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How can I improve my shooting skills?
#2689361
10/24/11 10:56 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357
ccreyeder
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357 |
Any advice on how to improve my skill on flying birds?
This dove season was the first time in years that I have gone hunting with a shotgun. Pulled my old New Haven (Mossberg) 12 ga pump out from under the bed, dusted it off, cleaned it up, replaced a broken part (which is why it was under the bed lol) and have been going out about every other weekend since the season opened.
I’ve never really “patterned” it per se, but I’ve shot it at various objects and at various distances around camp and have a general idea of the spread at certain distances/chokes.
Stationary shots like in trees, on fences, etc, I am nearly 100% successful, so I am assuming my aim and distance estimation are okay.
Flying dove….. now that is a different story.. Let’s just say that if I were hunting to survive, I would be going very hungry lol.. I really don’t have a clue as to what I am doing or what to try. When I get one on the wing, I feel it is mostly luck. I’m embarrassed to say what my shot:kill ratio for flying shots is.
The biggest enjoyment I get out of going is just being out in nature, the peacefulness, being with my sons and my dad and “getting away from it all” However, as fun as blasting away is, I don’t want to wound a bird (or any animal for that matter) and I do want to get better. Plus, even though it is good natured ribbing, hearing my dad yell out “pathetic” across the field after a dozen misses gets to my competitive nature lol..
So… any tips or tricks? I was thinking about getting a clay pigeon thrower and using it to practice with. Plus, it is something the entire family could participate in (even my wife said she was interested in shooting clays lol)
Thanks!
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: ccreyeder]
#2689566
10/25/11 12:08 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,547
BMowatt
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,547 |
get to the range, shoot more
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: BMowatt]
#2689598
10/25/11 12:17 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,721
Dave Speer
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,721 |
get to the range, shoot more +1 shoot skeet or sporting clays.
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: Dave Speer]
#2689702
10/25/11 12:45 AM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 36,116
Guy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 36,116 |
Take a few lessons from a pro, that will impove your shooting faster than anything.
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: Guy]
#2689759
10/25/11 12:56 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,663
Hopedale
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,663 |
Take a few lessons from a pro, that will impove your shooting faster than anything. Until you can find a pro, you may want to pick up a copy of Pachmayr's Shotgun Hunting School. I know Cabela's sells it as a single DVD, but it shows up on the site as apart of a combo. Here is what you're looking for: http://www.huntingvideos.com/pachmayrs-shotgun-hunting-school-hunting-p-389.html
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: Hopedale]
#2689791
10/25/11 01:01 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23,830
beaversnipe
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23,830 |
1.6 dram loads or 28 gauge and move on up
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: beaversnipe]
#2689867
10/25/11 01:19 AM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,061
deckhand
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,061 |
Shoot more and more often!! Time to be honest.I am the worst shooter among my friends. I shot more this summer than the last 5 years combined. Most of my shooting buddies have been shooting 50+ years and some at a competitive level. I watched them,asked questions,and implemented all that info to the best of my ability. I hit(killed) more dove per shot this year than any year in my life. My biggest issue is follow through on every shot. So when it is said shoot more and more often it is true. Any athletic activity requires practice to become and stay proficient. PS get your eyes checked that was part of my issue with out even knowing it.
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: Hopedale]
#2690053
10/25/11 02:04 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357
ccreyeder
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357 |
Thanks! I am def going to pick up a copy. Thanks for the help everyone! Time to get a few boxes of clays and start practicing! lol BTW... where does one find a pro?
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: deckhand]
#2690061
10/25/11 02:06 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357
ccreyeder
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357 |
Shoot more and more often!! Time to be honest.I am the worst shooter among my friends. I shot more this summer than the last 5 years combined. Most of my shooting buddies have been shooting 50+ years and some at a competitive level. I watched them,asked questions,and implemented all that info to the best of my ability. I hit(killed) more dove per shot this year than any year in my life. My biggest issue is follow through on every shot. So when it is said shoot more and more often it is true. Any athletic activity requires practice to become and stay proficient. PS get your eyes checked that was part of my issue with out even knowing it. I am terrible about remembering to follow through.
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: ccreyeder]
#2690436
10/25/11 03:39 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,663
Hopedale
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,663 |
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: deckhand]
#2690470
10/25/11 03:48 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,881
TXPride
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,881 |
There is a good chance you are not shooting with your dominant eye.
