NRL Hunter - Five Questions to Ask an RO - Inside MDT

We've all been there, overwhelmed with information, scanning for targets, attempting to solve the Match Director's puzzle, and needing clarifying information. Limited to yes or no questions, one is left with a Jeopardy-like phrasing ability. Here are the five questions I have found to be most helpful on an NRL Hunter stage.

1) Before the stage starts, most ROs will ask something like, "Shooter, do you understand the course of fire?" This is the perfect time to verbally rehearse the stage prior to shooting it. In your own words, brief back the course of fire to include the stage number or placard designator. State the target descriptions as shapes or animal silhouettes. Occasionally, the RO may correct you with valuable information. One hundred percent of the time, you will benefit mentally from the brief-back.

2) Confirm the observation position with the RO before the start. It is the only spot that guarantees all the targets are visible inside the left and right lateral limits. Observation positions are marked in a variety of ways, from pin flags and stakes to discs and paint. A great follow-up question would be, "Can I see all the targets from the kneeling?" Occasionally, match directors will hide a target at close range just over a hill or a bush. If you are glassing for targets from kneeling and assume you are high enough to see all the targets, you could miss out on easy points. If the RO hesitates or refuses to answer that question, it's a good bet that you need to be standing to see all the targets.

Verbally rehearsing the stage back to the RO can only help you.

3) Confirm if the obvious props must be used and how they must be used. I have been on more than one stage with a designated shooting area or box, and the only props available were less than stable. A tripod rear support with Triple-Pull Ckye-Pod out front would have been a much more stable option. For example, I have been on stages with wobbly cattle gates where only the muzzle must protrude through the gate. "Must the prop support the rifle?" is a great clarifying question. A follow-up question could be, "Can I recycle positions?" meaning, can a shooter use position one as position three, etc?

4) Near-to-far target arrays can be very difficult if the targets are also spread out left to right and not in an obvious troop line. Often, two targets will be within a few yards of each other but at opposite limits of the range fan. "Is the second target left of the third target?" is a perfect example of a clarifying question that is allowed and encouraged.

5) I always end a stage by confirming the number of impacts achieved. "How many first-round impacts did I achieve? How many second-round impacts did I achieve?" This is a psychological advantage, focusing on the positive – not the misses- and a way to ensure the RO got your score right. It's rare, but occasionally, ROs do not record the correct score. It happens, we're all human, and they are likely volunteering their time to be present. I also make it a habit to thank them for being there.

BONUS QUESTION

6) Many ROs will update you with how much time you have left on the stage. Some will not unless it's asked in a yes or no format. "Do I have less than one minute?" is a perfect question if you are struggling to find a target and you find yourself without a timer. Cut your losses and get to shooting the targets you have found.

This is in no way a comprehensive list of RO questions, but again, the general rule is to ask Yes or No questions. The RO isn't going to give away target locations or ranges – or wind speeds, for that matter, but with a bit of cleverness on the shooter's part, you can gain an advantage.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aaron is a former US Marine Corps Scout-Sniper and Reconnaissance Marine, having served multiple tours. He has gone on to instruct hunters and military service members on precision rifle skills at FTW Ranch and is an engineering and design consultant in the firearms industry. He is currently competing in the NRL Hunter Series on Team Ruger. When not instructing in Texas, Aaron resides in Southern Indiana with his family. At home, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and working on the farm alongside his wife and daughter. Aaron can be reached via Instagram @TENSECONDPRECISION.