Becoming a proficient hunter and shooter certainly isn’t easy. It’s often a challenging proposition that involves many frustrating experiences. Most of my own abilities have developed throughout five decades of squeezing the trigger in various shooting and hunting venues around the world.
Unfortunately, some of my knowledge came after making mistakes and poor decisions. I learned from those blunders, though, and improved because of them. You can, too.
Following is a smattering of shooting knowledge I’ve gathered throughout the last 40 years. Specifically, we’ll review ten tips I believe will improve your shooting.
1. . Choose the Right Shooting Rest for Better Shooting When Hunting
Choosing the right shooting rest is one of the most effective ways to achieve better shooting when hunting, especially when shots are taken beyond close range. Off-hand shooting demands exceptional balance, strength, and breath control, which is why many hunters struggle to keep the rifle steady under real field conditions. Even small amounts of barrel movement can cause significant point-of-impact shifts at distance, turning an otherwise ethical shot into a miss or, worse, a wounded animal.
Using a stable rest helps eliminate unnecessary movement and allows the rifle to recoil in a straight, predictable manner. Natural rests such as logs, tree branches, rocks, or even your backpack can work extremely well when used correctly. Padding the contact point with a jacket or pack helps prevent stock damage and reduces vibration. Purpose-built gear, like a lightweight bipod, offers even more consistency and adaptability across different shooting positions. A reliable option many hunters use is the Harris Engineering S-BRM Bipod, which provides adjustable height and solid lockup in uneven terrain
From a practical shooting standpoint, a proper rest reduces muscle fatigue and allows you to focus on sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-through rather than fighting the wobble of an unsupported rifle. Practicing at the range with the same types of rests you expect to use in the field is critical for building confidence. Whether you are shooting from a blind, kneeling on a hillside, or sitting against a tree, mastering the use of a shooting rest lays the foundation for consistent accuracy and is a core component of better shooting when hunting.
2. Keep Both Eyes Open
Keeping both eyes open while aiming is a fundamental technique that directly contributes to better shooting when hunting, especially in dynamic field conditions. Closing one eye reduces depth perception and narrows your field of view, which can make it harder to track moving game or notice obstacles and background hazards. When both eyes remain open, your brain combines visual input to improve balance, spatial awareness, and target acquisition speed. This becomes increasingly important when hunting in thick cover or when animals are moving unpredictably.
From a marksmanship standpoint, shooting with both eyes open helps reduce eye strain and fatigue, allowing you to stay on target longer without tension building in your face and neck. Many professional shooting instructors teach this method because it encourages a more relaxed shooting posture and smoother trigger control. According to the NRA’s marksmanship training guidance, maintaining binocular vision improves situational awareness and target focus, particularly for hunters who must make quick but ethical shot decisions.
Transitioning to this technique can feel uncomfortable at first, especially for shooters accustomed to closing one eye. A helpful training method is to practice at the range using low magnification or iron sights while consciously keeping both eyes open. Some hunters also benefit from using optics with generous eye relief and clear glass, such as the Vortex Crossfire II Rifle Scope, which makes maintaining a full field of view easier during the learning process. With consistent practice, shooting with both eyes open becomes second nature and significantly enhances awareness, confidence, and accuracy in real hunting scenarios.
3. Fire a “Soiled” Bore First for Better Shooting When Hunting
Understanding how barrel condition affects accuracy is an often overlooked factor in achieving better shooting when hunting. Many hunters meticulously clean their rifles before the season, assuming a spotless bore guarantees precision. In reality, the first shot from a freshly cleaned barrel frequently impacts differently than subsequent shots fired through a lightly fouled bore. This is because microscopic copper and carbon fouling from previous rounds creates a more consistent internal surface, allowing bullets to travel with greater uniformity.
From a practical standpoint, this means the very first shot you take after cleaning, which is often the most important shot of a hunt, may not land exactly where your rifle was zeroed. Experienced hunters account for this by firing one or two rounds after cleaning to “season” the bore before relying on the rifle in the field. This practice ensures the barrel condition matches the zero established at the range. Ignoring this step can lead to unexplained point-of-impact shifts, even when all other variables remain unchanged.
