Hunting Big Game with a Rifle - Monmouth

Ages 12 and up

Planning your first deer or bear hunt? Or, maybe you drew a Maine Moose Hunting Permit this year? Being a proficient shooter is important as it not only shows a commitment to being an ethical and responsible hunter, but you'll be more confident in your equipment and your skill level. Being a successful hunter is more than simply hitting the target a few times and convincing yourself you’re ready. It takes practice, skill, and a bit of know how to be confident and prepared. This workshop will fully prepare you with a focus on rifle shooting, regardless of your experience level.

Rifles come in a wide choice of calibers, functions, and designs. They can be used to harvest small game such as squirrel or hare, or big game such as deer, bear, or moose. In this workshop we’ll cover the various types of rifles designed for large game species and their application to various types of hunting. We’ll cover caliber selection and ammunition types with a focus on performance and how to choose the appropriate ammo for the task at hand. You’ll learn how to sight in a rifle properly and troubleshoot common issues so that you will be on target and consistently able to shoot what you are aiming at.

We encourage you to bring your hunting rifle and ammunition that you are planning on using this season, but if you currently do not own your own firearm, we will provide one for you to use.

In this workshop we’ll cover:

· Handling firearms safely

· Types of common firearms designed for big game

· Differences between various calibers and action types

· Bullet construction and performance designed for big game

· How to sight in your rifle and adjust for distance

· Shot placement for ethical kill on big game

· How to shoot from various positions.

· How to store and secure your firearms.

This workshop will be a blend of hands-on demonstration, practice, and live fire exercises led by professional staff and range safety officers.

You will soon be prepared for the upcoming season whether you’re planning on hunting bear, deer, or moose. This is great opportunity for the new hunter or shooter, and an excellent refresher for experienced folks.

Program Objectives

Participants will learn:

· How to handle and secure firearms in various situations

· Types of common hunting rifles

· Several ways to carry firearms while hunting

· Components of a rifle cartridge and bullet

· Design and performance of various ammunition choices

· How to shoot safely (live fire at range)

· How to gain sight picture, aim properly, and trigger pull considerations

· How to zero in your firearm and make simple adjustments to your optics

· How to shoot from the bench, sitting, kneeling, and offhand (supported)

· How to effectively judge distance

Equipment:

· Participants are encouraged to bring their personal firearms and ammunition that they will be using this fall. All personal firearms must be unloaded, with the safety on, and in a case for inspection prior to entering the workshop.

· Handloads are not to be used.

· State firearms will be available for use (currently in .243 and .308 cal.)

· Eye and hearing protection will be provided

· Tripod Trigger Sticks will be provided for use

*****************************************************************************************************************

The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry or national origin.

Any person who needs accommodations to participate in a program should contact the office at 207-287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov to discuss their needs in advance.