Hunting Running Game

[PerH]

https://schmidtundbender.de/en/downloads/data-sheets/category/444-running-moose-ii.html?download=1347:running-moose-ii-4-16x50-klassik

This is a reticle for running moose targets , but if speed is the same in the field it work well . On each turn you put the dot on the «beard» of the moose as aimpoint

Mil Dot scopes with dots can be used the same also .

 

[skydiver386]

Shooting running game is akin to using a rifle to break clays at the sporting clays course. And not the normal sized ones, the much smaller mini ones.
View attachment 648162

Most Sporting Clays courses will have a running rabbit type thrower somewhere on the course. Think of it as a clay target thrower mounted on its side, launching a clay target that is flat and solid instead of dome shaped and hollow. Although not the same as shooting a rifle, firing a shotgun at Rabbit Clays will allow you to practice the same fundamentals as running boar. Like Beemaa stated above, crossing targets like the Midi and Mini clays can be excellent practice for running game type shooting.

 

[HankBuck]

All deer and bear drives in the northeast are done with rifles. Some states use to be shotgun slug only but buckshot isn’t legal.

@375Fox - deer drives in South Jersey were very common from the 1940s thru 1980s when NJ was a Buckshot Only State for deer. It is a very effective way to shoot in tight cover and 00 buck is effective out to 30-40 yrds at a running deer. In Maine, semi auto and pump rifles have been commonly used on running deer that are often tracked for miles in the snow and then “jumped” & shot on the run - several fast shots being most helpful. Maybe not the “cleanest” kills but effective.
As for Me - I’ve only shot at running deer when following up an already wounded animal or on coyotes. A friend in Canada who had taken several bucks on the run or “trot” told me he developed his skill at hitting running game with a rifle by shooting “jack rabbits” with his BLR in .243….I’ve read that guys out West got that same type of practice and would guess that’s about as “perfect” a practice as you could get to shoot running game with a rifle.

 

[WAB]

Are there any books that discuss shooting technique for running game? In much of the US it is almost unheard of. I am also interested in the aspects of offhand shooting at stationary game. Drifting the sights into the target instead of trying to hold them there.

I’ve looked, but have found little.

If you google it you will find many resources on shooting running boar competitions and hunting wild boar. Top competitors are using a system of improving aim which results in faster more accurate shots. A good friend was the UK running boar and sporting rifle champion a number of times. To see him at work on the range is somewhat daunting!

 

[Longwalker]

In my formative years in Western Canada I didn't know a deer could be effectively hunted by stalking it when it was standing still. All the deer hunters and most of the moose hunters participated in driven hunts. All the game was shot on the run. Our local terrain is open country dotted with aspen and willow groves, varying in size from a few hectares to a square Km or so. Neighbouring farmers got together in groups of three to a dozen, and "pushed the bush" taking turns as "bush pushers" and "standers". Favourite firearms of my father's generation were Remington pumps, semi-autos, and some Winchester and Browning semi auto and lever actions. Very few bolt actions. Most rifles were chambered in .30-06, .308, or .270.
I've retained a fondness for such hunting, but it has fallen out of regular practise here in Western Canada. Most now only shoot at stationary or slow moving animals, and carry bolt action rifles with big, high power scopes.
I learned to shoot running game with a bolt action, equipped with open sights or low power optics. It was several years before I ever shot at a standing animal. I've retained some of those early skills, which were put to use in recent years on several driven hunts in Germany.
The German hunters I met have honed their skills with practical shooting in the field, but also have shooting cinemas where you can bring your regular rifle and shoot at projected movies on a screen that records bullet strikes. What fun! No wounded animals. And great practise. It was also required to qualify for some German hunting invitations.
A test document with a minimum score of 5/8 proper lethal hits on running wild boar was required to be invited on two of those hunts. I was able to qualify with a minimum 5/8 score both times, and as it turned out my 4 hosts all shot 6/8.
I agree that shotgun shooting, especially sporting clays can actually be a help for rifle shooters wanting to get away from a dependence on bench-rest style shooting. There are many similarities of technique that do actually translate between disciplines.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Most Sporting Clays courses will have a running rabbit type thrower somewhere on the course. Think of it as a clay target thrower mounted on its side, launching a clay target that is flat and solid instead of dome shaped and hollow. Although not the same as shooting a rifle, firing a shotgun at Rabbit Clays will allow you to practice the same fundamentals as running boar. Like Beemaa stated above, crossing targets like the Midi and Mini clays can be excellent practice for running game type shooting.


View attachment 648291

The running rabbit station for clays is useful but I personally believe skeet is the most useful for learning the fundamentals of shooting running game ... but ONLY if the shooter pulls the targets low gun. And NOT low gun like international competitors. Hold the gun at ready arms and standing normally like one would when walking on a pheasant hunt or tracking a wounded animal. I have even shot stations one and seven with target pulled and gun under my arm. A time or two when shooting alone and no one watching I will turn my back and pull the singles on station seven. I can hit targets low gun on station eight but my reflexes and eyes are getting old man-itis so I usually take it high gun. Anyway, I found my scores increased when shooting low gun. Less likely to overthink the shot or revert to aiming the shotgun. Quickly becomes apparent when shooting low gun how important it is to have a gun that fits perfect.

