Hunting Rifle Shoot at PRGC

Well, that was fun, but a long day. Last time (oct-09) it seemed like four 5-shot stages was too little, so I increased the round count, I also imposed tighter time limits, but the day still took longer than last time.

We had 6 shooters, including 2 visiting relatives, experienced hunters from Colorado.

First stage, 3 shots each at 414, ~350 and 300 yds, slow fire any position at antelopes. The ~350 yd stage had a barricade emulating high grass so prone could not be used.

Second stage was various distances between 280 and 210 yards. Some were 2 shots in 30 seconds some 1 shot in 20 seconds, where the shooter had to move into position, set up and fire in the time limit. Targets were deer, antelope and bear.

Third stage was Coyotes. 10 shots at 100 yds, coyote’s “walking”, while sitting in a ground blind with the caller howling.

Fourth stage was a Know your Limits, up to 5 shots at 100 yds any position, at progressively smaller but higher scoring targets with all points lost if you fire a miss.

Fifth stage was a sudden elimination offhand shoot at 200 yd gong with progressively higher score per hit and elimination at the first miss. One shooter fired 5 shots, missing only the last.

The animal targets used a hit/miss/wound/decline scoring formula that heavily penalizes a wound. With miss or wound carrying negative points, NO SHOOTER HAD A POSITIVE SCORE!

Rifles ranged from .22-250, .270, 300 WM, .30-06 and one shooter used a .375 H&H for some stages and .17 HMR for others.

Note all targets were game animals (bear, mule & white tail deer & doe, pronghorn antelope, coyote & javelina).
The kill zone was out lined in the target but wasn't visible to the shooter from distance.

There were 4 stages.

Stage 1 had you fire 3 shots from the 300 and 2 shots frm 414 yds on a life size antelope target.
All shots were from prone position with artificial support - if you brought it.
Shot count : 5 rds.

Stage 2 was 1 shot each from 5 positions between 200-300 yds on a specific target.
These stations required a field expedient position and the use of shooting aids if you had them.
Shot count: 5 rds.

Stage 3 was a favorite for the fun factor:
A blind was set up with an electronic call . Five coyote targets were placed on the frames,along with the other species.(bear, antelope, deer).
Once the call commenced , the targets were raised and lowered at random until each Coyote was shot.
Shot count: 5 rds.

Stage 4.
Javelina targets were placed on the 100 yd berm.
we started at the 100 yd line and shot 1 rd (standing to kneeling or sitting).
We then moved as a group to the 75 and shot 1 rd kneeling.
Up to the 50 for 1 rd standing and finally to the 25 for a double tap.
Shot count: 5 rds.
Total : 20 rds.

In the course of a morning the participant practiced possible field positions from 25 to 400+ yds on realistic targets and distances.

The match fee was reasonable, especially when you consider the cost & number of the life size targets.
Only needed to run 1 box of ammo and some guys ran reloads.

This was the first time for my 223 bolt gun past 200 yds and using a dope sheet calculated online, I was satisfied with the results.

Lessons learned:

Shooting sticks & tripods are not gay and should be carried & used in the field, along with bipods,packs,etc.
I used my pack for the 300+ shots but didn't have sticks or 'pod for Stage 2.

If you think your brl might not clear the dirt when shooting prone on a slanted position, it probably won't.

A 1moa rifle is perfectly fine for hunting, especially shooting Minute-of-Bear vital zone.

The coyote call is the most annoying sound ever, more so than a misplaced Bostonian in the land-of-the-free.

Rushing a shot could result in a miss here but a wounded animal in the field, take the time you need.

For a first time effort, I think it went well.
Everyone looked like they enjoyed it and learned something about themselves and their equipment.
I hope to see more of these type of matches in the future.

until that day
Mark

A fun morning of precision shooting with hunting rifles and equipment from field positions at animal targets.

PRGC is a member-run club with 7 ranges from 10 meters to 500 yards.
Take 7^th AVENUE south of baseline to the base of South Mountain.

Roger R	-40
Bill P	-90
Rob O	-170
Bill M	-174
Bob D	-187