Long Range Hunter
The Long Range Hunter Course is designed to provide hunters with a true working knowledge of their rifle’s capabilities and the shooter’s own limitations. It is purposely scheduled over 3 days which enables me to provide “classroom” education in the form of internal/external/terminal ballistics, scope theory, firearm manipulation and maintenance, and MOA/MIL relation formulas. The remaining time is dedicated to live fire range work establishing a solid zero, the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship, practical reticle use, elevation and windage effect and use, and data collection limited only by caliber capability and shooter progression. It all culminates in a hike/stalk/shoot exercise challenging the shooter with distant targets, observational prowess, and unconventional positions.
Your instructors are not only hunters but professional riflemen whose careers depend upon a committed passion to marksmanship and comprehensive understanding. Human lives literally hang in the balance when we bring these skills to bear on target detection, observation, and engagement. You are in professional hands beginning to end as you develop proven practices and skill development in a training environment that feels, tastes, and demands of you an effort akin to a real hunt.
Weapon / optic requirements:
Bolt action or semi-automatic rifle capable of less-than or equal to 2 minutes of angle.
Caliber should be commensurate with the quarry you seek. If you are purchasing or building a rifle for a specific hunt, and need a little guidance before you purchase, Dead Drift Consulting can provide it. After all, “consulting” is part of our name and we welcome such inquiries.
We STRONGLY encourage the use of a rifle sling. Use as a method of carry is secondary to its use in actually shooting the rifle. Sling shooting techniques are one of the primary learning objectives in our courses.
Riflescopes capable of reliable and repeatable windage and elevation adjustment.
Dead Drift Consulting ALWAYS recommends the very best optics your budget will allow. Very few items will have such a profound impact on the quality and enjoyment of your hunt and your level of success. Excellent glass is expensive, no doubt; but nothing other than lousy boots will ruin a hunt faster than internal mechanism failure, lack of repeatability, and low-quality, glass-induced headaches.
Binoculars and spotting scopes.
Binoculars represent the minimum addition to a riflescope for our courses. The “standard” of 10X42 is completely appropriate for anything we teach. Observation glass selection and use is covered as part of the course curriculum.
Spotting scopes are not required to successfully complete the course but do provide certain advantages. If you’ve got one, bring it. If not, don’t spend the money just yet…
Ammunition:
200 rounds (minimum) of the ammo you intend to hunt with.
Round count can vary greatly and is dependent upon shooter ability, class progress, and environmental conditions. Two hundred rounds is a good estimate based on previous experience. If in doubt, bring more.
Match Grade or premium hunting ammo is preferred and will provide the most consistent and reliable performance. Nexus Ammunition is a strong supporter of our operation and can provide discounted pricing for course participants (contact us for pricing details).
As alternatives, we’ve seen excellent performance from Hornady Precision Hunter and Nosler Trophy Grade ammunitions.
Additional Necessary Equipment:
“3-day” pack or larger, capable of carrying EVERYTHING you may need for a full day of shooting away from camp (lunch, ammo, optics, shooting support, etc).
Laser range finder (limited number of loaners available).
Water and snacks/chow.
Bipod, tripod, or another form of portable shooting support.
Ear and eye protection.
Individual first aid kit.
Note taking material, calculator.
GOOD boots (no running shoes, chacos, Vans; goretex is a good idea).
Appropriate clothing for working outside all day long, moving across rough terrain, and providing suitable protection from the elements.
Rain gear and insulation.
Personal sustainment items (daily medication, spare prescription glasses, sunscreen, etc).
Accommodations that enable nightly refit and preparation (tent, RV, or hotel).
Any additional gear you’d like to pressure test before your planned hunts.
Optional: glassing pad, folding chair/stool, ballistic computer, weather meter.
Admin and Logistics:
Registration and waiver documents will be emailed upon contact and receipt of an email address.
Detailed course description, itinerary, and maps/directions provided upon registration.
Completion of a personal data sheet is required by all participants and is part of the registration process. This includes your birthdate, driver’s license number, and SSN. Dead Drift Consulting does not provide firearms training of any kind to convicted felons or non-citizens of the United States.
A deposit of 50% is required at registration to hold your seat with the balance due no later than the morning of TD1 (cashier’s check, money order, or cash only).
SAFETY and drama-free conduct is paramount to the successful completion of this course. Instructors reserve the right to enforce safety regulations up to and including expulsion from the course at any time if major safety violations occur or behavior degrades the safe, enjoyable, and informative environment of this course for all students, without refund.
Tuition and additional fees
Course cost: TBD
Ammunition storage and delivery fee: $50 per shooter.
If you’re ordering ammunition from Nexus we can pick up and hold until your arrival.
Ammunition from any source can be delivered or shipped direct to us and we’ll have it for you when you get here.