Trap is pretty much useless for running target basics. If the range allows you to stand seven or eight yards behind the house it can be very useful, especially for uplands. However, conventional trap requires pulling high gun because shooter is so far from the house (sixteen yards?). High gun teaches nothing useful. In fact it encourages aiming the gun which is highly detrimental.

 

[Russ16]

Somewhere along the way, we stopp practising for the field and started to a purile chase for sub MOA groups from the bench. If you want to be a good hunter you've got to forget the bench and practise all shooting from standing un-supported and using various field possitions. Game shaped targets and moving targets are part of it. For ideas take a look at the videos from the Bigbore Association of South Africa (BASA). They've done a fantastic job of pioneering the concept.

Couldn’t agree more. One challenge is the liability police. Strong here many of the ranges are set up with the narrowest field of fire possible. The overhead baffles are so low as to make it difficult to shoot standing up. And the benches are such that prone or seated firing is very crowded.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Couldn’t agree more. One challenge is the liability police. Strong here many of the ranges are set up with the narrowest field of fire possible. The overhead baffles are so low as to make it difficult to shoot standing up. And the benches are such that prone or seated firing is very crowded.

I joined a rifle club finally last year to access their range. I've only had company out there a couple of times. Kinda made a fool of myself asking what the barricades just downrange were about. "Those are baffles for the 300 metre target." Had to then ask what the heck is a baffle. He was nice enough to explain without laughing at me. But I had occasionally taken shots at 300 meters without using the baffle. Is that a problem? "Only if you tell someone! Okay, time for a memory purge. Abbra cadabra, poof! There that did it." .

Yeah, no way could I shoot underneath those baffles from standing position. But then, who shoots at targets 300 meters away offhand? Slob hunter nincompoops killing air or messing up good animals.

 

[C.W. Richter]

IDK about specifically hunting running game, but "shoot on the move" is a technique practiced by certain target shooters for competition. I have found the BEST practice for shooting running game (and no one sets out to shoot running game, but it of course happens and presents itself...) is to practice with a shotgun at clay targets or birds and then get yourself a Rem pump 7600/760 (set up well, w/ the proper low-po scope, primo ammo, trigger job-to get those small group sizes w/ a rest!!) and make it happen in the field. You can also affix targets to tires and roll 'em down hills to practice shooting (as we did for big bore guns practicing for DG on private land or public land that allows such-and many do w/ an appropriate backstop-the hill itself.) I've done all the above, and of course have done same w/ a lightweight, accurate bolt gun (also levers, but lacking steam and clumsy) but you had better make the 1st shot count w/ the bolt (esp. w/ the price of ammo under "Bidenomics." LOL. The pumps re-load themselves upon firing and you don't move your eye off the optic/target! GL. Find old videos of the family from Maine that hunts in this way for wilderness whitetails!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Out hunting pheasants this afternoon. Well below freezing, still a trace of snow on the ground from last night, and steady wind out of the north 30-35 mph. Cold! I was wearing five layers - light camo shirt, fleece vest, fleece jacket, camo waterfowl shell, and fleece lined Browning upland vest. I knew length of pull would be out of whack wearing all those duds so I peeled the Pachmayer slip-on pad off my old A5 = minus an inch LOP. Three roosters in the bag in just five shots. Two misses were at a rooster that jumped straightaway directly into setting sun. If he hadn't squawked I would not have known he was shootable. Watched him fly into a brushy gully on the other side of the creek. Dogs and I hunted to the end of the property (pushing up at least a dozen hens), crossed the creek (thank you Muck Boots!), worked back to the draw and took him with a long crossing shot flying with the wind. The other two roosters were also supercharged crossers flying with the wind.

Moral of the story: if you want to consistently hit moving targets, step #1 is make sure the gun fits you exactly. A slip-on extension might not look very classic on a AAA walnut Rigby DGR that costs more than a good used car, but if you need the length, don't hesitate to put one on. We're talking running targets that can end your life in a wink. Good looks won't necessarily kill a buffalo but proper LOP definitely tips the scales in shooter's favor.

 

[R eight]

Out hunting pheasants this afternoon. Well below freezing, still a trace of snow on the ground from last night, and steady wind out of the north 30-35 mph. Cold! I was wearing five layers - light camo shirt, fleece vest, fleece jacket, camo waterfowl shell, and fleece lined Browning upland vest. I knew length of pull would be out of whack wearing all those duds so I peeled the Pachmayer slip-on pad off my old A5 = minus an inch LOP. Three roosters in the bag in just five shots. Two misses were at a rooster that jumped straightaway directly into setting sun. If he hadn't squawked I would not have known he was shootable. Watched him fly into a brushy gully on the other side of the creek. Dogs and I hunted to the end of the property (pushing up at least a dozen hens), crossed the creek (thank you Muck Boots!), worked back to the draw and took him with a long crossing shot flying with the wind. The other two roosters were also supercharged crossers flying with the wind.

