If you’re getting prepared for a trip to the woods, going camping or just taking aim on some objects, there are a few tips to follow and some basics to master.

First things first. Safety is a must. Take precautions and refer to the safety guidelines of the BB gun manufacturer and ammunition. There are many no brainer steps to follow, like never point the muzzle at a person, wear safety glasses, be aware of your target and surroundings, don't leave a gun loaded when not in use and always treat your BB rifle as if it were loaded. Precaution is the most effective form of caution.

Uses & Targets

Many people enjoy hunting rodents, birds, squirrels, small game and even deer with BB guns either for game hunting or as a method of pest control. Hunting rodents can be fun because they are so quick, it can be quite a rewarding challenge when a target is squared up. It's been noted by many a rodent hunter that since they are quite curious creatures, they will often through caution to the wind and assess there predator. This gives you, the hunter the opportunity to steady yourself for a good shot. While wild game or rodent hunting either for pleasure or as pest control may be enjoyable for some, others prefer to let nature take its course and use BB guns for target shooting only, using paper or wood targets as their form of recreational use. Either way, BB rifles can be a blast and an excellent method of learning proper weapon handling.

An advantage of using BB guns is often times you are able to hunt in places where firearm use is not allowed. This can open up some vital hunting grounds that would otherwise be off limits. Be sure to check that you're not trespassing or breaking any laws prior to taking on a new area. It's also wise to check with local suppliers for good areas that are ideal for beginners. You want to make sure that your lack of expertise does not put yourself or others in danger.

Use your sights. Practice lining up your sights and find which eye is more dominant. Once you have a good feel and have your sights aligned properly take a couple practice shots and assess where your BB goes.

Whether hunting or target shooting, BB guns open up the opportunity to otherwise inaccessible locations to enjoy the sport. Make sure to always check your local city and state regulations. Be smart, be safe and be self aware.