Good work by the dogs, my shooting remains uninspiring

walk213 said:
December 6, 2025 Upland Hunt Video

I did work on my shooting in the off-season. I hired a professional to help me overcome some bad habits that I adopted in 2024. My results on the range improved materially during my lesson. Transferring the instructions to the field is different. Hopefully, I continue to improve during this season.
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I have found that one thing that helps with shooting, is hunting a lot, and actually finding birds to shoot at.
 
Three things happen to me when i am in a slump late season colder weather. More clothes change length of pull causing a lower point of impact, I rush my mount on the first shot and don't get my head down because the birds are flushing farther away and are faster and more clothes make me slower. I flinch shooting 12gauge non-toxic or lead loads above 1500fps with 7lb gun. I did not think i was flinching until i experience the Benelli click, sure enough I was dipping the barrel anticipating recoil.
 
I’m always throwing my gun up to my shoulder and aiming at a weed a post or better yet any type of bird flying by. I do this always at the beginning of a hunt or if I’ve been walking a long time with no action. After awhile you start to drop your head and stare at the ground in front of you and carry the gun not at the ready. It’s subconscious we all do it especially when tired. Aiming snaps me out of it.
 
Tomahawker said:
I’m always throwing my gun up to my shoulder and aiming at a weed a post or better yet any type of bird flying by. I do this always at the beginning of a hunt or if I’ve been walking a long time with no action. After awhile you start to drop your head and stare at the ground in front of you and carry the gun not at the ready. It’s subconscious we all do it especially when tired. Aiming snaps me out of it.
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Good insights. Thank you.
 
My preference is to hunt alone with 1 dog. No distractions. One other problem you may be having is the presumed added clothing while hunting now vs what you were wearing during lessons in the summer.
 
Tomahawker said:
I’m always throwing my gun up to my shoulder and aiming at a weed a post or better yet any type of bird flying by. I do this always at the beginning of a hunt or if I’ve been walking a long time with no action. After awhile you start to drop your head and stare at the ground in front of you and carry the gun not at the ready. It’s subconscious we all do it especially when tired. Aiming snaps me out of it.
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i agree completely
loosing focus is easy when not much is happening
intermittently mounting your gun or following any bird may help
i also found I shoot better with a stocking hat vs a cap
i think the bill on a cap can make you lift your head off the stock so you can see better sometimes
looking down constantly makes you loose speed and depth perception when a bird get up also
snap cap shooting at home are a great help also and easy to do
 
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