Moral of the story: if you want to consistently hit moving targets, step #1 is make sure the gun fits you exactly. A slip-on extension might not look very classic on a AAA walnut Rigby DGR that costs more than a good used car, but if you need the length, don't hesitate to put one on. We're talking running targets that can end your life in a wink. Good looks won't necessarily kill a buffalo but proper LOP definitely tips the scales in shooter's favor.

I reckon if you can afford a Rigby BGR then you’re probably not trying to save money by using a slip on.

And granted if you’re charged by DG, it’s no doubt running….but directly towards you and up close and personal. That’s a bit different to shooting animals that are crossing or quartering at distances greater than 10 meters.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Yeah, I don't want to shoot at running game (big game) because I don't want to have to chase them for maybe miles after they're wounded. To each their own though.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I reckon if you can afford a Rigby BGR then you’re probably not trying to save money by using a slip on.

And granted if you’re charged by DG, it’s no doubt running….but directly towards you and up close and personal. That’s a bit different to shooting animals that are crossing or quartering at distances greater than 10 meters.

If it's a second-hand Rigby BGR, which is about all most of us could possibly afford, then you get what you get re LOP. Go ahead and restock it and toss the AAA walnut it's wearing or make it into longer LOP when hunting by adding a slip-on. Slip it off during show-and-tell around the lodge campfire.

Many, if not most, follow up shots on buffalo that I see on YouTube are crossing shots. Even many of the charges involve buffalo going after one in the party while others are presented with quartering or crossing shots. Station eight skeet is best practice for incoming or stations one and seven pulled low gun.

This buffalo was shot slightly quartering away on the run through both lungs. Follow up shot was in the chest when he stopped and faced us. First shot was the killer. I called that shot as soon as I made it.

 

[Longwalker]

5shot, To answer your question, I only have two books in my library that have chapters on how to shoot a rifle at moving game.

"Complete Book of Shooting" Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life Books 1982 ISBN 0-943822-19-X
"Make Every Sot Count" J.S. Olmsted, Safari Press 2014 ISBN 978-1-57157-388-9

Neither have very extensive instructions, but do have some useful tips. I'd suggest starting with them.

Hitting moving game, and fast, efficient reloading from firing position is best practised on lively unpredictable targets. The last time I decided I needed practise with my .375 for an upcoming cape buffalo hunt, I found a pasture full of ground squirrels. They are considered vermin here. Shot a bunch off of crossed sticks at various ranges. Then I shot some offhand as they ran from burrow to burrow. That was great practise! Try to stalk them between their feeding area and their burrow. Some will run towards you. Hitting a "charging" ground squirrel at 50M is very satisfying, and if you don't hit, the puff of dirt is educational. Jackrabbits would also be exceptional training aids, if they are abundant enough where you live.

 

[375Fox]

Yeah, I don't want to shoot at running game (big game) because I don't want to have to chase them for maybe miles after they're wounded. To each their own though.

Shooting running game shouldn’t just winging shots at animals. If I take a running shot the cartridge I’m using, the distance, the ability to take a second shot, snow on ground, having dogs available all play into decision. I’ve never lost an animal from a running shot I’ve took or had to track a significant distance. Some areas lend themselves to driven hunts and running shots more than others and are often areas where 100 yards would be a long shot.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Over the years I have taken a lot of big game running or on the move. The only animal in sixty years that involved significant time to recover was off the sticks and NOT running. I should have taken that shot off the sticks. It was a close range kudu who was alerted. I had to shoot quickly and no time to readjust quad sticks (which I have come to loathe). I  thought I had a clear shot over brush in front of kudu but brush was actually in front of me and below scope's line of sight. We got him eventually but the poor bugger went through a lot of suffering.

Of course, I prefer to shoot at standing targets but am confident taking close range running shots if the situation arises. However, I have a lot of experience shooting moving targets whether at the range or wingshooting. It is not recommended for novices.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Shooting running game shouldn’t just winging shots at animals. If I take a running shot the cartridge I’m using, the distance, the ability to take a second shot, snow on ground, having dogs available all play into decision. I’ve never lost an animal from a running shot I’ve took or had to track a significant distance. Some areas lend themselves to driven hunts and running shots more than others and are often areas where 100 yards would be a long shot.

You’re right. And actually, after I posted my response, I remembered having shot a running cow elk from my knees at about 25 yards. She, along with a couple more cows and spikes, came running out of the forest as I was sitting against my backpack and a tree. I managed to get to my knees and then shot her as she passed. It was exhilarating but I had no other option at the time. It was the second cow elk I shot from my knees. The other one was walking though. Maybe I should practice more “off the knees” shooting when at the range? LOL

 

[Safari Dave]

I try not to shoot at running game, but sometimes life throws hardly any other option.

In Africa, I would not do it, because of the risk of paying a trophy fee with a drop of blood.


In America, it all depends on the circumstances...

Feral hogs need to be eradicated, because of their detrimental effect on native wildlife.

If their carcasses end up feeding bears, coyotes, foxes, racoons, vultures, or worms (IMO), it doesn't matter, because they should not even be here.