That said, this does not mean neglecting rifle maintenance. Regular cleaning is still essential for preventing corrosion, maintaining barrel life, and ensuring reliable function. The key is consistency. If you zero your rifle with a lightly fouled barrel, you should hunt with the barrel in the same condition. Using a quality cleaning system like the Otis Tactical Cleaning System allows you to maintain your rifle properly while controlling how clean the bore is before heading into the field. By understanding and managing bore condition, hunters can eliminate a subtle but critical variable and improve first-shot accuracy when it matters most.
4. Factory-Loaded Ammo Varies
Understanding factory ammunition variation is critical for achieving better shooting when hunting, even when using reputable, modern ammunition. While today’s factory cartridges are generally reliable, not all loads perform equally in every rifle. Differences in brass thickness, powder charge consistency, primer ignition, and bullet construction can cause noticeable shifts in group size and point of impact. Two boxes of ammunition with the same caliber and bullet weight can still produce very different results depending on how well they harmonize with your rifle’s barrel and chamber.
Rifles are individuals. Slight differences in chamber dimensions, barrel harmonics, and twist rates mean that one rifle may shoot a particular factory load exceptionally well while another struggles with the same ammunition. This is why experienced hunters test multiple brands and bullet types before settling on a hunting load. Firing groups from a bench rest at known distances allows you to identify which ammunition your rifle prefers and eliminates guesswork when it comes time to hunt.
Ballistic consistency is also affected by velocity variation. Inconsistent muzzle velocities can lead to vertical stringing, especially at longer ranges. According to ballistic research published by the National Institute of Justice, ammunition consistency plays a measurable role in shot dispersion and terminal performance. This reinforces the importance of testing and confirming real-world accuracy rather than assuming all factory ammo will shoot the same.
To evaluate ammo properly, hunters should record group sizes, point of impact, and environmental conditions for each load tested. Tools like a Caldwell Lead Sled Solo Shooting Rest help remove human error during testing so ammunition performance can be evaluated objectively. By understanding and accounting for factory ammo variation, hunters can choose loads that deliver consistent accuracy and confidence in the field.
5. Shoot High-Quality Hunting Ammo
Using premium ammunition is one of the simplest ways to improve reliability and consistency for better shooting when hunting. While standard factory loads are often sufficient for casual target practice, hunting places much higher demands on ammunition performance. Premium hunting ammo is engineered with tighter tolerances, more consistent powder charges, and higher-quality bullet construction, all of which contribute to predictable accuracy and dependable terminal performance on game.
High-quality hunting bullets are specifically designed to expand in a controlled manner while maintaining enough weight to penetrate vital organs. This balance is critical for ethical kills, especially on medium to large game animals. Cheaper bullets may fragment too early or fail to expand at all, resulting in poor penetration and increased risk of wounding. Premium loads are also more consistent from shot to shot, reducing unexplained flyers that can occur with budget ammunition.
Another advantage of premium ammo is improved performance across varying distances. Whether your shot is taken at 50 yards in thick woods or 300 yards across open terrain, premium bullets are designed to perform reliably across a wider range of velocities. Hunters who have tested multiple loads often find that their tightest groups come from ammunition built specifically for hunting rather than general-purpose use.
To evaluate premium options properly, shooters should test them from a solid rest and record results under realistic conditions. A proven example of high-quality hunting ammunition is Federal Premium Vital-Shok with Trophy Bonded Tip bullets, known for consistency and controlled expansion. Although premium ammo costs more per round, the investment is minimal compared to the value of accuracy, confidence, and ethical shot placement in the field.
6. Bore-Sighting Isn’t Enough for Better Shooting When Hunting
Bore-sighting is a useful first step, but relying on it alone will prevent truly better shooting when hunting. Bore-sighting simply aligns the barrel with the sights or scope well enough to ensure your first live rounds hit the target backer. It does not account for real-world factors such as recoil, barrel harmonics, ammunition behavior, or shooter input. Only live-fire confirmation can reveal where your rifle actually places bullets.
Many hunters mistakenly assume that a rifle is ready for the field once it has been bore-sighted. In reality, proper zeroing requires firing multiple groups from a stable position and making precise adjustments based on measured point of impact. Environmental factors like temperature, altitude, and even shooting position can influence where rounds land. This is why experienced shooters always confirm zero under conditions that closely match their hunting environment.
According to NRA rifle training guidance, bore-sighting should always be followed by live-fire zeroing at known distances to confirm accuracy and consistency. This step ensures that your optic adjustments correspond correctly with actual bullet impact rather than theoretical alignment. Skipping this process often leads to missed shots or poor shot placement when it matters most.
