In order to hit a moving target, a hunter needs to learn several firing methods. For each one, the hunter sees a target, shoots ahead of it and follows through; the shotgun remains in constant motion. Let's start with the swing-through method. When using this method you must consider the following factors, mostly taking into account time and the laws of motion: - From clay pigeons to live game, your target has a particular speed.
- Finding the moving target in your field of vision and then setting up for the shot will take time.
- Once you're in proper stance and you've slapped the trigger, there is then a delay in your shot’s firing. This is because of the sequence happening inside your firearm: the firing pin strikes the cartridge, the powder charge ignites and the shot starts to travel down the barrel.
- When the shot leaves the barrel, it then takes time for it to travel to the target. The farther away a target is from the hunter, the longer it takes for the shot to hit it.
- The speed of the setup and follow through also impact the result shot.
Step 1.
The hunter sees target and starts to swing. Step 2.
The hunter swings through the target, pulls the trigger, and continues the swing, spreading shot in front of target. Step 3.
Target and shot come together as the hunter follows through. The sustained lead method This shotgun shooting technique requires that you maintain a steady and sustained lead in front of the moving target or bird. You must continue to swing the shotgun after the shot to maintain the sustained lead. The sustained lead distance will vary depending on the following factors: - Speed of the target
- Distance of the target
- Wind speed and direction
If the speed of the moving target is faster, you will need to increase the sustained lead distance to allow the shot time to travel to the target. While maintaining the sustained lead, pull the trigger and continue to follow through with the swinging motion. As you continue to swing through, the shot travels down the barrel and intercepts the target. Start out by swinging the shotgun in the same direction as the moving target, but keeping a steady, sustained lead in front of the target. Leading the target is a technique of shooting ahead of a moving target, so that the projectile will intercept and collide with the target at a predicted point. For example; if you shoot directly at a moving target, by the time the projectile reaches it, the target will have already passed by. To hit a moving target you have to shoot ahead of it which is why leading the target is important to ensure a clean hit. The three most common methods of leading are: - swing through
- sustained lead
- snap shooting
Remember to point your shotgun and lean into the shot. Don't forget that the trigger of a shotgun is slapped rather than squeezed. There are two common ways of leading. Both of the methods require practice. Experience will help your timing and accuracy. Swing-through is the best technique for the beginning student. - Point your shotgun just behind a moving target and swing with it.
- Increase the speed of the gun so that the muzzle passes through the target and then fire. In other words, literally “swing through” the target and fire at a blank space in front of the target.
The two most common methods of leading targets at long distances are swing-through and sustained lead. - Swing-through is the best technique for the beginning student.
- Point your shotgun at a moving target and swing with it. Increase the speed of the gun so that the muzzle passes the target, and then fire. In other words, literally “swing through” the target and fire at a blank space in front of the target.
The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, popularly known as the Pittman–Robertson Act, was approved by Congress in 1937. - The act provides funding for the selection, restoration, and improvement of wildlife habitat and for wildlife management research. The act was amended in 1970 to include funding for hunter education programs and for the development and operation of public target ranges.
- Funds for the act come from an 11% federal excise tax on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment, as well as a 10% tax on handguns. One-half of the excise tax on handguns and archery equipment is used for hunter education and target ranges. These funds are collected from the manufacturers and are distributed each year to the states and territorial areas by the Department of the Interior.
- Each state’s proportion of the federal funds is based on the area of the state and the number of licensed hunters in the state. The state covers the full amount of an approved project and then applies for reimbursement through federal aid for up to 75% of the project’s expenses; the state is responsible for the other 25% of the project’s cost.
- Non-hunting nature lovers equally benefit from this funding since it supports the management of wildlife areas and wetlands as well as game and non-game wildlife.
- “Robertson’s 29 words” are a clause in the act’s language to prevent states from diverting license fees paid by hunters away from their intended purpose: “… And which shall include a prohibition against the diversion of license fees paid by hunters for any other purpose than the administration of said State fish and game department….”
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