Going into the class I didn’t know what to expect other than rifle training. I relied on the Rokslide subforum and instructional email. Prior to the class, my time behind a rifle was limited to occasional range shooting and hunting, with two animals harvested: the first at about 230 yards from prone and another at about 110 yards from kneeling. My comfort zone was less than 300 yards and I have passed on nice bulls at 500-600 yards because I had little confidence in making a vital shot at that distance.
Preparation
I did little to prepare for the class other than having the appropriate gear, ensuring I had enough ammo, and zeroing my hunting rifle. I received an email from the coordinator before class listing the necessary gear and the amount of ammo needed. Additionally, it provided the address and agenda. For gear I took my Exo EXS K4 pack loaded with items I generally have for a winter day hunt in Colorado; 7mm-08 rifle topped with a Maven RS1.2 and ammo; .223 ammo; tripods; Maven 15×56 binoculars; binocular pack with range finder; shooting pad; sleeping bag; sleeping pad; and comfortable hunting clothes. I don’t own a .223 so I rented a Rokstock Tikka with Unknown Suppressors OG from Shoot2Hunt. I didn’t bring my own bags to shoot off, but I wish I had. However, they do have some to borrow or buy. I borrowed a Molinator from another student and purchased a Jellyfish, this combo worked well.
Class Structure
The agenda simply stated that Monday through Friday we would eat breakfast, shoot, eat lunch, shoot until dark, and eat dinner. The agenda also provided for a pre-test on Sunday evening.
I expected the pre-test to be a few shots to prove we could shoot and validate the rifles were zeroed. I expected the class to be a lengthy version of a hunter safety course, with a week of boring lectures interspersed with shooting sessions. Boy, was I wrong.
The pre-test included shots on the 100-yard range, then some fun on the mountain. I won’t give a play-by-play, as I don’t want to ruin the experience. However, the pre-test established a baseline of our hunting capabilities and what we could expect to get out of the course. There were 13 students in my class, with experience ranging from newbies to long-time rifle handlers, and no one performed exceptionally on the mountain portion of the pre-test. It was clear from the pre-test that being a good shot in a controlled environment did not directly translate to good performance in an uncontrolled environment, such as hunting. After the pre-test, the instructor assured us that if we trusted their training method and process, we would be more than prepared and fully capable of executing an accurate shot on demand in the field.
Monday through Friday involved shooting about 250 rounds per day, give or take. Each day included an emphasis on positional training, executing good shots under pressure, and returning to a ready but safe position when adrenaline was high.
My Experience
I really sucked at the mountain pre-test. Sunday, I walked away frustrated with a reality check of how unprepared I was to make a good and quick shot in the field.
I showed up on Monday ready to put in the work and improve. To my surprise, no lectures. Instead, the week was filled with long days behind the rifle. Although long, the days flew by. There were moments of frustration while doing some of the drills, but each quickly passed. There was one positional training drill that sent me to the peak of frustration and thinking there is no freaking way I am going to be able get these shots off in mere seconds. Then, within 15-20 minutes, everyone was getting it done with time to spare. I was genuinely shocked, and from then on, I was committed to trusting the process.
By Wednesday night I was smacking 500+ yard targets and then into Thursday and Friday, hitting up to 898 yards. We also worked on understanding elevation and wind, as well as calling these as a spotter.
We invested invaluable time in the field, working with what we had available to create good shots such as packs, tripods, walking sticks, trees, rocks, and more.
Students and Instructors
There were 13 students in the class, 12 males and me, the lone female. We had one person who provided most of the instruction, and three others assisted, all of whom were male. Except for sleeping arrangements, I didn’t feel like I was treated differently from the other students. On the opening Sunday, the instructor offered the class a vote on whether the tone should be serious or laid-back. We opted for laid-back. Although the training was serious, there was light-hearted jesting all around, which provided plenty of laughs. While I am not a rifle, ammo, or hunting nerd, some of the folks in class were, and they had lots of questions and topics to discuss. The instructors were welcoming and patient in talking through everything that was brought up.
Accommodations and Food
The lodging, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, were included. There was plenty of space, and some people had beds while others had cots. I can’t provide a comfort perspective because after long days, I passed right out. We didn’t spend time in our lodging other than to shower and sleep. Outside of that, we were on the range or the mountain. The meals were homemade by a local and were outstanding and filling. There was plenty to go around, and I don’t know of any day that there wasn’t at least a little bit of leftovers. I never heard one person complain about the food.
Takeaway
Overall, the classmates and instructors were great, and I had a lot of fun. I am more confident behind a rifle, prepared and capable of shooting at any reasonable hunting distances, and equipped to figure it out on my own. I honestly look forward to taking another class.
Comment or ask Cindy questions here.
