I too try to stay away from the range for a couple of months before deer season, except for one private range I belong to - at that range, even on the busiest day, your likely to be one of only 2-3 people on the range


That said - How many of you have ever worked with what is called a "Hot range" system? I have - very different than the way most ranges are run, and kinda interesting...

The idea there is that during hunting, military carry, or CCW etc - you WILL be carrying a LIVE rifle/pistol etc. Instead of firing your set, and racking a empty rifle/pistol before going downrange - you reload your pistol, and put it in it's holster. You LOAD your rifle, put it on safe, etc - and when you go down range, you bring it with you - simulating what you are going to do in the field - be it port arms carry, sling carry, etc.

Obviously, this is a MUCH more advanced way to carry, but it give folks the practice of - how am I going to handle a live firearm when I'm in the woods