How To Take A Running Shot

The concept appears outdated, especially in an age of precision rifles and ultra-specific scopes that require an encyclopedic amount of knowledge to operate. But if there’s anything we can learn from a century’s worth of big woods rifle designs, it’s that running shots were expected. Cool as they look, pump, semi-auto, and lever action rifles weren’t meant for the bench. They were designed for quick, close-range shots or necessary follow-ups that accompany still-hunts, man drives, or deer-dog runs.

Whether you jump a bedded buck or whiff on the first crack, it helps to feel confident when you shoot at running game. Sure, there are times when you have no business shooting at a running animal, but that doesn’t mean you should never do it. You might think you’re above shooting at a deer that’s running—until you jump a big buck from his bed at fifteen yards. Rather than botching the opportunity or wounding the animal, you can practice the running shot and prepare yourself when the opportunity arises.

Like stationary shots, the ethicality of shooting at running game depends on the situation. The question isn’t if you should take a running shot but when. I know many people write them off altogether. Most folks claim that they’re irresponsible and a sign of bad sportsmanship. But, is it less ethical to take a running shot when you’ve spent several sessions practicing at the range? Or is it more ethical to shoot a deer that’s standing still when you only shot three rounds to make sure your scope was still “on” from last season? What about us bowhunters? We’re quick to pass judgment and just as quick to try and thread the needle in the closing minutes of shooting light.

Many hunters don’t take running shots because they never prepare for them. If this is you, kudos for exercising self-control. Unfortunately, the same is true for hunters that regularly wound or miss running game. Regardless of which camp you fall in, more intentional time at the range can help prepare you.

It might be difficult to simulate a running animal if you don’t have access to moving targets, but there are other rifle drills to help with this. For starters, you should practice shooting offhand (you should be doing this anyway). Try shooting targets at 50 and 100 yards while standing up. You should take multiple shots so you can get comfortable cycling your rifle’s action. Too often, hunters just shoot from the bench. This is great if you need to zero your rifle, but it doesn’t exactly translate to awkward offhand shots that occur in the field.

Beyond that, you can replicate these same running shots by safely conducting dryfire drills or using a shot timer. You can even practice shooting offhand by starting with your rifle at your side, shouldering it, and then cycling a few rounds. Your first few groups might be discouraging, but the more time you spend doing this, the better they’ll get.

When it’s actually time to shoot at a running animal, there are a few ways to do this. If you’re in open country like an ag field or vast prairie, you’ll want to use a sustained lead or swing-through method.

A sustained lead requires you to track the animal with your sight or crosshairs on the vitals and continue to swing your rifle through the shot after you pull the trigger. If you stop your swing, you’ll shoot behind the deer. This is ideal for slower-moving animals and a method that deer-dog hunters typically implore. Whether you’re using one of the best red dots or an LPVO scope, you’ll want to practice keeping the rifle moving after the shot.

Another option is the swing-through shot. For this maneuver, you’ll need to consider how far and fast the animal is moving. It requires you to swing in front of the animal, pulling the trigger just as the sights pass in front of the target. Because you’re waiting on the timing of the swing rather than the specific placement of the animal, shots in areas with high stem count are less ideal.

If you’re hunting in timbered areas, your best bet is to pick a window and wait for the animal to get there. Otherwise, you’ll kill a few saplings. Keep your sights on an opening that you anticipate the deer to run through. You’ll want to keep both your eyes open so you can still keep track of the deer in your peripherals. With your sights lined up in the window, pull the trigger as soon as the deer comes into your sight picture.

All of these methods require instinctive shooting that can only be learned through repetition. Practice these shots enough, and they’ll feel second nature. That way, when you bump a deer on his feet, you can feel confident if you decide to take the shot.

Feature image via Matt Hansen.