Do u shoot a second time at a bird that’s been hit?

[benelli-banger]

I see enough”dead” birds run away that I’m a fan of shooting a second time if it’s possible to safely. May be overkill, literally, but I hate losing birds…and I will happily help others find downed birds, but I’m growing tired listening to the adjective-laden descriptions of just how “hard” the bird was hit! On my current trip we’ve had a few birds that were hit, albeit not too hard, reflush and fly…one was shot again…had unique tail feathers, same bird. The other one was likely the same bird, too, based on various factors. But I preach to my guys to shoot again at a hit bird…worth it, IMO.. yes, some birds are really dead, and it’s obvious, but every once in a while even those disappear!!!

 

[Chessie 67]

Absolutely! I shot a rooster yesterday morning, didn’t think it was a kill shot so shot at it again. dog brings back the bird that is totally lifeless. Put the bird in the bag. About 5 minutes later the bird kicked a couple times. Next thing I know the little bastard jumps out of my bag and I’m chasing this thing around in circles. Finally got it and wrung its neck. Their will to live is amazing!

 

[birddude]

I normally do not because by the time I see that they are not hit well, they are getting pretty low. I always look at their head when they're on the way down. If that head is up, you'd better get there quick.

 

[GladHunter]

I shot one last year, bird up, bang, all motion ceases and it falls to the ground on the other side of a small but deep cut. 10ft deep and 10 ft across. As I stand and assess how to cross the cut, my lab catches up to me and we both look across the cut at the bird laying motionless between 1" tree/shrub trunks. The dog works his way down and back up the bank and his nose is 2ft from the downed bird when it jumps up and takes off into the nearby brush. We tracked the thing 30-40yds through several direction changes before the dog loses the trail. I even found blood so it was more than stunned. They are tough buggers.

 

[benelli-banger]

I normally do not because by the time I see that they are not hit well, they are getting pretty low. I always look at their head when they're on the way down. If that head is up, you'd better get there quick.

Right, that’s why I clarified with “safely”….your’re right, many you can’t…

 

[Drew]

I see enough”dead” birds run away that I’m a fan of shooting a second time if it’s possible to safely. May be overkill, literally, but I hate losing birds…and I will happily help others find downed birds, but I’m growing tired listening to the adjective-laden descriptions of just how “hard” the bird was hit! On my current trip we’ve had a few birds that were hit, albeit not too hard, reflush and fly…one was shot again…had unique tail feathers, same bird. The other one was likely the same bird, too, based on various factors. But I preach to my guys to shoot again at a hit bird…worth it, IMO.. yes, some birds are really dead, and it’s obvious, but every once in a while even those disappear!!!

If a rooster still has his head up........I will keep shooting everytime!!

 

[Drew]

If a rooster still has his head up........I will keep shooting everytime!!

I should add, as long as its safe for my surroundings and my dog!

 

[Goosemaster]

I lost 15 birds last year.

 

[roadscholar]

If the opportunity is there and it's safe, I'll take another shot at a bird going down. I used to hunt without dogs so my mindset is always gonna be that they can't be too dead.

 

[Goosemaster]

I should add, as long as its safe for my surroundings and my dog!

Yep, never shoot around the dog, the dog will usually get that bird, unless it's really thick cattails and then the dog may not get that bird.

 

[A5 Sweet 16]

I rarely do. Once in awhile I'll shoot again, if I KNOW he wasn't hit hard, & time permits for an actual shot (as opposed to just pulling the trigger again quickly). I can't remember the last time I shot again at a falling bird & thought I actually HIT it again. Just doesn't happen for me. Seems like almost all the time, if a bird is falling (regardless of how well he's hit) he's on the ground out of sight before I could get off another shot.

 

[McFarmer]

I rarely do. Once in awhile I'll shoot again, if I KNOW he wasn't hit hard, & time permits for an actual shot (as opposed to just pulling the trigger again quickly). I can't remember the last time I shot again at a falling bird & thought I actually HIT it again. Just doesn't happen for me. Seems like almost all the time, if a bird is falling (regardless of how well he's hit) he's on the ground out of sight before I could get off another shot.

Yes, this is me.

Probably more often I take a shot at a bird wounded by a companion if it flies past me.

Anyone who shoots trap knows a falling target is a difficult shot.

 

[Red Ryder]

I shot a cock 2 days ago and it fell like a rock. I walked over to Ryder and tapped his head and he took off, right past where he marked{and me too} and went maybe 25 yards further and caught up with the dead bird (still alive and kicking) , Without him to make the retrieve I can still amagine I wouid be out there kicking the weeds looking for the pheasant. With a broke dog, you dont need a second shot.