September 25, 2008

Commentary
Some tips on making sure your
deer gun shoots where it’s pointed

By JIM MATTHEWS
Outdoor News Service

Put a group of big game hunting guides together and they will invariably complain about one thing: Hunting clients who can’t shoot their rifles. My favorite descriptive line from one of them is: “He couldn’t hit a barn from the inside.”
They will tell you most hunters are poor shooters, and while I’ve always taken the word “most” with a huge grain of salt, I’m beginning to think they may be right. Recently, I did a story about hunters in the A zone who were using newly mandated non-lead ammunition. Compliance was good. What was shocking was that none of those contacted by Department of Fish and Game wardens had sighted in their guns with the new ammunition.
Not one.
This was a little disconcerting. So I started calling friends and gun shop clerks. I visited a couple of public ranges and watched. What I heard and saw is alarming:
-- Many hunters believe when they buy a gun that it is ready to go hunting, that it will shoot where the sights are looking.
-- A lot of sportsmen think all ammunition of the correct caliber will shoot to the same point of impact in their gun.
-- Even those who do try to sight in their guns, do not have a clue how to accomplish the task and if they manage to hit the target at all, they think that is good enough.
None of these things are true.
With deer seasons about to kick off throughout Southern California’s deer zones (Oct. 11 for most), a basic primer on sighting-in and ammunition variances is in order. If this is old hat to you, pass on this column to people doing it wrong that you meet at the range or in the field.
Rule One: Rifles should be sighted-in or rechecked at the range off a solid benchrest before each hunting season. If the gun gets bumped, dropped off a tailgate, falls down in the closet or gun safe, or crashes to the ground when you stumble while hunting, you should go to a range to make sure the gun is still shooting where the sights are looking.
When I was a kid, I missed an easy shot at a buck with my .243. I used my uncle’s .30-06 to shoot my deer. Later, I found the gun had obviously been banged and the .243 was shooting 18-inches to the left from where the scope was looking. When in doubt, check.
Rule Two: Whenever you change ammunition, your rifle should be checked at the range and resighted in. Very few guns shoot different loads to the same point of impact. Different bullet weights and different brands of ammunition frequently shoot dramatically different than each other. This is true even if you buy the same brand and bullet weight, but purchase the ammunition a year or two apart. Companies frequently change components. Don’t assume, always check.
I once had a .30-06 that was a tack-driver, shooting itty-bitty groups, but it shot every different brand and bullet weight of ammunition to a different point on the target -- and the difference was so great that I would miss a deer at 150 yards if the gun was sighted in with one brand and I shot another. But I also have a .30-06 that shoots just about everything to nearly the same point of impact. Always check.
Rule Three: Learn how accurately your gun shoots. It will help your confidence in the field. I’m so confident in my guns that I’m surprised if I miss in the field.
All of these rules require that you go to a rifle range and shoot your gun. And more is better. New hunters should spend a lot of time at the range and plan on shooting at least a couple of boxes of ammunition over a couple of trips.
At a range recently, I watched three guys show up to check their guns. I could hear their conversation and knew they were getting ready to go deer hunting. One of the guys had a new gun that needed to be sighted in, and the other two were just checking their guns.
They were attempting to do the right thing, but they proceeded to do it all wrong. The first two guys shot three shots off the bench with their guns, resting their elbows on the surface and wobbling all over, but both proclaimed things were good when they managed to hit the eight-inch black circle just two out of the three shots. The other guy’s new gun had been bore-sighted at the sporting goods store, and when his first three shots were also on the paper, they decided they were ready to go. I cringed.
Range-Shooting Basics: The purpose of going to the range is to set up a rock-solid shooting platform so you can test ammunition accuracy and precisely adjust your sights. Most ranges have small sand bags to help you accomplish this purpose. You want to stack up sand bags under the fore end of your rifle and place one under the butt stock of your rifle just ahead of the butt plate or recoil pad. “Mold” the bags to the shape of your rifle stock. When you are done positioning and “forming” the sand bags, your gun should sit upright on its own on the bags and be looking at the exact center of your target. Now all you have to do is nestle up behind the rifle, snuggle up to the stock, and squeeze the trigger. Don’t put your hand between the fore end and the front sand bag. Tuck that hand back under the buttstock by your armpit and apply slight pressure on the left or right side of the stock to make tiny adjustments in crosshair alignment. The crosshairs in the scope shouldn’t hardly tremor as you squeeze the trigger.
Recoil will jump the rifle, and you will have to reposition it again to the crosshairs are exactly in the center of the target. Squeeze off another shot. And then do it again. The three shots should be clustered closely together on the paper. Today’s factory rifles will place three shots in a one to 1 1/2-inch circle at 100 yards, almost across the board. (If your gun doesn’t do that you are using poor benchrest technique or have ammunition that doesn’t perform well in your gun.) Let the gun cool between three-shot groups. If the first three shots are not in the center of the target, take off the scope covers and make the adjustments you need to precisely center the group. Shooting three shots off your wobbly elbows, with shots sprayed over a 12-inch circle, is not the same thing.
It gives you great boosts of confidence to know that you can hit a bottle cap every time at 100 yards with your deer rifle at the range.
But shooting at a range off a steady rest also makes your realize how much the sights jump around in the field from less steady shooting positions. Adrenaline surges when you see game. Your heart pounds after a steep hill climb. Those things and poor field shooting skills can combine to make a hunter and gun incapable of hitting a “barn from the inside” -- even a hunter who can hit that bottle cap at the range.
Field shooting skills are learned from practice. Most of the good hunters I know spend a lot of time shooting, .22s and their big game rifles. Every shot you take makes you more familiar and confident in the shooting process. At the range, they practice offhand, kneeling, sitting down, and using any support that is similar to what they might find in the field. I shoot standing and resting my rifle against the side of a post at the local rifle range. The last several head of big game I’ve shot, or seen shot, were taken as the rifle and shooter braced against a tree, stump, or fallen log. I practice those kinds of shots. While not like a benchrest, those are pretty stable platforms.
