Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 | midnight
Southern Nevada sportsmen took aim for the upcoming big game season at the Nevada Department of Wildlife's annual rifle sight-in on Sept. 6.
Summerlin's Desert Sportsman's Rifle & Pistol Club hosted the event, which was free to the public, to give hunters an opportunity to align their scopes and practice their shots before the rifle seasons begin in October.
Department hunter education coordinator Martin Olson, who ran the event with several volunteers, used the day to give tips and help new hunters get used to their firearms.
"Our main focus is preparing people before their hunts so they're not out there just lingering in the desert," Olson said.
About 70 people took advantage of the range, testing their rifles with targets at 25 to 50 yards. Most were newer sportsmen or youth just getting acquainted with their rifles.
"It was great to see all the youth out here today," Olson said. "The whole key to having a successful hunt is getting plenty of practice beforehand. At the range you can see how far you can shoot and know what kind of shots you want to take."
Tom Atkinson, a sportsman for 25 years, said checking a rifle scope is necessary before every hunting season.
An accurate scope means a more successful hunt, with a cleaner harvest that won't lead the animal lingering in pain.
"You have got to get used to your gun before the hunt," Atkinson said. "I've been out on a hunt and had my scope be off. The scope doesn't have (to be) off much and it can mean your shots are off 10 feet at 100 yards."
For Northwest Las Vegas resident Paula Gardiner, the event added to her anticipation of her first ever Elk hunt.
Gardiner practiced shooting hand guns while her husband, Jim Gardiner, perfected his rifle aim.
"I think I was most impressed with how controlled the day was and how sportsmen recognized the need for safety here," she said.
For Jim Gardiner, whose home is adorned with the racks from successful hunts, hunting season is the best time of year.
"There is a lot of anticipation for the hunting season," he said. "Every time you go it's another adventure."
Department and range officials also used the day to reinforce hunter etiquette and laws.
"The most important thing is to know what's behind what you're aiming at before you fire," said Arlie Anderson, executive officer for Desert Sportsman's. "If you're firing into a bush, you need to know everything that's behind it."
Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].
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