Raindrops On Rifles: Tips To Improve Wet Weather Shooting

Autumn is at the peak of the season for many hunters, as it is in the middle of many game bird hunting seasons and at the start of the deer hunting season in the UK.

Of course, it is also the time when raindrops keep falling on many of our heads, but since we have never stopped the rain by complaining, the best way to enjoy the season is to make the most of every shooting day whatever the weather.

Preparation is key on wet days, which includes everything from wearing the right hat on your head to the right boots on your feet. Here are some top tips to steady your aim when the weather is anything but.

Dress In Breathable Layers

The same rules for wet-weather hiking apply to shooting days. You will get very cold and very hot at varying points of the hunt.

This is where adapting a layering system similar to those used in hiking can be very beneficial.

A collection of thin, breathable layers will wick moisture away from your body, reducing the feeling of sweat whilst also stopping the body from rapidly cooling.

Packing a lightweight waterproof will also save you from a shower, especially in the middle of autumn where the weather can change more quickly than the flap of a grouse’s wing.

Wear The Right Gloves

Wearing a pair of shooting gloves can be vital, particularly when a stiff breeze can cause your fingers to numb and affect your reflexes.

As with the rest of your attire, your gloves should be thin enough and comfortable enough for you to do almost anything you need to maintain your gun without taking them off, but they should also be able to protect you from the heat of the weapon and the chill of the air.

Aim Slightly Higher At Longer Distances

Cold weather can lower the velocity of bullets, whilst rain increases bullet drop due to air resistance. This means that an accurate shot may require you to aim slightly higher than expected.