Fix that and follow through and it will come in time...Pros or anyone watching you shoot will help you a lot
Good luck.
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: TXPride]
#2690544
10/25/11 04:11 AM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,711
STXHO
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,711 |
"Shoot where you see" read the book. It will help.
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: STXHO]
#2690635
10/25/11 07:00 AM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 551
chilled shot
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 551 |
You know San Antonio has the 2011 National Sporting Clays Championships going on this week. It's just west of town (National Sporting Complex) where you can see ALL things sporting clays related.
That's close enough for you and your family to check out. I'm driving 6 hrs. to get to it, woohoo!
Pull it up on your puter/phone for specifics.
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: Hopedale]
#2690667
10/25/11 10:49 AM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,177
sallysue
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,177 |
I got a 3/4 self cocking thrower I'll sell you for 50 bucks It will throw doubles too
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: sallysue]
#2691328
10/25/11 04:00 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 54
TexBird
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 54 |
Start to understand the proper lead distance depending on height, speed, and direction. This can be improved on by throwing clays at every different angle, height, and speeds. Once you get a grip on lead distance it was all follow through, follow through, follow through for me. Some people who have trouble following though will get guns with longer barrels because the force you to follow through more because of the added weight at the end of the gun.
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: TexBird]
#2691349
10/25/11 04:08 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,048
Navasot
Hollywood
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Hollywood
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,048 |
Keep both eyes open for moving targets..keep your cheak down against the gun..focus on the target and not the bead...you can get lessons and and hav someone show you there "PRO" way of holding a gun....but the truth is.... if you dnt use it you loose it.. get alot of ammo and skeet..practice practice practice...
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: Navasot]
#2692540
10/25/11 11:24 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357
ccreyeder
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357 |
I appreciate all the tips! Most of the time, I do shoot with both eyes open, habit from my pistol and rifle shooting. I dont think I am getting my head down enough though. When those dang things are flying, it's hard to remember all the steps lol
Chilled: Is that the place off of 471? If so, I've been out there for some cowboy shooting matches and it is an awesome place. I might go check it out this weekend, if I dont go out to the "ranch" for the last weekend of south zone Dove.
Sallysue: I might be interested! I dont really know what that is, but I was planning on getting a clay thrower. Just have to do a little research firt. I've seen 'em at Bass Pro, but never really looked at them before.
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: ccreyeder]
#2696136
10/27/11 03:07 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 26
Peanut
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 26 |
You might also consider spending the money to get your shotgun custom fitted. I'm a phenomenal natural shot, so I haven't had to do this, but I've got a guide buddy in Weatherford who spent the money on custom fitting and his shooting definitely sucks a little less!
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: ccreyeder]
#2696190
10/27/11 03:18 AM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 36,116
Guy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 36,116 |
BTW... where does one find a pro? Send me a pm if really interested...
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: Guy]
#2696632
10/27/11 10:10 AM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 50
sticks
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 50 |
Anybody ever done much with the late dove season central zone??
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: sticks]
#2696633
10/27/11 10:12 AM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 50
sticks
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 50 |
sorry,, 5am shoulda put that under a new thread i guess..
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: Peanut]
#2697325
10/27/11 03:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,795
Judd
#1 Creedmoor Fan
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#1 Creedmoor Fan
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,795 |
You might also consider spending the money to get your shotgun custom fitted. I'm a phenomenal natural shot, so I haven't had to do this, but I've got a guide buddy in Weatherford who spent the money on custom fitting and his shooting definitely sucks a little less! That isn't what he says about your shooting...he says he shoots them and let's you claim them
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: sticks]
#2698031
10/27/11 07:35 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 14,278
Fooshman
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 14,278 |
Anybody ever done much with the late dove season central zone?? It varies.
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Re: How can I improve my shooting skills?
[Re: Judd]
#2699667
10/28/11 03:22 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357
ccreyeder
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357 |
You might also consider spending the money to get your shotgun custom fitted. I'm a phenomenal natural shot, so I haven't had to do this, but I've got a guide buddy in Weatherford who spent the money on custom fitting and his shooting definitely sucks a little less! That isn't what he says about your shooting...he says he shoots them and let's you claim them lmao... I resemble that remark! lol
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