Marksmanship

The skill of accurate shooting, encompassing proper stance, breathing, trigger control, and follow-through.

Related Terms

Spot and Stalk

A hunting technique where you locate game at a distance (spot) and then move quietly to get withi...

View Term: Spot and Stalk

Shot Placement

Where the projectile impacts an animal’s vital zone, key to ethical, quick kills and minimal woun...

View Term: Shot Placement

Pressure Point

Any area where unintended contact (e.g., a sling swivel, hand placement) can alter a firearm’s or...

View Term: Pressure Point

Heart-Lung Shot

An ideal shot placement hitting both the heart and lungs for a quick, humane harvest of big game ...

View Term: Heart-Lung Shot

.22 LR

A popular rimfire cartridge with low recoil, commonly used for small game and target shooting; va...

View Term: .22 LR

Rifle Scope

An optic with magnification mounted on a rifle, offering a clearer view of distant targets for ac...

View Term: Rifle Scope

Impact Point

The actual spot where a bullet or arrow strikes the target; differs from point of aim if the sigh...

View Term: Impact Point

4-H Shooting Sports

A youth program teaching firearm and archery basics, emphasizing safety and responsible marksmans...

View Term: 4-H Shooting Sports

Zeroing a Rifle

Aligning a rifle’s sights or scope so bullets land at the point of aim at a specific distance, cr...

View Term: Zeroing a Rifle

Trigger Pull

The amount of force needed to fire a shot; heavier or inconsistent triggers can reduce accuracy.

View Term: Trigger Pull

Wing Shooting

The art of shooting birds in flight, requiring quick reflexes and proper lead estimation.

View Term: Wing Shooting

Scout Rifle

A lightweight rifle typically with a forward-mounted scope, designed for versatility in varied hu...

View Term: Scout Rifle

Open Sight

Iron sights without an aperture, often featuring a front post and rear notch; commonly seen on ba...

View Term: Open Sight

Ear Protection

Gear like earplugs or earmuffs that safeguard hearing from gunshot noise.

View Term: Ear Protection

Drift

Sideways movement of a projectile due to wind or other factors; shooters often compensate by adju...

View Term: Drift

Air Rifle

A gun powered by compressed air or CO₂, often used for small game or target practice.

View Term: Air Rifle

Spotting Scope

A high-powered, compact telescope used to observe distant animals or targets for range estimation...

View Term: Spotting Scope

Follow-Through

Maintaining proper stance and alignment after releasing an arrow or pulling a trigger, ensuring c...

View Term: Follow-Through

Sighting-In

Adjusting firearm sights or a scope so that the bullet hits the intended point of aim at a chosen...

View Term: Sighting-In

Peep Sight

A small aperture in the rear sight of a bow or rifle that provides a precise aiming point.

View Term: Peep Sight

Angled Shot

Firing at an upward or downward angle, requiring compensation for gravity and trajectory differen...

View Term: Angled Shot

Range Estimation

The method of determining distance to a target, vital for proper shot placement in archery and fi...

View Term: Range Estimation

Prairie Dog Hunting

A form of varmint or pest control used for marksmanship practice; subject to varying regulations.

View Term: Prairie Dog Hunting

3-Gun Competition

A timed shooting sport where participants use a rifle, shotgun, and pistol in various stages, hon...

View Term: 3-Gun Competition

Trigger Creep

The slight movement or slack in a trigger before it releases, potentially affecting accuracy and ...

View Term: Trigger Creep

Prone Position

A shooting stance where the hunter lies flat on the stomach for maximum stability, often used in ...

View Term: Prone Position

Offhand Shooting

Firing a rifle or shotgun without external support (standing or kneeling); emphasizes stance and ...

View Term: Offhand Shooting

Point of Aim

The precise spot on a target where a shooter aligns sights or a scope reticle before firing.

View Term: Point of Aim

Hunter Safety Guides Hunter Education

David Harrison · February 27, 2025