Shooting is something you can enjoy all year-round, not just when you are getting prepped for hunting season. However, as with many activities, adjustments are needed to achieve the same level of success with both your equipment and yourself.

Obviously, the biggest difference between the heat of July and deer season is just that, the heat. Changes in temperature will affect your performance as well as your rifle’s. Both need to be addressed. Otherwise, your day at the range will be short and frustrating.

Let’s talk about you first. You have probably heard “train like you fight (or, in most cases, hunt). This is an abbreviated way of saying to train with the same equipment and wear the same gear as you would in a real-world scenario. In most situations, I would agree 100% with this advice. Except that wearing layers of heavy weather gear, insulated boots, and thick gloves is not going to work very well with outside temperatures over 3 times the temperature they are designed to be used in. Doing so will end your training before the first shot is fired and likely put you in the hospital.

• Dress appropriately for the weather; this is not a time to test new insulated coveralls.

• Wearing thinner layers will likely result in a change to how your rifle fits when carried and shouldered. Reset slings, pouches, and other accessories for proper fit and access.

• It is likely you will also need to wear sunglasses, head protection, and even sunscreen. Be prepared to address how each could impact your shooting methods.

Next, we need to address how the additional heat affects your rifle and its performance. Air density affects bullet performance, most notably bullet drop due to thinner air. Depending on the powder used, a higher temperature can also increase velocity. As you shoot the barrel naturally heats. In winter, this is rarely an issue as that heat dissipates quickly. Not so with temperatures north of 90 degrees. Optics can also be affected by heat mirage. Thermal optics can have difficulty distinguishing the target from the surrounding area.

• If possible, shoot from a shaded position that protects you and your gear from direct sunlight.

• If no shade is available, drape a light-colored rag or cloth over optics between strings of fire.

• Keep ammunition cool until needed. This protects against overheating and erratic vertical stringing. Even being in a pouch can be enough protection.

• Use limited shots followed by a cool-down period. If you are trying to establish a zero or sight in an optic, consistency is key. Conduct a three-shot group, then let the barrel cool for 10-15 minutes between strings.

• Focus on cold bore shots. When hunting, the first shot is the most important shot. When shooting in high temperatures, focus on how the first shot impacts the target. This is your true field zero.

• Overcome mirage. Heat warps your sight picture. To adjust for this, turn the scope to a lower power and temporarily shift focus off the target momentarily.

• Trick your thermal. As the target heat in extreme sunlight, it will more closely match the backer, resulting in a loss of contrast. Counter this by adding a small hand warmer behind the intended point of impact.

Now, get out to the range and train.