Hunting is not a once-a-year activity. It is an outdoor passion, and takes a lifetime to hone all the skills needed. Marksmanship, in particular, is a trait held in common with bowhunters, wingshooters, waterfowlers, and rifle hunters. It is an especially important skill for ethical hunters as it may mean the difference between a hit or a miss, or between a 'clean, one-shot kill' and an animal suffering for a period of time. And all it takes is practice, practice, practice.
'Practice makes perfect'—and much more: Hunters familiar with their equipment through practice make hunting safer for everyone, and practice improves marksmanship, builds confidence. Practiced shooters know their limits and develop restraint when presented with a shot outside of their 'effective range'.
Especially important for nonresident hunters is practicing at altitude. And, since scopes and equipment may get knocked out of alignment during transport, practicing at a range close to the destination provides a last minute equipment check.
Colorado offers convenient and diverse public shooting ranges that are open all year 'round, and a large number of private ranges that invite the public in as guests or offer public 'sight in' days just before major hunting seasons. Read the 'About' information provided for each range to learn what is offered, and use the contact numbers if you need additional information.
Ranges are grouped geographically. Links for them are provided to the left. Sporting clay facilities are noted in the range listings that offer them, but you can also refer to the Colorado Sporting Clays Association website.
Be safe, take care, good luck, and remember that safe hunting is no accident!