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!

get to the range, shoot more

+1

shoot skeet or sporting clays.

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

1.6 dram loads or 28 gauge and move on up

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.

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?

I am terrible about remembering to follow through.

Call one of these places:

http://www.claytargetsonline.com/list.php/TX/sanantonio

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.

"Shoot where you see" read the book. It will help.

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.

I got a 3/4 self cocking thrower I'll sell you for 50 bucks It will throw doubles too

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.

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...

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.

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!

Send me a pm if really interested...

Anybody ever done much with the late dove season central zone??

sorry,, 5am shoulda put that under a new thread i guess..

That isn't what he says about your shooting...he says he shoots them and let's you claim them

It varies.

lmao... I resemble that remark! lol