Getting Your Rifle Ready for the Australian Fallow & Red Deer Season

Dialling In Your Rifle For Deer Season In Australia

With the Australian deer season knocking on the door, now is the time to make sure your rifle is dead-on accurate before heading into the bush. Nothing spoils a hunt faster than discovering your rifle is off zero when a good stag finally steps out.

Whether you’re heading to your local range or a mate’s farm to check your zero, a little preparation before you leave home will make the process smooth and productive.

What to Take to the Range

First and foremost, take your main hunting rifle. If you have a backup rifle, it’s well worth bringing that along too. Mechanical issues are rare, but having a second rifle already sighted in can save a hunt.

Before leaving home, double-check a few important basics:

• Ensure each rifle has the correct bolt. Many hunters own multiple rifles and bolts can occasionally get mixed up.

• Check that you have the correct magazine for each rifle.

• Pack a rangefinder to confirm the exact distance you are shooting.

• Bring targets so you can clearly track your groups.

• A rifle rest or bipod is essential for getting a stable shooting platform.

• Take sufficient ammunition, ideally from the same batch you intend to hunt with.

Consistency in ammunition is important. Different loads can produce different points of impact.

Don’t Forget the Legal Requirements

In Australia, it’s also important to ensure you have the correct documentation with you.

If you’re heading to a range, remember to bring:

• Your range membership card (such as SSAA)

• Your firearms licence

It’s also good practice to carry a printed list of your registered firearms with you. While not always required, it can be useful if questions arise while travelling.

Safe Transport Matters

Transporting firearms safely and legally should always be a priority.

I like to transport rifles:

• With a trigger lock fitted

• Inside a locked rifle case

• With ammunition stored separately in a locked container

Not only does this comply with most Australian state requirements, but it’s also just good common-sense firearm safety.

Checking Your Ballistics

If you’re serious about accuracy at varying distances, consider bringing a chronograph to measure the velocity of your ammunition.

Knowing the true speed of your load allows you to use a ballistics app to calculate drop and trajectory more accurately. From there you can create a simple cheat sheet for your rifle showing:

• Dial adjustments

• Holdover points

• Bullet drop at different distances

Many hunters tape this information directly onto the rifle stock or keep it on a small card in their pack.

Confidence Before the Hunt

Spending a few hours at the range before deer season does more than just confirm your zero. It builds confidence in your rifle, your ammunition, and your own shooting ability.

When that stag finally steps into view, the last thing you want is doubt about where your bullet will land.

A properly sighted rifle means one thing: a clean, ethical shot when the opportunity presents itself.

And that’s exactly how every hunt should begin.