Field Shooting’s Only Rule: Use the steadiest position you can find for the conditions when hunting. Never shoot offhand if you can kneel. Never kneel if you can sit. Get the most stable position you can find. If you don’t know, KNOW, that you can precisely make the shot, don’t take it.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 29 SAN JACINTO WILDLIFE AREA MANAGEMENT MEETING: The staff of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area in western Riverside County near Lake Perris will be hosting a meeting on its current management plan, which is up for review and revision this year. Hunters are encouraged to attend the meeting to make sure environmentalist and anti-hunters don’t try to eliminate hunting from this excellent public hunting area. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 29 at the area headquarters. Contacts: Scott Sewell at 951-634-4652 or Tom Trakes at 951-236-3040.
OCTOBER 4 QUAIL UNLIMITED DOG CHALLENGE: The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited is hosting its second annual Dog Challenge beginning 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Prado Dog Training Facility, Chino. There are still slots available for hunters who want to run their dogs in the pointing and flushing dog trials or retriever event. Entry form and more information is available on the Riverside QU web site at www.quriverside.com.
OCTOBER 4 SAN FERNANDO FRIENDS OF NRA FUNDRAISER: The San Fernando Valley Friends of the National Rifle Assocation will have its fundraiser beginning 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Elks Lodge, 20925 Osborne St., Canoga Park. This is a new FNRA banquet. Cost is $50 per person with $20 tickets for a special Kimber NRA Freedom Warrior .45 drawing. For an event flyer, go to http://friendsofnra.org/eventdocs/California/SFV08.pdf. Contact: Lissa Lee via e-mail at llee@nrahq.org.
OCTOBER 4 RANCHO CUCAMONGA HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Bass Pro Shop, Rancho Cucamonga. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. These free classes are held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at Bass Pro and limited to 40 people. Reservations by calling Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
OCTOBER 4-5 CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON COURSE: A 16-hour California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course is being offered by Firearms Training Associates at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises this Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $180 per person. This course meets the state requirement for 16 hours of training to qualify for a CCW (not valid in San Bernardino County). Other dates for 2008 classes are Nov. 1-2 and Dec. 6-7. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867. The web site is www.ftatv.com.
OCTOBER 11 NORCO HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2008 class dates are Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
OCTOBER 16 KERN COUNTY CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION FUNDRAISER: The Kern County Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will have its annual fundraiser banquet beginning 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Elks Lodge, 1616 30th Street, Bakersfield. Cost is $75 per person, $125 per couple. Contact: Jim Delmarter at 661-327-1486 or go to the CWA web site at www.calwaterfowl.org.
NOVEMBER 1 BIG GAME DRINKER REPAIR: The Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep is coordinating and hosting an extensive big game drinker repair effort Saturday, Nov. 1 in the Kingston Range (north of Baker). The Right Wrong Ridge Drinker needs fencing, rain matt repair, and new plumbing. Volunteers should be in moderately good condition (the drinker is a half-mile hike in) and be willing to work at least a half-day. Bring work clothes, gloves, and hiking boots. Food will be provided Friday evening and after the work project, but volunteers should bring water and snacks. Contact Gary Thomas for more information and directions via e-mail at g.cranky@verizon.net.
NOVEMBER 1 NORCO HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2008 class date is Dec. 6. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
NOVEMBER 1 RANCHO CUCAMONGA HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Bass Pro Shop, Rancho Cucamonga. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. These free classes are held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at Bass Pro and limited to 40 people. Reservations by calling Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
NOVEMBER 1-2 VENTURA GUN SHOW: The McMann’s Roadrunner Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at Seaside Park, Ventura. Admission is $9. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.mcmannsroadrunner.com.
NOVEMBER 15-16 GLENDALE GUN SHOW: The Glendale Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, Glendale. Admission is $9. The next Glendale gun show will be March 7-8, 2009, Aug. 8-9, 2009, and Nov. 21-22, 2009 Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.glendalegunshow.com.
NOVEMBER 22-23 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows Bakersfield event will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23 at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The 2008 dates for the Bakersfield gun shows include Jan. 5-6, April 5-6, June 21-22, Aug. 30-31, and Nov. 22-23. Information at www.centralcoastgunshows.com or call 805-481-6726.
DECEMBER 6 NORCO HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The 2009 class date schedule has not be set yet. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
DECEMBER 6-7 CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON COURSE: A 16-hour California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course is being offered by Firearms Training Associates at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises this Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $180 per person. This course meets the state requirement for 16 hours of training to qualify for a CCW (not valid in San Bernardino County). This is the final date for 2008 classes. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867 for information about this class of the 2009 schedule. The web site is www.ftatv.com.
DECEMBER 20 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL IMPERIAL VALLEY FUND-RAISER: The Imperial Valley Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will have its mid-season fund-raising dinner banquet beginning 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. at the St. Patricks’s Community Center, 133 E. Church, Calipatria. Dinner tickets are $55 per person, $80 a couple. Contacts: Frank Bailey at 760-359-0200 or Keith Cowell at 760-455-8990. Web site: www.calwaterfowl.org.

