No prior shooting experience is required to attend our classes. Instruction is intentionally structured to meet each student at their current skill level, whether you are handling a firearm for the first time or looking to refine existing fundamentals. Safety is our top priority, and all classes begin with clear, hands-on instruction in safe firearm handling and operation. New shooters are guided step by step in a supportive, professional environment, while more experienced students receive individualized coaching to improve consistency, confidence, and practical performance.

We recommend bringing a low-recoiling, short- or medium-action rifle that allows you to focus on fundamentals and shot execution without unnecessary recoil. Common training calibers such as .223 Remington, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester are excellent choices and work very well in our courses. Some students choose to bring two rifles—a lighter-recoiling training rifle and a higher-recoiling hunting rifle—to apply the same fundamentals later in the class once their shot process is well established. This approach allows students to build confidence and consistency before transitioning to their primary hunting setup. In addition to your rifle, we recommend bringing the same gear you normally carry in the field, including your pack, bipod or tripod, rear bag, and any personal hunting equipment you regularly use. Training with your own gear helps ensure that the skills you learn translate directly to real-world hunting situations.

Shooting distances vary depending on the course, the student’s experience level, and individual comfort. While our range has the capability to shoot out to 1,200+ yards, no student is ever expected to shoot beyond a distance they are comfortable or capable of shooting. The focus of our classes is not on maximum distance, but on understanding and refining your shot process, equipment setup, and practical limitations. Instruction is designed to help students learn what their rifle, ammunition, and skillset can realistically and ethically achieve, rather than pushing distance for the sake of distance.

Anyone is welcome to attend our classes, regardless of background or shooting discipline. While the majority of our instruction is built around applying the fundamentals of marksmanship in real-world hunting and field environments, the core skills taught are universally applicable across all shooting styles. Recreational shooters, new rifle owners, and those interested in competition shooting will all benefit from the emphasis on fundamentals, consistency, and problem-solving behind the rifle. Learning to shoot accurately from field positions, manage wind, and execute a repeatable shot process translates well to any shooting pursuit, whether in the mountains, on the range, or in a match setting.

While the Advanced Field Marksmanship course is not a marathon or fitness-based event, it does involve periods of elevated heart rate, uneven terrain, and walking short distances with gear throughout the day. Students should be comfortable carrying their hunting equipment and moving between shooting positions as part of realistic field scenarios. Individuals with significant medical conditions, including cardiovascular concerns or mobility limitations, are encouraged to consult a medical professional prior to attending. We also welcome students to contact us in advance to discuss any concerns so we can help determine whether the course is an appropriate fit or explore possible accommodations.