istory has a way of repeating itself. Unfortunately for hunters, it seems to repeat the same, tired story year after year. We pack away our gear at the end of winter, assess what needs to be replaced, how the season went and what we can do to make it better for next year. The days get longer; the thoughts of fields and woods get more distant, and we find ourselves occupied with other activities.
Dammit! All of a sudden it’s August; we’re a month away from the season opener and we realize that those good intentions of practicing on the clay course only count if you ACTUALLY go to the clay course!
Around the middle of August, I start to get frantic phone calls and texts from people trying to get their edge back before stepping into the field. Let’s look at a few easy and quick ways to dial your game back in on birds when you’re up against a deadline.
Get Swinging
If you haven’t picked up your shotgun but a handful of times this summer, if at all, and you don’t have 1000s of rounds through her, you and her are going to have a fight on the field and she’s going to win. The way in which we mount and swing our shotgun makes a huge difference. For every 1” you move the gun, it equates to 8-10’ out at 30yds. Make sure you are keeping your movements minimal and make them count! Getting your cheek close isn’t close enough, as 1/8” disconnect on the comb is 1’ off your target. Whether you aren’t clean and solid in the mount or your swing is erratic, it all adds up to a miss.
Confirm shotgun is empty of ammo and on safe. Grab a strip of painter’s tape and secure a pen light inside or under the barrel of your shotgun. Dim the lights, get in your ready position, select a “target” to mount to and then lean slightly forward bringing the gun up to your cheek first, shoulder second. If the light moves smoothly to the target without having to make adjustments, you’re golden. If it looks like a Jimmy Hendrix light show, you better set aside plenty of time to practice mounting your gun.
Take a Seat
Dove season is hot and the primo spots under the trees along the field go fast. Whether you’re sitting on the wood’s edge or in the corn or sunflowers, it’s important to be competent in shooting from a seated position. The less you move, the less likely you’ll flare the birds allowing them to come in closer.
Grab your dove seat/stool, your shotgun (feel free to leave that pen light taped on for this too), select a “target” and practice mounting from seated. The trick is to turn your body so that your subdominant hip is still leading your body allowing your back foot to act as a pivot. This will allow you to push softly and rotate with crossing birds and also provide support when leaning back on high, overhead birds.
I will often bring my small dove seat to the course and use it while in the shooter’s box. I also practice moving from seated to standing to take a shot. Be sure to check with the course first if this practice is ok.
Pattern for Perfection
Dove stool/bucket, check. Shotgun, check. Ideal choke and shell combination, ummmm, yeah, I think so, but not too sure. Pattern the choke(s) you plan to use with the shot you plan to use through the gun you plan to use. It all sounds so simple and common sense but too many of us just assume the gun and choke will do great no matter what we shoot. Not true! I helped a student pattern their gun recently and thank goodness cause now she doesn’t need to waste any more money on those insanely expensive loads. The pattern was terrible and full of holes compared to another load that I gave her to try.
You’ve waited months for this day to finally arrive. Don’t waste it on lack of practice and poor equipment setups. These are all easily remedied with a few minutes each day in the comfort of your AC, except the pattern test. Probably need to leave that activity outdoors.
