TUNING UP FOR BIRD SEASON

By John “K”, Kittery Trading Post

Ever realize how it usually takes you a few birds at the beginning of the season to get the swing of things? I often miss a couple of easy shots and kick myself for not taking more time to practice before the season opens. Well, not anymore.

About the time the mornings start getting that “cool crisp feel” in the air, I start to think of the upcoming bird season and the mistakes I made last year, one of which involved not patterning my gun with the shells I planned to hunt with.

Whether you’re a duck or grouse hunter, you need to know where your shotgun is printing. You can do this easily by just grabbing a handful of the shells you plan on using and a sheet of paper. Pace off the distance you plan on shooting most and set up a sheet of 36″ x 36″ paper with an aiming spot in the center and then take a shot. Just throw the gun up like you would in the field and pull the trigger. (A suitable backstop is necessary!) What you find may surprise you. Choke, pattern and gun fit all play into the equation. Your gun should put the center of your pattern right where you are looking. If not, then you need to make a few adjustments before opening day comes around. This could be as simple as changing chokes (if you have screw-in chokes), changing shot size or even changing the brand of your shells. If this doesn’t improve your pattern, then perhaps the assistance of a gunsmith to determine if your gun fits you properly may be helpful.

After patterning your gun, the next step is to shoot some targets under field conditions. I like to do this at the range with the help of a buddy and a clay target thrower. Take turns with your buddy, duplicating the shots you missed last fall. By the way, a good friend will always remember the easy ones you missed and be glad to duplicate them for you!

But even with practice, you may miss a bird or two. It could be the slow rising “ringneck” that you already had in your game pouch before you pulled the trigger when you “fanned” him with both barrels because you took your head off the stock to watch him crumple. We all do it. Besides, my dad used to say that if we hit them all, then “It wouldn’t be any fun.”

No one enjoys missing a shot and disappointing the dog. But getting in some pre-season practice will go a long way towards making it a rewarding bird season.

And remember, even if you do miss, your bird dog can’t talk, and she is always willing to give you another chance.

An avid firearm and bow hunter, John “K” has been on staff at Kittery Trading Post for over 28 years and authors the outdoor sports retailer’s online column, Just Ask John, at www.ktpguns.com.