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Why Hunters Should Hold for Wind—Not Dial

Posted by Shanny Fournier on

Why Hunters Should Hold for Wind—Not Dial: Insights from James Eagleman at Barbour Creek

When you’re in the field, seconds matter. Game moves. Wind shifts. And the last thing you want is to lose sight of your target while fiddling with a windage knob.

That’s why James Eagleman, lead instructor at Barbour Creek Long Range Shooting School, teaches a principle that every serious hunter should adopt: Hold for wind—don’t dial.

Why Holding Wind Beats Dialing | Should Hold for Wind

Eagleman’s philosophy is rooted in real-world hunting dynamics:

  • Animals Don’t Wait: Game is constantly on the move. Taking your eye off the target to dial windage can mean missing your shot opportunity entirely.
  • Wind Changes Fast: As Eagleman explains, wind can shift every 3 to 6 seconds. Dialing for a static wind value doesn’t reflect the dynamic nature of the environment.
  • Speed and Precision: Holding allows for immediate correction. You read the mirage, estimate wind speed, and push into the wind—all without breaking your shooting rhythm.
  • Zero Retention: Dialing introduces the risk of forgetting to return to zero. Holding keeps your rifle’s zero intact and your mind focused.

As Eagleman demonstrated in a recent session, he made clean kill shots at 820 and 500 yards by simply holding into the wind—2 minutes left for a 2 mph wind, 1 minute left for 3 mph—without ever touching the windage knob.

Why Hunters Should Hold for Wind—Not Dial

The Eagleman Reticle: Built for Hunters Who Hold | Should Hold for Wind

To support this method, TRACT Optics partnered with Eagleman to develop the Eagleman Long Range Hunting Reticle, available in the:

This reticle was designed specifically for holding wind quickly and accurately:

  • ✅ Minute-Based Wind Holds: Unlike traditional scopes with sparse stadia lines, the Eagleman Reticle offers clear, intuitive markings at 1-minute intervals—no guesswork at 2.5 or 3.5 minutes.
  • ✅ Wind Arrows for Clarity: Built-in directional arrows remind you to push into the wind, ensuring fast decision-making under pressure.
  • ✅ Optimized for Mirage Reading: With TRACT’s premium glass and magnification, you can read mirage through the scope itself—no need for external spotting gear.

Whether you’re hunting African plains or North American backcountry, this reticle gives you the edge when seconds count and conditions shift.

Ready to Upgrade Your Hunt? | Should Hold for Wind

If you’re serious about long-range hunting and want gear that matches your skill, please feel free to contact us now and we will provide the right tools to help you accomplish your goals:

👉 Call the TRACT team at 631-662-7354
📧 Email us at [email protected]
💬 Or chat live now at tractoptics.com

Let’s help you hold steady, shoot true, and hunt with confidence.