Shooting test

Practical shooting test with shotgun and rifle. Requirements, procedure, and tips.

The shooting test is the practical part of the hunter's exam. You must pass it to become a certified hunter.

The shooting test has two parts:

Shotgun: You shoot at clay pigeons (thrown clays). You must hit at least 8 out of 15 clays. The clays are normally thrown from a machine on a fixed course. You get some practice shots first.

Rifle: You shoot 5 rounds at a game silhouette (moose figure) at 100 meters. All 5 shots must hit within a defined target area corresponding to vital organs.

The shotgun portion is what most people dread. Practice at a clay pigeon range beforehand is strongly recommended. Most courses include some training rounds.

For the rifle portion, it's wise to practice standing shooting with support (shooting sticks) and prone shooting. Most shooting ranges offer training.

You don't need your own weapon. The course organizer provides weapons and ammunition.

Tips for passing: Practice shotgun at a clay range at least 2 to 3 times before the test. Focus on swinging with the target and shooting in motion. Keep your eyes on the clay, not the bead.

For rifle: Practice a calm trigger pull and stable shooting position. Breathe calmly, squeeze between heartbeats.

If you fail, you can retake the test. There is no limit on attempts, but you must pay a new fee.