5 Common Field Shooting Mistakes Every Illinois Hunter Should Avoid in 2025

No Matter Your Era, We Got Your Six!

When you're in the field hunting your prey of choice during Illinois hunting season, there are some mistakes that just cannot be avoided, but then there are several that I have seen and discussed with other hunters that are seen time and time again.

With approximately 70% of Illinois hunting done using shotguns, these field shooting fundamentals apply whether you're pursuing whitetail deer, waterfowl, or upland game.

1. Practice Ethical Shot Selection

Most hunters believe that they are ethical, as they don't poach or mistreat the land. However, being ethical is also about the shots we take. Missed shots and bad shots are created when distance becomes greater than a hunter's skill level.

Ethical shots are shots that you will make 10/10 times with a 100% hit rate. Don't try to take a 500-600 yard shot, or any shot for that matter, if you have any inclination of worry that it will get away. Being ethical is being honest with yourself; the worst thing that happens by not taking a shot is the game is alive to hunt another day.

Pro Tip: Practice at your maximum effective range regularly, then limit field shots to 75% of that distance.

2. Master Proper Shot Placement Techniques

Many hunters make the mistake of looking at the animal to see where they want to make an impact. Instead, focus on your reticle and sights. If you focus on your optics, and not the target, the shot placement will be there.

This is especially critical for Illinois deer hunters, where proper shot placement ensures quick, clean harvests and helps maintain our state's excellent hunting reputation.

3. Overcome Shooting Anticipation

Did you make your shot or did you pick your head up as soon as you pulled the trigger? If you look over your optic, your body will pull the gun down, resulting in a low shot.

To fix anticipation:

• Hold still and focus on your sights

• Press the trigger smoothly

• Follow through completely

If you made a good shot to begin with, you should see the game drop in your optic anyway

4. Understand Shot Angles for Success

"Buck Fever" often throws things like proper shot angles out the window. Most often times an animal is not going to be perfectly broadside to you. Learn where to hold to get into the vital zone. To strike vitals on a quartered target, hold behind the vitals to get the shot placement in the center.

This skill is particularly important during Illinois firearm season when opportunities may be brief and angles aren't always perfect.

5. Always Verify Your Zero Before Hunting

Always check your zeros before going out into the field. This includes borrowed guns; just because something is zeroed in for someone does not mean you share the same zero.

With Illinois hunting seasons running from early fall through late winter, temperature changes alone can affect your zero. A quick range session before opening day can save your hunt.

Bonus: SLOW DOWN and Stay Calm

"Buck Fever" can be a nasty thing when it gets the best of us. ALWAYS remain calm, move slow, easily, and deliberately. Lack of knowledge is most often the culprit of a lackluster hunting experience.

Take the time to learn what is right and what is wrong. Don't let poor habits waste an animal that may sacrifice itself to feed you and your family, and also give you some irreplaceable memories.

While squirrels and rabbits aren't exactly the big time, learning how to chase them will help hone your skills for hunting larger game. When hunting dangerous game, using an unfamiliar rifle is basically suicidal. ALWAYS practice for reliability because your trust and knowledge of a tool may just save your life.

Need Your Firearm Serviced Before Season?

At Blue Coat Arms Company in Chatham, Illinois, we understand that a properly maintained firearm is essential for ethical hunting. Our most common service requests involve firearms jamming and needing cleaning - issues that can ruin a hunt.

Contact us at 217-416-5962 or bluecoatarms@gmail.com to schedule your pre-season firearm maintenance. 

Remember, we work by appointment only, so call ahead to ensure your hunting rifle is ready for Illinois hunting season.

Serving Central Illinois hunters with professional gunsmith services from muskets to modern rifles.