{"id":1459,"date":"2023-08-18T01:39:52","date_gmt":"2023-08-18T01:39:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/?p=1459&#038;fishpig=1618943734&#038;preview=true"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:35:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:35:59","slug":"5-tips-for-shooting-moving-targets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/5-tips-for-shooting-moving-targets\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/5-tips-for-shooting-moving-targets\/#5_Tips_for_Shooting_Moving_Targets\" >5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/5-tips-for-shooting-moving-targets\/#Tips_for_Shooting_Moving_Targets\" >Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/5-tips-for-shooting-moving-targets\/#Understand_Applications_-_5_Tips_for_Shooting_Moving_Targets\" >Understand Applications - 5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/5-tips-for-shooting-moving-targets\/#Remember_Your_Fundamentals_-_5_Tips_for_Shooting_Moving_Targets\" >Remember Your Fundamentals - 5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/5-tips-for-shooting-moving-targets\/#Know_Your_Focus_-_5_Tips_for_Shooting_Moving_Targets\" >Know Your Focus - 5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/5-tips-for-shooting-moving-targets\/#Practice_-_5_Tips_for_Shooting_Moving_Targets\" >Practice - 5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Tips_for_Shooting_Moving_Targets\"><\/span>5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>These <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/6-tips-for-shooting-tighter-groups\/\">tips for shooting<\/a> moving targets can help increase skill and reduce intimidation whether on the range or in the woods.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Note: <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/various-rifle-rests-and-when-to-use-each\/\">Shooting<\/a> at running game requires skill and practice. We do not recommend shooting at running game unless you are confident in making an accurate shot.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/the-legend-of-the-winchester-model-70\/\">Shooting moving targets<\/a> can be a difficult task. When shots count, riflemen need to be prepared and the formula should hopefully be ingrained before the moment of truth. These 5 <a title=\"5 Long Range Shooting Tips\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/5-long-range-shooting-tips\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1476\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tips fro shooting<\/a> moving targets are key to establishing the proper fundamentals for when targets are on the move.<\/span><\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_1461\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1461\" style=\"width: 682px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1461\" title=\"5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Running-Deer-1024x576.png\" alt=\"These tips for shooting moving targets can help increase skill and reduce intimidation whether on the range or in the woods.\u00a0\" width=\"682\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Running-Deer-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Running-Deer-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Running-Deer-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Running-Deer-533x300.png 533w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Running-Deer-150x84.png 150w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Running-Deer.png 1120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1461\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shooting at running game requires skill and practice.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2><\/h2><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Shooting_Moving_Targets\"><\/span><b>Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The most widely taught strategies for shooting moving targets involve three main techniques: the ambush method, the swing-through, and sustained-lead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the ambush method, the shooter places their sight on a fixed location where the target is anticipated to pass. Once the target moves into the sight picture, the shooter fires.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With the swing-through method, the shooter begins swinging from behind the target at a speed that is greater than the target\u2019s movement. Once the sights move in line with the target, the shooter fires while continuing to swing through the shot.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While the sustained-lead method is similar, the shooter begins their hold in front of the target with an estimated lead. As the target moves, the shooter moves with the target while maintaining the same amount of lead and fires when ready.<\/span><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Understand Applications &#8211; 5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/b><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For the most part, the ambush method is best utilized in situations where the shooter has a very confident understanding of where the target will move. If a shooter has dialed in a <a title=\"30mm Versus 1-inch Scope Tubes\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/30mm-versus-1-inch-scope-tubes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope<\/a> and is shooting at a target moving on a fixed line at a fixed speed, it can be an effective way for consistent results. Additionally, when <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"hunting\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"343\">hunting<\/a> in cover with limited outlets for game to pass, a shooter can be prepared to take the shot as the target moves into the most likely openings.<\/span><\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_1470\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1470\" style=\"width: 680px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1470\" title=\"5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/131317783_3775645825821371_5996514807227974028_n.jpg\" alt=\"5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets\" width=\"680\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/131317783_3775645825821371_5996514807227974028_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/131317783_3775645825821371_5996514807227974028_n-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/131317783_3775645825821371_5996514807227974028_n-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/131317783_3775645825821371_5996514807227974028_n-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/131317783_3775645825821371_5996514807227974028_n-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1470\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The swing-through method is best for unknown situations. Instinct plays a major role in the swing-through method and can be utilized when there hasn\u2019t been enough time to dope a <a title=\"How to Properly Mount a Rifle Scope\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope<\/a> or calculate yardages. While the swing-through can be less reliable, it incorporates a bit of an educated guess and on-the-fly adjustments.