It allows us to focus on stuff that is worthy of an outdoorsman's attention and give second-place rating to such mundane efforts as making a living, chores around the house, and how you're going to pay for the kid's braces. Regardless of your motivation, getting your gear ready for the coming season is the way to begin a successful shooting program.

I like to begin the process by giving my rifle a good cleaning and general inspection. Granted, I also did this at the end of last season, but it just does not hurt to go over things twice. It's during these preseason inspections that we usually have the time to make certain that the bore is completely clean of powder residue and copper particles. A stiff wire brush, your favorite bore solvent, and some elbow grease are about all you'll need if you finished off last season with a proper cleaning.

In addition to making sure that the bore is clean, it is important to make sure that the boltface and extractor are equally spotless. A touch of lubricating oil on the bolt surface and spring are also indicated.

Turning your attention to the riflestock, it's important to make sure that all of the stock screws are secure. Also, check your sling swivels to make sure they are securely fastened and free of rust and dirt. If your oil-finished stock has picked up a few minor dings and dents, these can often be taken out with a wet washcloth and a clothes iron. Don't forget to rub a little linseed oil into that stock to keep the wood from drying out too much.

One of the most important preseason checks is to pay close attention to your scope and its mounts. When was the last time you cleaned the scope's lenses? Are the ring and base screws tight?

Once you've determined that your rifle is clean and in good shape, it's really important to do some range work. Personally, I like to determine a particular ammunition brand and bullet weight for each of my rifle calibers. Then I buy a sufficient quantity of that ammo so that I will have enough to use in practice with plenty left over for the upcoming season. For example, my old Remington 700 BDL in .30-06 happens to shoot very well with Hornady's 150-grain Light Magnum ammunition. I know this because I have done a good deal of preseason practice with various brands and bullet weights.

Here's a little shortcut that will save you ammunition during your sighting-in session. Begin by sighting-in your rifle to shoot dead on at 25 yards. You will find that most of the common rifle cartridges for varmint and predator hunting will then print 11/2 to 2 inches high at 100 yards. And they will be dead on again at 200 to 300 yards. With most modern cartridges, you can simply hold dead on the game out to about 300 yards. Your bullet will hit slightly high or slightly low of the aiming point, but it will be close enough that the animal will never know the difference. Again, some preseason practice will tell you just where your favorite caliber is hitting.