2-Day Level I Western Hunter Course

This is a 2-day field-format introductory course built for hunters and newer long-range shooters who need a solid foundation in rifle work before moving into more advanced field application. Bergara Academy teaches the class around western hunting scenarios, starting with safe gun handling and core marksmanship, then progressing into the practical problems a shooter has to solve away from the bench.

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Instruction covers rifle and optic fundamentals, positional work, wind, ranging, and basic ballistic concepts, with students applying those skills on steel targets in varied terrain. The curriculum also includes scope function, Mils versus MOA, reticle-based range estimation, electronic devices and ballistic apps, bolt manipulation in the field, and how cleaning and rifle setup can affect accuracy.

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Key training areas include:

• Firearms safety at the bench and in the field
• Marksmanship foundation fundamentals and Bergara rifle function
• Scope construction, adjustments, and use of optic features for accuracy
• Positional shooting, field gun handling, and bolt engagement under hunting-style conditions
• Wind effects, basic ballistics, bullet design, and Mils/MOA based ranging and range estimation

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This course fits hunters and entry-level long-range shooters who want structured field instruction before stepping into a higher-level class. Students should expect to bring basic personal items like eye and ear protection and weather-appropriate layers, while rifles, ammunition, and core range equipment are provided by Bergara Academy.