Shooting big game on the move

Shooting on the move: swing-lead techniques for fast-chasing males

Hello everyone! Who hasn’t seen a big bull moose, plume erect, charging behind a cow in full heat? Your heart starts pounding, your legs shake, and then you think, “If I had time to stop, it would be perfect… but no, the gentleman’s in a hurry!” 😅.

In these moments, you need to know how to shoot on the move – a demanding skill, but oh so useful when the game doesn’t give you the luxury of posing for a photo.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to the world of swing-lead shooting, adapted to males in rapid pursuit. Together we’ll look at the techniques, the practical calculations, the mistakes to avoid, the ethics to respect and how to train so that, on D-day, you’re ready to place a safe and effective ball.

Why shooting on the move is an art… not a coincidence | Shooting on the move

The context of the rut

In Quebec, as elsewhere in Eastern Canada, moose and white-tailed deer males become real hormonal bolides in autumn.

• They chase females at a fast trot (18-22 km/h), sometimes at a sustained run (30-36 km/h), and can even sprint at close to 50 km/h.
• These pursuits create situations where the animal never offers a still shot.

Result: either you let it go (often the best option), or you’re able to manage the movement.

The three main techniques for shooting on the move

1. The sustained lead

You keep your sight constantly a little ahead of the vital zone and squeeze the trigger without breaking the rhythm. Ideal when the animal is running at a steady pace.

2. Swing-through

You start behind the game, sweep across its body and shoot the moment you exceed the desired lead. A more instinctive technique, formidable when speed varies.

3. Point shooting (or snap shooting)

In dense forest, you fix an opening and shoot as soon as the buck passes through. This is a reflex shot, to be used only if you are 100% sure of the window and the background.

Secret n°1: follow-through | Shooting on the move

The most common mistake: stopping the weapon at the start of the shot. Result? Shot behind.
👉 The solution: continue the swing after the start. It’s often said that “your movement should last one second longer than your recoil”.

How much advance to give? (the numbers that speak) | Shooting on the move

Thanks to our personalized advance map, here are some simple pointers:

• With a .308 Win at 100 m on a male on a sustained run (~10 m/s) at a cross-angle (90°), you need a lead of around 1.4 m.
• With the same ammunition at 50 m, the advance falls to 70 cm.
• In quarter-traverses (45°), the advance is reduced by a third: 1 m at 100 m, 50 cm at 50 m.
• In fast trot (~6 m/s) at 80 m, count 66 cm.
• In a sprint (~14 m/s) at 80 m, you come close to 1.5 m.

👉 These figures show that:

• The further away the animal is, the greater the advance.
• Shooting beyond 100 m on the move becomes risky.
• In practice, keep your shots mobile between 30 and 80 m maximum.

The technical keys to success | Shooting on the move

1. Posture

• Feet slightly open towards the trajectory.
• Two eyes open (better peripheral vision).
• Short breath, focus on the front shoulder.

2. Choice of optics

• Red dot or 1-4× → scope perfect for mobile.
• Avoid using 9× or 12× when driving: the field is too narrow.

3. The start of the shot

• No fingertips.
• Progressive pressure during the swing.

4. Ethical context

• Isolate the male (no hidden female in front).
• Check the bottom (never pull towards a beating line).
• When in doubt → abstain.

How to train effectively | Shooting on the move

a) Dry

Work on your release and empty swing at home (gun unloaded). Go up, follow a moving object, press gently.

b) Moving targets

• Running moose” stands exist in Scandinavia (80-100 m at 5 m/s).
• In Quebec, improvise: rope-drawn target, rolling tire with fixed target, etc.

c) Simulators & VR

• Systems such as GAIM (Aimpoint) offer immersive routines for learning the Focus – Contact – Swing – Shoot rhythm.

The most common mistakes | Shooting on the move

• Follow the animal “by the hair”: you always pull behind.
• Underestimating the angle: a quarter-beam (45°) requires 30% less than a ferry.
• Zoom too strong: field of view too small.
• Stop the movement at the start: follow-through mandatory.

Ethics first | Shooting in motion

Shooting on the move is the subject of much debate – and rightly so.
It should only be attempted if:

• You have experience (hours of training on moving targets).
• The distance is reasonable (< 100 m).
• The male is isolated and the window is clear.

Otherwise, it’s best to let it go… and try a Moose Break call or a rubbing paddle to get a clean stop.

Summary – Shooting on the move at a male in rapid pursuit

FAQ – Shooting moose and deer on the move

Q: Can you shoot a moose at more than 100 m while it’s moving?
A: Technically yes, but ethically no. Advances become too large and uncertain. Stay under 100 m, ideally 30-80 m.

Q: Which technique to choose between sustained lead and swing-through?
A: Swing-through is more instinctive and forgiving of mistakes. The sustained lead is more precise if you’re trained.

Q: Is it possible to train in Quebec like in Sweden with the running swing?
A: Installations are rare, but you can tinker with moving targets or use VR simulators.

Q: Is it legal in Quebec to shoot moving game?
A: Yes, as long as the shooting complies with safety and ethical rules. The law doesn’t forbid mobile shooting, but ethics must come first.

Conclusion | Shooting on the move

Shooting in motion is not an improvisation: it’s an art to be worked on.
With the right swing-lead techniques, a suitable weapon and, above all, ethical discipline, you can increase your chances of success with a male in rapid pursuit… without ever compromising safety or the quality of your shot.

👉 Want to perfect your mobile shooting? Equip yourself with the right tools:

• RD-Tronics for your call simulations
• Moose Break to break a bull’s run
• Rubbing pallet to convince him to stop within range

And above all, remember: if in doubt, don’t shoot. The best shot is the one you choose not to take.

Tables

Caliber: .308 Win (V0 ~800 m/s, average speed ~720 m/s) | Shooting on the move

Caliber: 30-06 Springfield (V0 ~850 m/s, average speed ~765 m/s) | Shooting on the move

Thank you for taking the time to read us! Got a question? An idea? A hunting story to tell? Write to us at info@recalldesigns.com.

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