Goosemaster
Well-known member
I don't know anybody that has not shot one. In low light,snow, wind, it can happen.If you’ve hunted a lot chances are pretty high you’ve shot a hen by accident.
I don't know anybody that has not shot one. In low light,snow, wind, it can happen.If you’ve hunted a lot chances are pretty high you’ve shot a hen by accident.
I don't know anybody that has not shot one. In low light,snow, wind, it can happen.
12 gauge, "2 shot. Works great in ic.I would recommend shooting a IC choke maybe a Light MOD at most. No need to go to anything more than that, from opening day to the last day of the season I shoot an IC in my A400 20GA and can easily kill birds to 40+yds. Having that open choke will help in getting more shot on target at a closer distance. Most IC chokes are effective out to 40+yds doesn't matter the gun or ammo. I love the hevi-x #4 in 20ga for my gun and just purchased the same shell in 28ga for my new a400. Keep at it you'll get your first bird in no time, just relax and don't put pressure on yourself, it'll happen!
12 gauge, "2 shot. Works great in ic.
For any person struggling with shooting, there is no reason to make it harder on yourself by putting a mod or full choke in. if your missing with a choke like that you need to open up your pattern by going to a lighter choke. Shot size does play a part in it but if your shooting with the wrong choke you'll have a tough time hitting birds. I can honestly say in all my years of bird hunting going on almost 30yrs now, the only people I see shoot full chokes are either guys with guns that have a fixed choke that is a full or duck & goose hunters shooting longer distances. In my opinion when pheasant hunting you should really never need anything more than a IC or Light MOD choke. Both are effective out to 40+yds and that is typically a long shot when pheasant hunting.
What? Nobody can see a bird's beak! I like lead 4's, but in heavy wind, I will go to 3 inch lead 2's.Always in IC.Unlike trap, a pheasant never will fly 30-45 degrees right or left. POI is the birds beak; just like a clay, keep swinging the gun. Most trap guys I know that are poor bird hunters miss because they stop swinging the gun and start watching for the bird. Cover the head and beak, pull the trigger and keep moving across the flight path. Let the dog do the rest.
Another issue may be your gun; is it set up for trap (built in rise)...if so, ditch it and get a field gun and last but certainly not least...get rid of the #2's and forget the 3's. Shoot 4's - 6's in lead (if you can) and put some shot in the air.
Good luck.
I get what you are saying.For me, I can shoot modified pretty well on geese, in certain guns, but for pheasant, I like IC.It's a matter of finding the right fitting gun.What...?...you can't...LOL. I was just using that as a reference...OK, the front of the bird (aka beak). But sometimes after a miss, I really do think I see their beak as they're laughing on the flight out.
When you are shooting at a going away bird and can't see any beak, ring neck, eyes, etc. then what do you concentrate on?
When you are shooting at a going away bird and can't see any beak, ring neck, eyes, etc. then what do you concentrate on?
Feet.
If the feet are tucked up tight to the body, it's a hen, don't shoot it.
If one or both feet are lowered from the body, with the feet balled up except for one toe extended straight out, that's a rooster. SHOOT!!
Feet.
If the feet are tucked up tight to the body, it's a hen, don't shoot it.
If one or both feet are lowered from the body, with the feet balled up except for one toe extended straight out, that's a rooster. SHOOT!!