Using a bore-sighting tool can still save time and ammunition during the initial setup. Devices like the Wheeler Engineering Professional Laser Bore Sighter help get rifles on paper quickly, making the final sight-in process more efficient. However, hunters should always finish the process at the range with live rounds. Confirming zero through actual shooting is essential for confidence, ethical shot placement, and consistent results in the field.
7. Slight Variations can Hinder Accuracy
Avoiding unnecessary accuracy variations is essential for maintaining consistency and achieving better shooting when hunting. Even small changes to your rifle or setup can cause noticeable shifts in point of impact, often without the shooter realizing it. Dropping a rifle, bumping the scope against a tree stand, or transporting it improperly can loosen mounts or slightly misalign optics. These subtle changes can translate into missed shots or poor shot placement once you are in the field.
Accuracy variations are not limited to physical damage. Changes in shooting position, sling tension, or even how firmly the rifle is shouldered can affect how the barrel vibrates during a shot. Environmental factors such as temperature swings and humidity can also influence both ammunition performance and barrel behavior. For example, a rifle zeroed during summer heat may not shoot to the exact same point of impact during cold late-season hunts unless it has been rechecked.
This is why experienced hunters periodically verify their zero throughout the year, especially after travel or rough handling. A quick range session or even a single confirmation shot can reveal whether adjustments are needed. Keeping a small torque wrench in your gear kit helps ensure scope rings and action screws remain tightened to manufacturer specifications. A compact option like the Wheeler FAT Wrench allows hunters to maintain consistent torque and prevent accuracy issues caused by loose hardware.
By minimizing variables and routinely checking equipment, hunters can maintain reliable performance and confidence in their rifle. Consistency is a critical component of better shooting when hunting, and controlling accuracy variations ensures that your rifle performs the same way every time you pull the trigger.
8. Select the Proper Bullet Weight
Selecting the proper bullet weight is a critical but often misunderstood factor in achieving better shooting when hunting. Every rifle barrel is manufactured with a specific twist rate, which determines how well it stabilizes bullets of certain weights and lengths. When a bullet is properly stabilized, it flies more efficiently, groups tighter, and delivers more predictable terminal performance. Using a bullet weight that does not match your barrel’s twist rate can result in poor accuracy, inconsistent groups, or even keyholing at longer distances.
Beyond stabilization, bullet weight also affects velocity, recoil, and energy transfer. Lighter bullets generally travel faster and produce flatter trajectories, which can be beneficial at longer ranges, while heavier bullets often offer deeper penetration and better performance on larger game. Hunters must balance these characteristics based on the species being hunted, typical shot distances, and the capabilities of their rifle. Testing different bullet weights at the range is the only reliable way to determine what your rifle shoots best.
Ballistic data and twist rate recommendations published by manufacturers and firearms experts consistently show that matching bullet weight to barrel twist improves accuracy and consistency. According to guidance from the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI), bullet stability and accuracy are directly influenced by proper bullet-to-barrel matching. This makes understanding bullet weight selection an essential step rather than an optional refinement.
To evaluate bullet performance accurately, hunters should record group sizes, velocity data, and point of impact for each bullet weight tested. Using a chronograph like the Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph helps shooters measure real muzzle velocities and compare loads objectively. By selecting the proper bullet weight for your rifle and hunting needs, you eliminate another variable and move closer to consistent, confident performance in the field.
9. Always Consider Bullet Path
Considering bullet path is absolutely essential for ethical and effective shot placement and for achieving better shooting when hunting. In real-world hunting situations, animals are rarely standing perfectly broadside on level ground at known distances. Shots may be quartering, uphill, downhill, or taken through light brush, all of which affect how a bullet travels through the animal. Failing to account for bullet path can result in poor penetration or missed vital organs, even if the shot appears acceptable at first glance.
Bullet path refers to the route the bullet will take from the point of entry to its exit, not just where it strikes the animal’s hide. Hunters must visualize where vital organs are located and how the bullet will reach them based on the animal’s angle and position. For example, a quartering-away shot may require aiming farther back to ensure the bullet passes through the heart and lungs rather than exiting too early. Elevation changes also matter, as uphill or downhill shots can alter effective distance and point of impact.
