As a new handgun hunter, you’re eager to head into the field and bag your first game. But before you embark on your first hunt, it’s crucial to understand that handgun hunting requires specialized gear, skills, and tactics to be successful.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to gear up properly, hone your shooting skills, implement effective hunting strategies, and above all, safely enjoy your handgun hunting adventures. From choosing the right firearm to mastering shooting techniques, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Handgun
The foundation of a successful hunt starts with having the proper handgun for the job. For medium to large game like deer, hogs, or bear, you’ll need a high-powered revolver or semi-automatic pistol chambered in a big-bore hunting caliber:
- Revolvers: Excellent choices like the Ruger Super Redhawk, Smith & Wesson Model 29, or Freedom Arms Model 83 can be chambered in hunting-suitable calibers like .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .480 Ruger, or .500 S&W Magnum. Revolvers have very reliable actions and can handle prolonged use of full-power hunting ammunition.
- Semi-Autos: Big bore semi-autos like 1911 pistols from Glock, Kimber, or Nighthawk Custom chambered in 10mm Auto offer significant firepower and fast follow up shots. Other semi-auto options include the Desert Eagle chambered in .44 Magnum or .50 AE.
For smaller game like rabbits, squirrels, or turkeys, .22 LR pistols like the Ruger MK IV or Smith & Wesson Victory can humanely take game up to 50 yards.
When selecting your handgun, look for key features like:
- All-steel construction for durability
- Adjustable sights for dialing in accuracy
- Scope mounting options like a Picatinny rail to allow optics
- Comfortable, ergonomic grips suited for lengthy carry in the field
Invest in a high-quality handgun purpose-built for hunting from a reputable manufacturer. Your firearm is a critical piece of gear that can mean the difference between a successful hunt and an empty-handed trudge home.
Essential Hunting Optics & Accessories
While your handgun is the heart of your setup, you’ll need some key accessories to round out your handgun hunting gear:
Scopes & Optics
The longer distances involved in hunting require magnified optics for precise shot placement. Quality variables scopes in the 2-7x or 3-9x magnification range from Leupold, Vortex, or Burris allow you to dial in magnification based on distance and conditions.
Alternatively, compact pistol-profile red dot sights from companies like Vortex, SIG Sauer, and Holosun give you rapid target acquisition and accuracy within 100 yards.
Make sure any optics you choose are rated for heavy recoil and hold zero under harsh conditions. Investing in quality optics pays dividends in the field.
Shooting Sticks & Bipods
Stable shooting platforms like adjustable height bipods and shooting sticks are a must for handgun hunting accuracy. By bracing your pistol on a solid rest, you can minimize hand shake and tremors that throw off your aim.
Look for lightweight carbon fiber or aluminum bipods that extend tall enough to stand upright for pistol shooting. For fast shooting on the move, compact shooting sticks like the Primos Trigger Stick are easy to hike with and deploy in seconds.
Hearing Protection & Eye Protection
The loud report of hunting handguns makes hearing protection mandatory for avoiding permanent hearing damage. Choose in-ear electronic muffs like Walker’s Silencer BT 2.0 or Howard Leight Impact Sport that amplify ambient sounds while protecting hearing when shots are fired.
For eye protection, impact resistant shooting glasses with clear lenses are a must for shielding your eyes from ejected cases, gas blowback or debris.
Hunting Rig
A good handgun hunting rig keeps your pistol and mags secure while making access fast and seamless. Chest rigs with magazine pouches like the GunfightersINC Ronin or drop leg rigs from G-Code holsters are excellent solutions tailored to handgun hunters.
For dangerous game or hike-in hunts, a secure thigh or hip holster may be preferred over a rig for safety. 1911 hip holsters from Galco or simply using your everyday concealed carry (CCW) holster are perfectly suitable.
Mastering Shooting Skills
Before heading afield, it’s imperative that you hone your marksmanship and shooting skills specifically with your hunting handgun. Handgun hunting demands a level of proficiency beyond basic range plinking.
Here are the key shooting skills to master:
Stances
Stable shooting stances are crucial for handling the powerful recoil of magnum hunting rounds. The Isosceles stance with feet shoulder width apart and arms straight out with a slight forward lean is an excellent all-around stance for managing recoil while offering good mobility.
For precision long range shots, try the Weaver stance with dominant-side leg back, slight crouch, elbows bent, and the pistol gripped tightly with both hands. Adjust your stance based on shooting scenario and environmental factors.
Grip
A proper grip maximizes control and tames recoil for improved shot-to-shot recovery. Grip the pistol high on the backstrap using your dominant hand. Wrap your support hand tightly over the dominant hand for maximum grasp. Avoid “limp wristing” by keeping your wrists stiff but not rigid.
Let the pistol recoil naturally in your hands without “muscling” your grip in anticipation. Practice your grip until it feels natural and allows you to rapidly realign sights and regain your target.
Sight Alignment
Aligning your sights properly is critical for hunting accuracy. Center the front sight within the notch of the rear sight while maintaining focus on the front sight. Ensure that the top of the front and rear sights are level with each other.
When you draw your focus to the target, your vision should blur slightly around the sights. Consistent sight alignment builds muscle memory for reliable precision in the field.
Trigger Control
Mastering proper trigger control technique is essential to avoid pulling shots off target. Use the tip of your index finger to smoothly press the trigger straight back until the shot breaks. Avoid anticipating recoil by prematurely releasing the trigger or “jerking” the trigger abruptly.
Let the shot surprise you by concentrating on sight alignment while increasing finger pressure. Follow through holding the trigger down momentarily after the shot to instill good habits.
Target Transitions
When hunting dangerous game, you may need to quickly transition targets and get off multiple accurate shots. Practice target transitions drawing from the holster and rapidly engaging multiple targets at various distances.
