Effective August 1, 2009, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources changed their guidelines for distance learning. Students are now required to spend a minimum amount of time on each course page before proceeding to the certification exam.

Click here to go to the latest version of the Today's Hunter in Indiana online course—the official hunter education course of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Shotgun-Shooting Techniques (continued)

Pointing a Shotgun

There’s no time to “aim” a shotgun. It’s designed to be pointed, with the eye sighting along the top of the barrel or rib. The sight is usually a bead on the front of the gun. Your eye must be in line with the barrel, so it’s important to position your head properly on the stock. When you bring the gun to your face, the stock should fit snugly against your cheek with your eye on that side above the centerline of the gun. If you can’t assume that position comfortably, you may need to adjust the “gun fit.”

Shouldering the Shotgun

When you bring the shotgun to your shoulder, the stock should be brought to your cheek first and then back to your shoulder.

Pulling the Trigger

Slap the trigger rather than squeezing it. Because the trigger is pulled quickly and the body and gun are typically in motion, breath control isn’t necessary. Continue the shotgun’s swing as you pull the trigger. Stopping the swing as you shoot will cause you to hit behind a moving target.