CALENDAR RESOURCES

For a complete list of HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES held throughout the state, including times, dates, and locations, go to the Department of Fish and Game’s web site at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/classes.aspx.
For the rules and regulations on GRUNION RUNS, along with a complete schedule and the expected times of the runs, go to this web site address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/gruschd.asp

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

The following is a list of hunting, shooting, and fishing clubs and organizations in Southern California with contact information and regular meeting dates:
976-TUNA ROD AND REEL CLUB: The 976-Tuna Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. At the December meeting a free trip to Palmas de Cortez in Baja will be given away. Contact Phil Friedman at 310-328-8426.
CALIFORNIA STATE VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The California State Varmint Callers Association meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Denny's just north of the 210 freeway at Irwindale Ave., Irwindale. Contact Steven Childs at 626-407-8826 or steve@sdchilds.com. Web site: www.csvca.com.
CANYON OAKS SPORTSMAN’S CLUB: The Canyon Oaks Sportsman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at it’s clubhouse in Lakeview Terrace-Sylmar. The club has regular trap, skeet, smallbore, big bore, handgun, and Cowboy Action shooting events. Contact Gary White at 818-998-7240, Mike Totta at 818-362-2181 or Mike Nickoloff via e-mail at idpamike@yahoo.com.
CERRITOS ROD & GUN CLUB: The Cerritos Rod & Gun Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at Heritage Park in Cerritos. Contact Charles Sharp at 714-317-8290 or fish_90605@yahoo.com.
CLUB FISH: Club Fish, a 20-year-old fishing club, meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse, Santa Ana. The clubhouse is located at the entrance to Riverview Gold Course. Contact Mike Cross at 949-854-5258 or m_r_cross@yahoo.com.
    DEEP CREEK FLY-FISHERS: Deep Creek Fly-Fishers meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League clubhouse in Fairmont Park, in Riverside. Go to www.deepcreekflyfishers.org to download a map to the club house. Contact Brett Browning at 909-793-8912.
HIGH DESERT FLY-FISHERS: The High Desert Fly-Fishers holds its monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month at The Apple Valley Fire Conference Center, 19235 Yucca Loma, Apple Valley. Contact John Rose at 760-247-5966.
HIGHLAND PARK SPORTSMEN'S CLUB: The Highland Park Sportsmen's Club meets at 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2035 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles. Contact Mauro Garcia at 323-254-0763 or incareal@juno.com.
NATIONAL VARMINT HUNTERS: The National Varmint Hunters meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars club located on Grand Avenue, just west of 17th Street, Santa Ana. Contact Mark Harris at 714-655-6954 or mhitis1@yahoo.com or Terry Mathers at 714-299-9938 or coyote@jps.net.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER): The High Desert Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club, 16699 Stoddard Wells Rd., Victorville. Contact Dave Recce at 760-956-7092 or Dave Halbrook at 760-553-2794.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at The Firing Line, 17921 Jamestown Lane, Huntington Beach. Contact Pat Ryan at 714-373-3688 or Casey Rasmussen at 714-377-5859.
ORANCO BOWMEN: The ORANCO Bowmen meet the second Tuesday of each month at the club range, 17504 Pomona Rincon Rd., Chino (Euclid Avenue one block north of the 71 freeway). The range is open to the public on Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 909-597-7582. Web site: www.oranco.org.
