As we roll out of the cold, winter weather and into the warm, spring breezes, it’s time to assess our season. Where can we improve? What was great and what was not so great? Is it a gear thing, a knowledge of habitat or a shooter issue? Usually, all three can be improved for a more successful season which is just 6mths away.
With online shopping, we literally have access to any and everything we could ever need or want for a better experience in the field and woods or on the course. Shotkams are always a big seller and while I think they are the absolute coolest way to record a hunt, they have very little value in making you a better shooter. Yes, you will see that you are behind or ahead or whatever but WHY? The camera can’t tell you that, but a professional instructor is able to teach you how to read targets, clay and feathered.
Take the info from that Shotkam and realize that if you are indeed always behind, you need help on crossing shots. Learn how to implement swing through or pull away on your shot routine. Once you can correctly understand your target and react accordingly, those Shotkam videos will get a heck of a lot cooler to post to social media.
What type of vest do you wear hunting? Maybe it’s time for a change. Strap vests are great, and I have two that I really love but I tried others I can’t stand. The straps over your shoulders need to be thin, really thin and clear of any buckles where you would mount the gun. Are you able to comfortably carry gear for you and for your pups, including plenty of water and a first aid kit?
Are your boots made for walking, a lot? Go with over the ankle for support and be sure they are lightweight and waterproof. I have been the victim of bad footwear and the middle of the woods or prairie, far away from your truck is not the time to make that discovery! I highly recommend Le Chameau hiking boots. They have quickly become my favorite, more so than my Crispi boots.
Know Where to Go
I saw quite a few posts on social media from guys and gals that felt that they had everything going for them except finding birds. Despite walking mile after mile, they kept coming up empty handed. Why? You have to know how to read the habitat. What may look great for your walk may not be the best for birds. Hopefully, you used February to scout out better habitat and a few new pieces of public land to try.
If you don’t already have OnX, HuntStand or some other navigational app, get one. They are great to keep you within the borders of the property and alert you to areas that may offer better opportunities on birds.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
When hunting feathers, the hardest thing for people to do is SLOW DOWN. At the flush, it’s impossible not to get excited but if you are in a hurry to mount your gun, you’re going to mount incorrectly. Your eyes are in your head and it’s imperative to get your head down to the stock correctly so that you have a true sight picture. Be sure to lean forward as you mount the gun so that you mount to your cheek first and shoulder second. This will allow you to clear your vest and clothing and keep the buttstock from getting hung up.
The clays course is where you can perfect mounting the gun and getting more in sync with your movements. I hear from people all the time that they are just hunters and not clay shooters so there’s nothing the clays course can teach them since it’s not the same. Well, then why did you book a lesson? It’s because we all want to hit what flies in front of us and this individual realizes they needed some professional instruction to assist them with putting more birds in the bag. The only way to get really great at hitting birds is to shoot more birds. The clays will help you hone your skills though and make you so familiar with your shotgun that it’s all second nature. That’s what is required to be “on” in the hunt field.
With the warmer weather, schedule time to head out to your favorite clays course and start now to be dialed in for September dove and all the wonderful seasons that follow. I’m always available at Old Forge Sporting Clays and this year, will be offering mobile clinics, have thrower – will travel! Be sure to invite a friend or family member and share the experience. Time in the field is always best shared introducing someone to their new, favorite addiction!