Understanding anatomy and shot angles improves decision-making and helps hunters avoid taking marginal shots. Ethical hunters prioritize clean kills over convenience and are willing to pass on shots that do not offer a clear bullet path to the vitals. Practicing shot placement using anatomical targets or 3D archery-style rifle targets can greatly improve this skill. Targets like the Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-C Vital Zone Deer Target provide realistic anatomy references that help hunters train their eye for proper bullet placement.
By consistently thinking through bullet path before squeezing the trigger, hunters improve judgment, reduce the risk of wounding game, and reinforce disciplined habits. This mental process is a defining trait of experienced hunters and a critical component of better shooting when hunting under real field conditions.
10. Shoot More to Achieve Better Shooting When Hunting
Consistent practice is the single most reliable way to achieve better shooting when hunting. Every round fired reinforces muscle memory, timing, and trigger control, whether good or bad. Hunters who only shoot a few rounds each year before the season often struggle because they have not built repeatable habits under controlled conditions. Regular practice allows shooters to identify weaknesses, correct errors, and steadily improve accuracy over time.
Effective practice goes beyond casually firing rounds at a target. Structured range sessions that focus on fundamentals such as breathing, trigger squeeze, follow-through, and shooting from realistic field positions produce far better results. Practicing from sitting, kneeling, and prone positions mirrors actual hunting scenarios far more closely than shooting exclusively from a bench. Dry-fire practice at home can also help reinforce trigger control without the cost of ammunition.
According to research summarized by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, consistent and deliberate practice significantly improves marksmanship and long-term shooting performance. This reinforces the idea that skill development is cumulative and dependent on repetition over time rather than short bursts of shooting before the season opens.
Using training aids can further accelerate improvement by providing immediate feedback. A rimfire rifle or a laser training system allows hunters to practice fundamentals affordably and frequently. Tools like the Mantis X3 Shooting Performance System attach to the firearm and provide real-time data on trigger pull and movement, helping shooters diagnose and fix issues quickly. By committing to regular, purposeful practice, hunters build confidence, consistency, and the skills necessary for ethical and successful shots in the field.
Concluding
Achieving better shooting when hunting is not about a single trick or piece of gear. It is the result of controlling variables, building consistent habits, and making informed decisions before and during every shot. From using a stable shooting rest and selecting the right ammunition to understanding bullet path and practicing regularly, each skill builds on the next. When combined, they create confidence and reliability in the field.
Good hunters focus on preparation long before the season opens. They test their equipment, confirm zero, practice realistic shooting positions, and understand the limitations of both their rifle and themselves. Just as importantly, they know when not to shoot. Ethical hunting depends on discipline, patience, and respect for the animal.
By applying these ten principles consistently, hunters improve accuracy, reduce mistakes, and increase the likelihood of clean, humane harvests. Skill develops over time, and every well-planned shot is the product of preparation, awareness, and deliberate practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I improve my accuracy quickly before hunting season?
The fastest way to improve accuracy is to practice fundamentals consistently. Focus on trigger control, proper breathing, and using stable shooting positions you will actually use in the field. Confirm your rifle’s zero and avoid changing ammo or gear right before the season.
2. Is bench shooting enough to prepare for hunting shots?
Bench shooting is useful for sighting in a rifle, but it does not fully prepare you for hunting conditions. Most real shots are taken from sitting, kneeling, or supported field positions. Practicing these positions is essential for better shooting when hunting.
3. Does expensive gear really improve shooting performance?
High-quality gear can help, but it cannot replace skill. A stable rest, reliable optic, and consistent ammunition reduce variables, but technique and practice matter far more than price.
4. How often should I practice shooting during the year?
Regular practice is more effective than occasional long sessions. Even short monthly range trips help maintain muscle memory and confidence, leading to better shooting when hunting.
5. What is the most common mistake hunters make when shooting?
The most common mistake is rushing the shot. Failing to consider bullet path, stability, and shot angle often leads to poor placement. Taking a moment to assess the shot greatly improves outcomes.
About the Author
David Andrew Brown is a former law enforcement agent with over 30 years of experience in criminal investigations, personal defense, and tactical response. A certified firearm instructor and home protection counselor, he now shares his expertise to help others stay alert, capable, and confident under pressure. “Preparedness isn’t paranoia,” David says. “It’s respect for reality.”
Last updated on: January 12, 2026
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