — While pursuing and stalking your prey you’ll want full sensory use of your ears. But when you’re finally ready to take the shot, slip in hearing protection. A shot from a large-caliber hunting rifle can exceed 170 decibels. Unprotected exposure to noise from a SINGLE 170+ dB shot can cause permanent hearing damage. (Source: ASHA.org). If you make a follow-up shot, you double that noise hazard. Therefore a hunter with a non-suppressed rifle should have hearing protection available.

hunting safety annual day top 20 tips

You can keep a pair of easy-to-use quick-insert ear plugs on a cord around your neck. Or, get a lightweight neck band with earbuds, such as the Sellstrom Band, Peltor Band, or 3M Safety Band, all with a good 25 dB or better Noise Reduction Rating. You can keep these lightweight bands around your neck for quick deployment before you shoot.

hunting safety annual day top 20 tips

“Once a hunter is successful, the REAL work begins.” — Colton Reid

18. Harvesting the Animal — When dressing your animal, be careful with the meat. You’ll want very sharp knives. Some hunters prefer knives with replaceable, razor-sharp blades. Don’t rush the task. Make sure you don’t get moisture or dirt on meat. The three spoilers of meat are heat, moisture, and dirt.

19. Pace Yourself When Packing Out — If you DO succeed, and bring down a big buck, will you be able to dress the animal and carry out the meat? Always be prepared to hike out with extra weight. If you are successful, make sure not to waste the meat you worked so hard for. Choose a pack that can help you carry a heavy load. Remember, this is not an insignificant challenge — you may be carrying 60 to 100 extra pounds in addition to your other gear. Again, take your time. Rest as needed. Don’t hurt yourself.

20. Remember to Enjoy the Experience — Our Hunting Editor, Colton Reid, offers this sage advice to all hunters, but particularly to novices: “Have fun, and appreciate your hunt, whether you bag a buck or not. It is a privilege to experience the wilderness and to get away from the city. Enjoy it while you’re out there. And keep your spirits up. You may get tired, but remember that ‘comes with the territory’. At the end of the day, yes you may be exhausted. And you may want to quit and go home. But stay positive, stay focused. Be patient, the experience is worth it.”

hunting fishing day Hunting guide
CLICK HERE for Hunter Training/Mentoring Programs State-by-State.

Visit WhereToHunt.org

There’s a great online resource for hunters that will help you find game locations in your state and ensure you have all the proper permits and game tags. WheretoHunt.org features an interactive map of the country. For all 50 states, the NSSF has compiled information about hunting license and permits, where to hunt, hunter education classes, laws and regulations and more. For each state you’ll also find a link for required applications and license forms.

Click Map to Get State-by-State Hunting INFO
Where to Hunt hunting license game location

Permalink - Articles, - Videos, Gear Review, Hunting/Varminting, Tech Tip Post comment »