range practice: how long to become proficient?

I used to do the same thing that YARDDOG does, in that I'd make sure the rifle was dead on, cold bore, at the start of the season. And then not clean the bore till the season was over. And if I didn't shoot so much now, being retired and hunting on my own place, that's the way I'd still do it. But, as for becoming proficient, the advice on shooting a 22 rimfire is good. Lots of target practice to start with, starting with shooting from the bench and then shooting from other positions. And if you can spend some time squirrel hunting with that 22, that'll teach you how to shoot from odd positions and in dim light and often without a lot of time to make the shot. Like some of the others have said, ya gotta shoot a lot of bullets.
 
Some thoughts that may help. Start by learning good shooting technique and then:

1. set up a target and dry fire. When i was shooting competition, I dry fired 10 times to each live round I fired.
2. Use the old Bow hunter technique of identifing the distance at which you can hit every shot on a paper plate. Do not take a shot at a longer distance.

3. practice practice and practice.

4. Enjoy the hunt. My most enjoyable hunt was a bow hunt were I moved to within five yards of a spike white tail. I was screened by brush and could not get a shot. I stood there for about 20 minutes and watched him without taking a shot. It is one of my best hunting memories.
 
500 aimed shoots will get you familiar with your rifle. After that it's just a matter of practice.

The heart/long shot is a pretty big target. Shots at deer rarely exceed 100yds.

Just only take shots you're sure of and you'll be ok.
 
Been shooting for over 43 years...have some bad days and good days.

When hunting take your time do not get excited and rush the shot. Think about the shot before you take it. Uphill vs. downhill. shooting through brush ect. Sometimes the best choice may be not making the shot and not risk losing a wounded animal.
 
First, get two rifles with scopes, one a .22LR with the same action and close to the same feel/safety location/operation as the centerfire. Scopes take most of the poor sighting situations out of the picture because the target and sighting planes are the same. A 3-9x variable is optimal for most hunting situations out to 300 yard. (I can't recommend shoot beyond 200 yards until you've killed a dozen deer at closer ranges.)

Fire the .22 until you feel comfortable hitting the 9" paper plate in the center 3" with every position you intend to use in the field. Prone isn't usually a good position, but sitting, with or without a rest; standing, with or without rests are common field positions. When aiming, look at the target center and not the reticle. If you do that, you'll see the reticle with your peripheral vision and naturally guide it to the target center.

At whatever range you can hit the 3" in each field position, keep that in mind and practice determining that distance in all hunting situations, including a half-hour before sunset (or sunrise). That's your baseline point-blank range and should account for a bit of buck-fever, numbness from the cold, etc.

After all that is accomplished, practice with the centerfire rifle to achieve the same results. Keep practicing with the rimfire, shooting at least 100:1 over the centerfire and you'll increase your point-blank range in perhaps a half-dozen range sessions.

For at least the first few years, consider shooting from a blind, with something to rest the forend of the stock on. Finding a good place to wait for deer is the trick, but that's another subject.

Note: I started shooting at about 7 yrs old with my brother's BB gun and wore out that one and two more because I loved shooting and was pretty good at it. At 67, I still shoot a lot and very much enjoy offhand shooting.
 
It all depends how you hunt. Too many people only shoot off a bench. That's fine if you are hunting from inside a stand.
Since I do a lot of walking during my deer hunts, I practice off hand. However, the best way to get good at hunting is to hunt. It also involves many more safety concerns when you hunt - you must know what is in your background before you take a shot. Tracking a wounded deer is another skill to develop. Practice is good but the real deal will teach you much.
 
Hunting and shooting are two different things. You can get fairly good with a rifle within 200 rounds. Staying good is the trick, that takes pratice. Getting good at hunting is a lifetime persuit.

Learn all you can about the animal you will be hunting, then leave the gun at home and start tracking every few weekends that you can. After you can find what you are looking for (take a camera with, and take pictures) then you can seriously start hunting during hunting season.

Just my 5 1/2 cents.
Jim
 
100% agree with all. Get familiar with your equipment, develope good technique, practice from field poitions, etc etc. Keep this in mind though....

When it comes to shots on living critters, it can do things to you that you don't expect. My son, who became proficient on paper at an early age, had a rough go his first couple opportunities on deer. Shook the whole tree we were in. He finally settled down and has become an excellent hunter.

Me, I'm lucky. My buck fever has always come AFTER the shot. After 30+ years of big game hunting, every now and then I still get the shakes after shooting a big critter. It's just something everyone has to deal with in their own way.
 
never

I've been shooting for 30+ years starting with .22s around 10 years old. I still don't think I'm "proficient" as I would like to be.

I think the best practice for the least $$ is .22 at 100 yards and skeet/trap shooting with .410. Even then you need to set aside time to practice with the gun you will be hunting with.
 
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