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The sustained-lead method takes the most practice and also requires a certain amount of known variables \u2013 like shot distance and speed of the target. It has the potential to be the most accurate of the group when a shooter is prepared and a target moves on an indirect or previously unknown path.<\/span><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Remember Your Fundamentals &#8211; 5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/b><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Like bench-shooting, shooting moving targets also requires solid shooting fundamentals. It\u2019s important to have a solid stance with feet shoulder width apart and a firm &#8211; but not stiff &#8211; grip with a relaxed trigger finger. It\u2019s also imperative for shooters to properly shoulder their firearm and anchor their cheek on the stock and to incorporate a crisp trigger pull without jerking. Follow through on your shot, and prepare for a follow-up shot in case your target needs another round. While fundamentals aren\u2019t always the most exciting topic of discussion, some of these are difficult to remember when a target is moving, especially if the target was a surprise like a deer spooked from a thicket.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Know Your Focus &#8211; 5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/b><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the age of high-powered <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/hunting-gift-ideas\/\">scopes<\/a>, shooters often select a rifle <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"scope\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"244\">scope<\/a> based on the maximum optical zoom. While this can be effective in extreme <a title=\"long-range shooting\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/a-beginners-guide-to-long-range-shooting-gear\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">long-range shooting<\/a>, maximum zoom is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1DCOWoCOjQY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">not always best<\/a> for engaging moving targets. When a shooter anticipates taking a shot at a moving target, it\u2019s important to dial the scope\u2019s optical zoom to the lowest level. That way they can see the maximum field of view. Additionally, in most cases the shot is considerably shorter than one taken with a solid rest and won\u2019t require as high of a magnification.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlike bench shooting, the shooter keeps both eyes open and focus on the target, not the reticle. Spotting and finding game in the sight picture is the most critical step. This should happen prior to incorporating one of the lead strategies mentioned prior. It\u2019s important to put yourself in a position to let your instincts take over.<\/span><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Practice &#8211; 5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/b><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While not all ranges give access to moving targets, many do. These can be valuable for learning leads and finding which methods work best for you. For shooters that don\u2019t live in the vicinity of an applicable range, other practice methods can be incorporated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shooters should be comfortable taking offhand shots. Typically a solid rest is a luxury in the field. It\u2019s unlikely a shooter can identify a target and find a rest before the target passes.\u00a0 Being comfortable offhand is a must. Once a shooter is proficient shooting offhand, the same methods could be practiced on stationary targets. Lastly consider <a title=\"Binoculars for Turkey Hunting\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/binoculars-for-turkey-hunting\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"711\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hunting<\/a> small game with a .22 to put your skills to use.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shooting moving targets is far from easy. But most well-rounded shooters will face a circumstance in the field where they will need to dot the \u201ci\u201d when things go awry. Make sure your skills are up to the test.<\/span><\/p><p>Mastering these tips for <a title=\"Shooting a 22LR Rifle in a Whole New Way\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/shooting-22lr-rifle-in-a-whole-new-way\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"568\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting<\/a> moving targets can be a challenging but rewarding skillset for any shooter. Remember, practice proper lead and timing by anticipating the target&#8217;s path and speed. Maintain a smooth and steady hand-eye coordination, focusing on a fluid motion rather than rushing the shot. And be sure to adjust your stance and grip to provide stability and support during these dynamic shots. Also, using techniques such as tracking or swing-through methods to follow the target&#8217;s movement. With practice and patience, you can become proficient at <a title=\"The Convenience of Scope Throw Levers 11\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/the-convenience-of-scope-throw-levers\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting moving targets<\/a>, expanding your shooting capabilities and enhancing your overall shooting experience.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_1372\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1372\" style=\"width: 970px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1372 size-full\" title=\"Rifles Scopes\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/TRACT-ELR_970x250.jpg\" alt=\"Rifle Scopes\" width=\"970\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1372\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/the-6-5mm-creedmoor-rifle-round\/\">Rifle Scopes<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><p><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" title=\"Facebook\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tractoptics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\"><strong>FOLLOW US: FACEBOOK<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Email<\/strong>: <a href=\"mailto:support@tractoptics.com\">support@tractoptics.com<\/a><br \/><strong>Phone<\/strong>: 631-662-7354<br \/><strong>LIVE Chat<\/strong>: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tractoptics.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tractoptics.com<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>5 Tips for Shooting Moving Targets<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12053,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2267],"tags":[2937,2958,3032,3189,3203],"class_list":["post-1459","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-shooting-skills","tag-moving-targets","tag-optics","tag-rifle-scope","tag-shooting","tag-shooting-moving-targets"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1459","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1459"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1459\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11334,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1459\/revisions\/11334"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1459"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1459"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1459"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}