Tips For Out Of State Or Long Distance Gun Hunt

Here is at least a partial check list for an out of state gun hunt whether for whitetails, moose, elk, bear, caribou etc.



Before leaving on your out of state hunt:

• Check all stock screws, and scope mount screws
• Wipe scope lenses clean with fog resistant glass cleaner
• Sight your rifle in at the range off a bench rest with your chosen load for the hunt (This is not to see how good a shot you are, but to make sure your rifle is sighted in properly) Start at 25 yards and then go to 100, 150, 200, and beyond depending on the type of shots you expect to have.
• Clean the bore with wet and then dry patches and check your zero after the bbl cools down at 100 yards
• Then run a couple of wet patches and at least one dry patch down the bore
• Make a note of your group size and how much above the point of aim your group is at 100 yards - you want to determine the point of impact from a cold clean barrel OR if your gun shoots better groups after one or two fouling shots (Think about carrying a 3x5 card with sight in information with you on the hunt)
• Then clean the bore again, remove the bolt and wipe it down and wipe all exposed metal parts with a very light oil or non odor silicone spray
• Cycle an entire box of your chosen ammo through the action (whether a bolt, lever, or semi-auto to check function (Mark that box for your trip with a magic marker and set it aside to go with you) If you and the ammo become separated, make sure you know the make, bullet weight and type of ammo you are using in case you have to buy another box on your trip.
• Check sling swivels and then adjust sling wearing the coat you will be hunting in, so the sling will do its intended job in your hunting clothes.
• If using a bolt action, learn how to disassemble your bolt and clean it and reassemble it (IF going on a winter hunt to a place like Saskatchewan, then consider de-greasing your bolt before you leave so it will NOT freeze in harsh temperatures)
• If going on an expensive out of state hunt and driving there, consider carrying an extra rifle, all sighted in and ready to go with the steps above. If you don't have a spare rifle for the task consider another spare scope already previously sighted in and in its own set of rugged rings and ready to go.
• When you get to the location of your hunt, check your point of impact again at least at 100 yards. If it matches what you had at home, your are good to go.
• Take a cleaning kit, a couple of rags with you and a mini tool kit with proper fitting screw drivers, hex wrenches etc.

Have fun, hope you take home a trophy. Enjoy the trip and often the scenery alone is worth the price of the trip. If you do get a trophy, it is a bonus.

Dan