Hunting, an age-old practice that is seen as both a hobby and a vital tradition, requires not only skill but also a profound responsibility towards nature and game from its practitioners. An integral part of this responsibility is the duty to hone and perfect one's skills in order to make an accurate, ethical and ultimately game-appropriate shot. With this in mind, a period of reflection and preparation opens up before the upcoming buck hunt, which is crowned by another visit to the shooting range.

The encounter between hunter and game in the wild is a moment of the utmost importance, characterized by the speed of the moment and the precision of the shot. It is therefore crucial that the hunter masters his craft and can rely on his skills. An essential part of this preparation is training on buck targets that mimic the shape and profile of the game to be hunted.

On the shooting range, the hunter has the opportunity to familiarize himself with different distances that he might encounter during the hunt. The choice of 50 and 100 meters as target distances allows the hunter to test and perfect his skills in different situations. Of course, these distances are not the same in real life, but this is the best way to mimic the hunting situation. By focusing on these specific distances, the hunter can train his eye and ensure precise shot placement, which is crucial for a quick and accurate finish to the hunt.

Another important aspect of training on the shooting range is practicing different shots. Whether sitting down, standing up or even standing over the stalking stick, each position requires a different degree of stability, concentration and skill. By mastering these different stops, the hunter can improve his versatility and prepare himself for a variety of hunting situations that may arise during a buck hunt.

In addition to pure technique, it is also of great importance to consider the ammunition used during shooting training. Full metal jacket ammunition, which is often preferred for practice purposes for cost reasons, should be carefully selected to ensure that it has the same ballistic characteristics as the hunting ammunition. A difference in the trajectory or action of the ammunition can lead to a significant deviation in shot placement and undermine the hunter's confidence in their abilities.

Overall, a revisit to the range prior to the upcoming buck hunt is critical to ensure the hunter has the necessary skills and confidence to conduct the hunt with dignity and respect for the game. By training on buck targets, practicing different shots and carefully selecting ammunition, the hunter can hone their craft and prepare for a successful and memorable hunting experience.