Our Roots: The Boomstick Outdoors story
Boomstick Outdoors started with a passion for hunting. The owner, Joe Gurule, grew up hunting with his dad and family. It became his ultimate hobby and obsession. Throughout the years, Joe honed his hunting skills and became a licensed hunting guide in the state of New Mexico. But growth didn't stop there. After years of hunting, Joe took on the challenge of precision and long-range rifle training. Initially, he wanted the skills to help further improve his hunting experiences, but precision rifle competitions soon became a new hobby and passion.
That passion for hunting and shooting, along with the desire to help see others succeed, is what blossomed into the idea and business that is now Boomstick Outdoors.
We are a family-owned small business operating out of Albuquerque, NM, but serving all of New Mexico for application and scouting services. We train shooters and hunters from across the U.S. and help them achieve their goals and hone their skills.
Your Instructor
Joe is an avid outdoorsman with 35 years of hunting experience and seven years competing in the precision and long-range shooting world professionally. He loves all things hunting and shooting and is ready to help set his clients up for success. With a down-to-earth training style, Joe puts clients of all skill levels at ease when learning in their customized class. He has trained both men and women on the range and also coached youth out in the field guiding hunts in New Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use your big game application and scouting service?
At Boomstick Outdoors, we operate in New Mexico, but we also live here. The owner has been hunting here for his entire life. We have first hand, boots-on-the-ground knowledge of all the hunting units that we offer services in. We get the real scoop on the unit(s) you select, because we spend time in them. Don't be fooled by the big magazines, big game forums, and useless tips that are usually given out to non-residents. We'll give you the inside scoop and custom advice for the area you'll be hunting.
What kind of experience do I need to take your courses?
We offer training to shooters and hunters of all skill levels. Whether you are new to hunting and want to get a solid foundation, or you have years of experience and want to improve your success rate, we can teach you! Our courses are recommended for men or women ages 18+, however, we can train youth who have taken youth hunter safety courses, with parental approval and supervision during training.
What equipment do I need to take your course?
REQUIRED:
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Rifle (ideally in caliber you'll be using to hunt or compete)
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Scope (ideally first focal plane with a turret)
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60 rounds of ammunition (more recommended)
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Bipod
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Ear Protection
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Notepad & Pen
OPTIONAL, BUT ENCOURAGED:
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Shooting bag
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Tripod
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Binoculars or Spotting Scope
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Knee Pads
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Shooting Glasses
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Sunscreen & Hat
We teach our courses at a local licensed shooting range near Rio Rancho, NM. The range is outdoors to allow us to simulate conditions you will experience while hunting.
Why train with Boomstick Outdoors?
We have years of Precision Rifle Instruction and Competition experience under our belt. Our instructor has competed at the Pro level of NRL Hunter and PRS (Precision Rifle Series). We're extremely well-versed in the art of long-range shooting, but more importantly, we know how to build positions in hunting scenarios. Remember, you will not have a shooting bench during your hunt. We work with you, at your skill level, to help you achieve your goals.
What do your courses cover? What will I learn?
Our courses will teach proper sight-in and zeroing procedures, basic marksmanship, natural point of aim, position building, proper rifle scope manipulation, using natural terrain to best increase success, prone shooting, modified prone shooting, standing/kneeling shooting, equipment troubleshooting, basic understanding of external ballistics, and more. Our courses are customized to you, so course content may vary. Our team can also offer equipment recommendations.
Is there a time of year that is best to take your courses?
It's always best to take our courses during the same season in which you are going to hunt. This will give you the most realistic idea of the conditions and allow you to train in similar weather to what you'll be experiencing. However, we understand that's not always possible. Because we train our clients outdoors, you'll still receive a realistic experience to best prepare you for your hunt. We do train year-round, but keep in mind that New Mexico is a high desert environment. That typically means our hottest months will be June and July. Our coldest months are typically January and February. We experience winds during Spring but also throughout the year.
What clothing should I wear for training?
We recommend that you wear the same type of clothing that you will be hunting in. This will be the closest simulation to what you will experience when you hunt. However, we understand that you may not wish to wear full hunting gear in the Summer. We recommend long pants, something with pockets and a long sleeve shirt to protect against wind, sun, and outdoor debris. A hat is recommended but not required. Shoes should be closed toe and suitable for hiking or walking in loose dirt.
Where do you teach your courses?