Advanced Marksmanship Spotting your shot
- Thread starter Klemm
- Start date
Not missing. 
Seriously, in some hunting situations there is no solution. Unlike a range, hunting isn't set up to insure a backstop to see your splash. Hence why hunting shots are typically taken at much shorter distances than what we engage steel targets; there generally isn't a guarantee of a second shot. (Though shooting suppressed does give you a bit of insurance in that regard.)
Seriously, in some hunting situations there is no solution. Unlike a range, hunting isn't set up to insure a backstop to see your splash. Hence why hunting shots are typically taken at much shorter distances than what we engage steel targets; there generally isn't a guarantee of a second shot. (Though shooting suppressed does give you a bit of insurance in that regard.)
The only other thing I can mention is using your hearing (I wear my electronic ear pro when hunting). It's kind of hard not hearing that loud slap as a bullet impacts living tissue. The lack of that sound is usually a good indicator you missed.
With deer, you can also judge the reaction of the animal. Does it ball up and kick? Does it jump up and kick? Does it just stand there and start getting wobbly? Does it lay down and put it's head on the ground (a good indicator that the lung cavity is filling with blood)? If you missed, do the deer turn and look where they hear the bullet impact?
For coyotes, you'll sometimes see them reach back and snap at where the round hit, as if they're going after whatever "stung" them instinctively.
Just some random thoughts from what I have seen. I'm sure there are others here who have hunted a lot more than I, and could also offer some insights...
With deer, you can also judge the reaction of the animal. Does it ball up and kick? Does it jump up and kick? Does it just stand there and start getting wobbly? Does it lay down and put it's head on the ground (a good indicator that the lung cavity is filling with blood)? If you missed, do the deer turn and look where they hear the bullet impact?
For coyotes, you'll sometimes see them reach back and snap at where the round hit, as if they're going after whatever "stung" them instinctively.
Just some random thoughts from what I have seen. I'm sure there are others here who have hunted a lot more than I, and could also offer some insights...
Shoot for the front point of the shoulder/base of the neck. If they fall straight down then you hit. If they dont, guess what..........you missed.
I can see the animal fall through my scope if shooting a short action caliber. If shooting my .270 in a light weight setup, I cant.
As far as seeing misses goes while hunting, i have no experience in that regard so i will leave that to the “experts.”
I can see the animal fall through my scope if shooting a short action caliber. If shooting my .270 in a light weight setup, I cant.
As far as seeing misses goes while hunting, i have no experience in that regard so i will leave that to the “experts.”
I have been fortunate enough to pick up trace on several past animals. Last one was an aoudad at just under 500 and I saw trace come in and then ripple where the impact was. 6.5 SAUM on a 12 LB rifle.
Shoot as small a caliber as required for the job and as heavy a rifle as you can stand for the journey at hand. For deer 6 creedmoor in a 12-13 lb rifle should allow you to spot your shot quite well. For bigger game like bear and a 300wsm+, good luck. My advice is don't take any shots you aren't 90%+ confident in being able to make a hit on the vitals.
