SHOOT Quick Tip: Sighting in Your Hunting Rifle | Federal’s New Hunter Series
If you follow Federal Premium’s social media you’ve seen several videos made especially for the new hunter. Pro staffers Lee and Tiffany Lakosky and Chad Belding offer tips and insight on how to hunt deer and ducks successfully. Check out the playlist on Youtube. I also have a tip for new hunters on how to sight in your deer rifle.
The Basics for Sighting In a Deer Hunting Rifle
- Find a range – Use the NSSF’s wheretoshoot.org to find a range near you. Ideally, look for a range with a 100-yard bay that will allow you to sight in. Many ranges even offer sight-in days for hunters and non-members in preparation for hunting season.
- Gather your gear – In addition to your eye and ear protection, rifle, and ammo, make sure you bring any tools that will allow you to make adjustments to your optic as necessary. You’ll also want to bring sandbags or a rest to provide a steady platform for zeroing.
- Start with establishing a zero at 25 yards on a target with a defined aiming point. This close distance will allow you to see your hits on a bigger target and lets you get dialed in. Once you’re hitting the center, move back to 100 yards and make fine-tune adjustments.
- Case and care for your rifle – Once you’re zeroed, you’ll want to keep it that way. Case it appropriately and take extra care not to drop or bump the scope. If something happens that could cause your rifle to lose its zero, be sure to make another trip to the range to check it.
Rifle season is already in full swing in many states. I spent the weekend in the deer blind with my 12-year-old. Though we have yet to bring home the venison, from scouting, prepping gear, sighting in and hitting the woods, the entire process is rewarding.
Even if you’re just getting started for this season, making sure your rifle is sighted in properly is critical in order to make an ethical and successful shot. Best of luck!