ORANGE COUNTY BASS CLUB: The Orange County Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Garden Grove Elk's Lodge. Contact Steve Pendergast at 949-651-8172 or prendergasts@netzero.com.
PLUNGE CREEK COWBOYS: The Plunge Creek Cowboys, a new Cowboy Action Shooting club in the Inland Empire, has shoots the third Saturday of each month at the Inland Fish and Game range on Orange Street in East Highlands. Authentic or replica firearms and garb required. Information: www.plungecreekcowboys.com.
PREDATOR CALLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY: The Predator Callers of Orange County meet 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Denny's restaurant, 7490 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. Contact Rickey Macy via e-mail at rickmacey@juno.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER): The High Desert Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club. Contact Cruz Garcia at 760-949-6334 or fathercruz@verizon.net.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse (located at the entrance to Riverview Golf Course) in Santa Ana. Contact Craig Riedel at 714-282-1194 or criedel@mflex.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (RIVERSIDE CHAPTER): The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Prado Olympic Shooting Park, 17501 Pomona Rincon Road, Chino (one block west of Euclid, just off the 71 freeway). Contact Ron Gibbons at 909-902-9814 or gibbent@gte.net. Web site: www.quriverside.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN DIEGO CHAPTER): The San Diego Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at DFG Headquarters at 4949 Viewridge Rd., San Diego. Contact David Preddy at davidpreddy@cox.net or visit www.sdqu.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CHAPTER): The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Triple B Clays in El Monte. Contact Tim Bovard at 866-206-9070, ext. 6715 or sgvqu@onebox.com.
REDONDO ROD & GUN CLUB: The Redondo Rod & Gun Club meets 8 p.m. every Thursday of every month at its own clubhouse. The club has promoted hunting, fishing, sport shooting and the outdoors since 1948. The clubhouse is located at 2023 Vanderbilt Lane, Redondo Beach. Contact 310-379-7772.
RIVERSIDE VARMINT CALLERS: The Riverside Varmint Callers meet 7 p.m. the last Saturday of each month at Flo's Country Kitchen, Riverside. Contact Lance Cochrane at 909-919-4309 or Ray Gauthier at 951-785-4986. Web site:www.californiavarmintcallers.com/chapters.html/.
SAN DIEGO SPORTING DOG CLUB: The San Diego Sporting Dog Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Animal Medical Center, 600 Broadway, El Cajon. Contact Steve Sarmiento at 619-659-9393 or sssarmi@sbcglobal.net.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The Southern California Varmint Callers Association meets 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Denny's Restaurant at Pioneer Blvd and Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Contact Granville Crow at 310-548-6221 or crowshot1@cox.net or Skip Gildner at 562-900-9020 or mtnhigh5@excite.com.
TEMPLE CITY SPORTSMEN: The Temple City Sportsmen meet the first Thursday of each month at the Temple City Civic Center in Temple City. Contact Jim White at 626-201-7782 or TCSPresident2006@yahoo.com.
TURNER'S OUTDOORSMAN ROD AND REEL CLUB: The Turner's Outdoorsman Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Marie Calendar’s Restaurant, 2300 Foothill, Pasadena. Contact Richard Crowe at 626-960-9610.

[Want your event or club listed here? Send the information to Jim Matthews, Outdoor News Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427-0007 or e-mail it to odwriter@charter.net. Following the style used above for events and clubs makes our life easier and increases the likelihood of it being included here.]

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