Maximize your time at the shooting range

It's fall, which means firearm deer seasons aren't too far off, and muzzleloader seasons won't be far behind. Over the coming weeks there will plenty of hunters tuning up at the rifle range.

Let's assume you know the standard shooting rules: Treat every weapon as if it's loaded, never point a gun at anything you don't plan to shoot, don't release the safety until you're ready to shoot, don't touch the trigger until you're ready to pull it. Always wear eye and ear protection.

And then:

• Know the specific rules of your range. Few things are as humiliating as making a mistake and getting shouted down by an overzealous range officer while everyone else looks at you. Knowing they've all been there never seems to help.
• Take your sweet time. Block off the morning or afternoon if you must. Be methodical. Be thorough. Rushing in and out of the range isn't doing you any favors.
• Pay close attention to your shooting form. Cheek on butt stock, gun pulled tight to shoulder, gun on a solid rest, steady squeeze. You'll shoot better and the recoil won't pound your shoulder (or your face if you're shooting with a scope).
• If you're newer to shooting, practice with a veteran shooter whenever possible. They can show you proper techniques and keep you from developing bad habits.
• Use rests for the fore-end and buttstock of the gun. That will keep it stable and help you figure out exactly how the gun is performing. Then in a hunting situation it's all up to you.
• Shoot, shoot, shoot. The more comfortable you get with your gun, the better you'll shoot it. And again, in a hunting situation that will help you know what you can and cannot do.
• Chat up the range officers whenever you can. If they know you, they might go a little easier if you commit a minor infraction. But don't be surprised if they don't. Range rules are all about safety, and even if a range officer seems like he's exerting a little more power than he really has, you can't blame him. He can't take it back if carelessness leads to an accident.
• Bring more targets and ammo than you think you need. There's nothing worse than finding out you have a problem and realizing you didn't bring enough loads to solve it.