Start here
When I started, I knew almost nothing about rifles. The good news: you don't have to. Take a class, ask questions and practice. Nothing here replaces hands-on instruction from a qualified instructor.
☝️ The four rules (memorize these)
- Treat every gun as if it's loaded.
- Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you're on target and ready to shoot.
- Know your target and what's beyond it.
🔒 Store guns responsibly
- Store guns unloaded and locked (a safe, lockbox or cable lock), with ammunition stored separately.
- Keep keys and combinations away from kids, and talk with your kids about gun safety early and often.
- Free resources: Project ChildSafe ↗ · NSSF safety ↗
🎯 Choosing a first deer rifle
- Fit matters more than brand. A rifle that fits you (or your kid) and that you can shoot comfortably is the right one.
- A lighter-recoiling rifle you shoot well beats a hard-kicking one you flinch with. Ask an instructor or range staff which calibers suit new and young hunters.
- Check the Outdoor Annual ↗ for legal means and methods for the game you'll hunt.
- Many ranges let you try or rent rifles before you buy.
🧰 Loading and unloading (the big picture)
Every rifle works a little differently, so read your owner's manual and have an instructor show you in person. The habits are always the same:
- Muzzle pointed safe, finger off the trigger, safety on.
- Load only when you're at the range or in the stand and ready to hunt.
- Unload before climbing into or out of a stand, crossing a fence or getting in a vehicle.
- After unloading, look and feel to confirm the chamber and magazine are empty.
- Use only the ammunition your firearm is marked for.
📍 Ranges & clubs by region
Groups and programs across Texas that teach safe shooting or include range time, organized by location and listed alphabetically. Links go to each group's public website or Facebook page.
Statewide
Houston / Gulf Coast
Central Texas / Austin
San Antonio / South Texas
Dallas–Fort Worth / North Texas
Brazos Valley
West Texas / Permian Basin
Linked groups: if you'd like your organization removed, just let us know and we'll take it down, no problem. Contact us.
Listing a group doesn't mean it endorses LeaseFinderTX. Know a group we missed? Tell us.
🔭 Sight in before the season
- Head to a range a few weeks before opening day (general deer season opens Nov 7, 2026).
- Shoot from a solid rest and adjust your scope until your groups are where you want them.
- Practice from positions you'll actually hunt from, like a blind window or shooting sticks.
- Know your limits: if you can't place your shots consistently at a distance, don't take that shot at an animal.
- Re-check your zero if the rifle gets bumped or you change ammunition.
Always follow your instructor, your owner's manual and current law. Check TPWD's Outdoor Annual for hunting rules.