Work on redirecting your focus while maintaining proper grip, stance, and trigger control as you switch between targets. Developing quick target transitions prepares you for tense hunting situations.
Recoil Management
Repeated full-power magnum rounds can quickly fatigue your hands, wrists, and arms. Managing recoil allows you to remain accurate and dynamic when fatigued.
Proper grip, stance, and avoiding flinching are key to recoil management. Allow the pistol to naturally recoil in your hands without resisting. Stay relaxed through each shot to minimize fatigue. Deep breathing between shots also helps recovery.
Developing Shooting Proficiency
With your new skills, it’s time to ingrain them through consistent practice:
- Seek professional instruction to correct any flaws in technique early on. Attending classes from respected handgun trainers can accelerate your learning curve.
- Start practicing within 25 yards using paper targets to dial in your accuracy and reinforce proper shooting fundamentals. Avoid developing bad habits by using poor targets or pushing your range too soon.
- Gradually increase distance out to the maximum effective range of your handgun hitting 8″ paper consistently. Keep sessions short to avoid fatigue which degrades abilities.
- Practice from field positions like kneeling, sitting, or prone. Do group shooting sessions mixing rapid fire and slow precision firing.
- Include “dry fire” sessions at home without ammo focusing on grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger press, and target transitions.
With diligent practice integrating professional training, you’ll quickly gain shooting proficiency vital for handgun hunting success.
Effective Hunting Strategies and Tactics
Let’s now dive into proven handgun hunting strategies and tactics tailored to various game and terrain:
Spot and Stalk
For big game hunting in open country, spot and stalk is an effective technique. Use binoculars and/or spotting scopes to identify game sign and spot animals at long range. Plan your approach accounting for elevation changes, vegetation, and other terrain features to close distance without detection.
Use natural blinds, camo netting or tripods to set up concealed shooting positions within your max handgun range once in proximity. If detected, freeze or setup your shooting sticks for a shot opportunity.
Still Hunting
In densely wooded areas, still hunting is ideal. Slowly and methodically proceed through the woods stopping frequently to scan and listen for game sign. Use a deer grunt or bleat call periodically to elicit responses.
When game is detected, quickly evaluate distance, wind, shooting lanes and either setup for the shot or strategically reposition. Having predetermined shooting lanes increases odds of success.
Stands / Blinds
Hunting from elevated stands or ground blinds is highly effective for ambushing game that follow predictable trails and feeding areas. Position stands downwind overlooking trails/funnels at least 15 yards away. Let game settle before drawing your handgun.
Blinds near water sources, wallows, or food plots also allow you to hunt undetected. Deploy decoys and calls to draw in curious animals within handgun range.
Tracking / Trailing
When hunting dangerous game that flee when wounded, precise tracking and trailing is critical. Watch the animal as it runs, marking the exact location where it was last spotted. Approach cautiously watching for blood sign circling outwards from that point.
Use grid searches checking likely bedding areas. Have backup readily available and be prepared to humanely finish the hunt.
Upland Birds
For hunting upland game birds, Pelican cases or vest systems like the Allen Company Upland Vest safely carry extra revolvers/magazines to offset limited ammo capacity.
Quick snap shooting skills are paramount. Tracking downed birds immediately is also important. A sturdy hunting dog can be invaluable for flushing and retrieving birds.
Waterfowl
Highly accurate extended range shots are required for waterfowl hunting as birds often avoid close proximity to hunters. Use camouflaged layout blinds set up downwind of feeding areas.
Limit shots to within 40 yards. Focus on quality setup and decoy spreads over quantity of birds. Bring extra handwarmers for frigid conditions.
Handgun Hunting Safety
Safety must always be your top priority before, during, and after the hunt. Here are vital safety guidelines for handgun hunters:
- Treat every gun as if it’s loaded; avoid pointing at anything you don’t intend to shoot. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
- Confirm your target and what lies beyond it. Ensure a safe backstop, especially in low light conditions.
- Wear blaze orange when moving between locations even outside of rifle seasons. Visibility prevents tragic accidents.
- Hunt with a companion and maintain communication with radios or cell phones. Should any emergency occur, you’ll need backup immediately available.
- Carry a robust first aid kit suitable for treating major trauma like gunshot wounds. Know your evacuation routes beforehand in case injuries occur miles within the backcountry.
- Follow all rules and regulations governing handgun hunting in your area. Legal compliance ensures the future of handgun hunting opportunities.
While thrilling, handgun hunting poses greater risks given the limited range and stopping power. But adhering to prudent safety practices will let you enjoy the experience while minimizing hazards.
Final Thoughts
With the right gear, extensive practice, adaptable hunting strategies, and unwavering safety, your path to handgun hunting mastery is clear. Signing out on this guide signals the beginning of your journey to become a proficient handgun hunter adept at taking game near and far. Remember that your perseverance, patience, and passion for the sport are the greatest tools you bring to the field. With that spirit, your hunting adventures will leave a lasting impact as treasured memories bringing wild game from the field to the table.
Start small with abundant game like squirrels and rabbits to build skills. Challenge yourself to master new techniques and strategies. Before you know it, you’ll have the confidence and capabilities to hunt whitetails and beyond using only your trusted handgun. Welcome to the challenging and rewarding world of handgun hunting – the hunt awaits!
Captain Hunter is a seasoned hunting mentor with over 20 years of experience in the field. His passion began as a young man on trips with his father and grandfather in the Colorado mountains. Today, he shares his unmatched skills in survival, tracking, and marksmanship through his website CaptainHunter.com. When he's not volunteering with youth hunting programs, you can find Captain Hunter providing expert hunting tips, gear reviews, and answers to your most pressing questions. His decades of experience make him the trusted guide to help any outdoorsman master the sport.