Reading the wind is the art of estimating the wind speed and direction. By following a few simple observations, you'll be able to compensate for any wind that would affect your bullet when making a shot. You can observe the wind wherever you are and practice your ability to read the wind. It will be easier to apply this when you're hunting after spending some time practicing.
You will be learning how to determine the wind speed, the wind direction and be able to assign a value to the wind. You'll find this useful even on the shooting range. To determine wind speed, follow these guidelines: -0 to 3 mphWind is barely felt, but smoke drifts -3 to 5 mphWind can be felt lightly on your face -5 to 8 mphLeaves on trees are in constant movement -8 to 12 mphDust and loose paper are raised -12 to 15 mphSmall trees begin to sway The direction of the wind is easily detected by flags at a shooting range or competition. In the field, if you have a small handkerchief, it can help you determine the wind direction if you can't feel it clearly.
Next you need to assign a wind value. Visualize a clock face. You face twelve o'clock. Wind from twelve o'clock and six o'clock will have no value, they will not affect the bullet. The same wind from three o'clock and nine o'clock, however will have full value, and you'll need to correct for a strong wind from these directions. Visualizing the clock face, full value will cover from two to four o'clock and from eight to ten o'clock. The areas between twelve and two, four and six, six and eight, and ten and twelve are given half value. These areas may require some compensation on your part if the wind is strong enough.
Now that you know how to evaluate the wind value, let's imagine you're in the field. You ask yourself, "How much is the wind worth?" The wind will affect your bullet through a combination of several factors, like the weight and caliber of the bullet, its ballistic efficiency and the time of its flight.
Let's take a look at an example. If your target is 600 yards away, a 1mph Full Value wind will move your bullet approximately 3 inches off target. At 600 yards, your 3 inches is equal to one-half Minute of Angle (MOA). This is a 1mph constant. So, if you know your wind's value and speed, you can estimate a fairly accurate adjustment. Let's try another. The wind is blowing from the right to the left, so you have a right wind. This wind is a Full Value wind from three o'clock (remember our imaginary clock). Your estimation of wind speed is approximately 8mph. If our 1mph constant is .5 MOA, you multiply 8 times .5, giving you a correction of 4 MOA. If the wind were at half value, you would adjust only 2 MOA.
As you can see, a minor adjustment on your part can make a big difference in your accuracy in hitting a target. Practice reading the wind and you'll be able to hunt in many different weather conditions successfully.
If you're new to rifles and hunting, start with the basics. Learn how to clean your weapon and how to keep it in optimal condition. Practice this so your rifle is ready when you are. Learn how to use your rifle. Learn how to load the ammunition, aim, and prepare for the kill. Practice. Take instruction from a marksmanship instructor if possible. You will learn many tips this way to use your rifle, and the regular practice will make it second nature to you. Learn how to deal with the recoil and the noise of the rifle. Work with it enough that you won't flinch when it happens.
Practice your shooting. You want to be confident in your ability to handle the gun, and in your ability to hit what you're aiming at. Shooting ranges are perfect for this. Practice shooting until you are confident in your abilities.
Practice trigger control. You can set up your body and your rifle for the perfect shot, and it will all be for naught if you don't have trigger control. Jerking or anticipating at the last minute will ruin it every time. Practice until you have developed the right technique for your rifle, because every one is a little different. Go to a shooting range or set up a private range of your own if you have an empty field.
Practice your shooting positions. What will happen if the only way you can get that elk is by lying down on the ground and you've never done it before? Most likely, the elk will get to live another day and you'll go home disappointed. Practice, practice, practice. You can practice positioning yourself quickly anywhere... even your living room. Just make sure if you are practicing with your rifle to make sure it is unloaded. Accidents happen, and thinking you'll be safe just this once won't make it so.
Practice your breathing and relaxation when you set up for a shot. If you can't get to a shooting range, visualize every step you take to aim and get ready to shoot, and practice the breathing and relaxation needed for a steady shot.
Practice setting your scope and checking it for accuracy. If you rely on your scope and it has gotten out of whack, you won't hit your target. Practice this skill until you do it automatically.
Practice your kill shot. Don't wing an animal so it is injured but able to lose you in the forest. Know the best spots to aim for, and be able to set up the shot in moments. Your first shot should either be fatal, or close enough that your second shot is all that is needed to finish the job.
Practice shooting until you can call your shots. If it went off to the left, you should be able to tell. If it went too low, you should know that too. By practicing enough year round, you will ensure your success in hunting season.
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