Ahhh… to contemplate the trajectory of one’s life. To envision our path in life. To take control of our destiny. Even the road less traveled needs to be negotiated with attentiveness and discipline. Zen, the origins of man’s earliest religion is to be the next step instead of just taking the next step.
Now, let it be known that I, your humble backstrap addicted guitarboy profess no expertise in religious matters as they pertain to the history of our species, but that being said, I’ve studied enough important literature, (Fred Bear’s Field Notes, The Archer’s Bible, Hunting with the Bow & Arrow, King; Dog of the North, Call of the Wild) and walked many a mile beyond the pavement to understand the self-evident truth of taking charge of one’s life and controlling our independence.
In the context of deeranddeerhunting.com, I’d like to believe that shot placement is as applicable to our everyday choices in life as it is to making a killing shot on game.
I actually have a corporation by the name of Projectile Management as a result of the enormous and pivotal role my hunting and marksmanship lifestyle plays in my quality of life since birth all these 68.5 years later.
Projectile management. Aim small miss small. Pick a spot.
These are the battle cries of a dedicated shootist dedicated to a quick, clean kill.
Nothing teaches us this better than the mystical flight of the arrow. However, all advanced marksmanship is attainable only from diligent practice and training, no matter what the source or form of our chosen projectile.
I was fascinated with slingshots, bows and arrows, BB guns and all weaponry from my earliest years, and remain so to this day.
I know I am always celebrating the bowhunting life in the vast majority of my writings and rantings, but know for sure than not a day goes by that I don’t send some lead downrange from my extensive and borderline embarrassing arsenal of firearms.
Having carried a sidearm daily for the past 50 plus years, I take it to heart to practice and train daily. Not only for the obvious responsibility to do so, but just as importantly for the sheer fun factor of shooting. Also as a sworn sheriff deputy since 1984, it is my duty to qualify with my handgun and long-guns each year.
Though the majority of readers here at deeranddeerhunting.com already understand and enjoy the basics of advanced marksmanship, according to the current 24 million folks I communicate with daily on my facebook page there is still a huge army of folks out there who truly want to become better shots and just as many if not more that have never fired a weapon but are excited to experience this one of life’s greatest joys.
I am more than proud that so many newcomers seek a projectile baptism on my facebook, and I do my best to steer them right.
Just to review the essentials for first time and all shooters, it is critical that certain rules are diligently adhered to, beginning with SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY!!
First and foremost the shooting must be done either at an official range or under the guidance of an experienced firearms expert at a proven location.
The location of the range must confirm that it is a legal location and that there is proper backstop and certainty of no humanity, livestock, roads or dwellings downrange.
Hearing and eye protection is mandatory.
A small caliber, mechanically simple firearm like a single shot bolt action or breaktop .22 is the best way to start.
A suppressor will also make the new shooter more comfortable.
Closerange, easily identified, large targets are a good idea too.
I am convinced that there is no man, woman or child alive that could possibly fail to thoroughly enjoy the shooting sports when introduced in the proper way. Not only would they enjoy it immensely, but far more importantly very likely to become an advocate for gunrights and the 2ndAmendment overall.
There is no greater gift we can give to anyone than an NRA membership! Not just for the individual to enjoy, but most importantly for the future of freedom in America!
I own and shoot numerous .22 rifles and handguns, .22 magnums, .25 autos, .32 autos, .380 autos, .38 specials, .357 magnums, 9mms, .40 S&Ws, many 10mm’s, .45 Long Colts, .45acp’s, .44 specials, .44 magnums, .45/70s, .50s, .500S&W, .221 Fireball, .17SWM, .223s, .22-250s, .243s, 7mm’s, .25-06, 7×57, .257 Roberts, .270s, 30-30s, .308s, 30-06s, .300WM, .300WSM, .338s, .375s, .450, .460, .410. 20gauge, 12gauge, 10gauge, and a few machineguns.
Part of my driveway is gravel, the rest is paved in brass.
This is the time of the year to keep the trigger-finger, hand-eye marksmanship coordination tuned in and tuned up.
Everytime you hit the range, invite some new shooters to join in on the fun. The week before opening day is not the right time to get back into the swing of things.
Manage those projectiles all year long like you mean it, for when the moment of truth finally arrives on the hunt, the guesswork is over and your shootist muscle memory will kick in like the God given natural instinct it is meant to be. Hone that instinct all year long and celebrate the ultimate path of your life!
Ted Nugent is an award-winning musician and writer, with numerous best-seller books including “Ted, White and Blue: The Nugent Manifesto,” “God, Guns and Rock ‘n Roll,” and “Kill It and Grill It: A Guide to Preparing and Cooking Wild Game and Fish” with his wife, Shemane, among other books. Be sure to check out his website for more news on his latest music, thoughts and upcoming shows, and also at World News Daily, Newsmax and Daily Caller for more insights.
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Maximize Your Deer Season Planning With the 2017 Whitetails Wall Calendar!
From Deer & Deer Hunting magazine, the 2017 Whitetails Wall Calendar is your top deer hunting resource! Utilize this deer moon phase calendar to find out which days the deer will be seeking and chasing, so you can time the rut for the best time to hunt.