British Columbia CORE Hunting Practice Exam

Which shooting position requires the rifle to be supported by an object for steadiness?

1. Standing shooting position

2. Kneeling shooting position

3. Prone shooting position

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Prone shooting position

The prone shooting position is recognized for its stability and accuracy since the body is lying flat on the ground, and the rifle can be supported on various surfaces, such as the ground or a rest. This position allows the shooter to use their arms and shoulders to steady the rifle against the ground, significantly reducing movement and providing a solid base for aiming. In this position, gravity aids in keeping the shooter low to the ground, further improving steadiness. The support from the surface beneath the rifle minimizes the effect of the shooter's heart rate and breathing, which can introduce movement into the aim when shooting from less stable positions. While the standing and kneeling positions can also be used effectively, they typically do not involve as much support from external objects, making them more challenging for precision shooting. In the case of standing, the shooter is primarily reliant on their body for stability, while the kneeling position offers some support through the knees but does not match the steadiness gained in the prone position.