Education From Norton Sporting Goods

• Ensure your rifle or shotgun is well-sighted for hunting in varying conditions.
• Bullet drop is significant at different distances, affecting accuracy on a deer's kill zone.
• Use online ballistic calculators to determine bullet trajectory and account for factors like wind.
• Verify calculations by shooting at a range.

When zeroing your scope for deer hunting in Ohio:

• Start at 100 yards.
• Ensure a stable rest, ample ammunition, hearing protection, and visible targets.
• A laser boresighting tool can save time in scope adjustment.
• Begin at 50 yards for initial targeting and fine-tune at 100 yards.
• Shoot 3-shot groups, assessing each target.
• Make incremental adjustments to optics or sights until the group centers on the bullseye.

Comfort and stock length are crucial for accuracy when shooting waterfowl.

• Standard 14-inch stocks suit average-sized hunters.
• Larger hunters can add thicker recoil pads for comfort.
• Smaller-sized hunters may benefit from slightly shorter stocks.
• Choose stock length considering the thick clothing worn during inclement weather.

Shotgun gauge selection is essential for waterfowl hunting.
 

• Most prefer the standard 12-gauge for ducks and geese.
• Beginners, especially younger hunters, may find a 20-gauge more manageable.
• 10-gauge shotguns have a rough recoil.
• 16-gauge is impractical due to high cost and ammo scarcity.

Chamber length matters for efficient shooting.

• The standard 3-inch chamber is often best, offering good shot capacity and versatility.
• For long-distance shooting, consider the 12-gauge 3 ½” chamber for geese.

Barrel length affects swing, balance, and accuracy for waterfowl hunting.

• A 28-inch barrel is preferred for comfort and accuracy when targeting geese, ducks, and other waterfowl.

Semi-auto shotguns are ideal for duck and goose hunting.

• They allow quick shooting and reloading.
• Available in various gauges, lengths, and camo patterns for different needs.

• Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing a crossbow.
• Test different options to find one that suits your size, strength, and mobility.
• Crossbow bow speed typically ranges from 300 to 380 fps; additional modifications can increase speed.
• For most amateurs, extra speed may be unnecessary, and it can increase noise and recoil.
• Noise levels vary among crossbows, and aftermarket accessories can make them louder.
• Silence is crucial for hunting, less so for target shooting.
• Find a crossbow weight that strikes a balance; it should dampen recoil but be manageable.
• Excessive recoil can affect accuracy, especially for smaller individuals.
• Modern innovations have reduced recoil, but it varies between crossbow models.
• Consider the weight of the crossbow for ease of carrying while trekking to your hunting spot.

• Worms are a highly effective bait for catching various freshwater fish, including bass, crappie, trout, and musky.
• Minnows are another versatile bait option for many fish species. Bait can be categorized into two main types: live (worms, minnows, crickets) and artificial (spinning lures, crankbaits, plastic baits).
• Live bait options include minnows, shad, herring, sucker fish, and smelt, with different preferences for various fish species.
• Artificial baits like plastic baits are popular for their lifelike appearance and customization options.

When targeting specific fish, consider their preferences and habitats. The choice of bait and presentation can vary depending on the type of fish you want to catch:

• Bass hide near cover and prefer worms, minnows, or plastic baits.
• Trout primarily eat bugs and nymphs but will also go for minnows.
• Musky and other predators favor minnows and certain lures.
• Crappie and perch enjoy live minnows and smaller jig imitations.
• Shoot 3-shot groups, assessing each target.