Missing too many birds? This 6-step wingshooting primer will get you back in the game

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#6  FINE TUNING

Consistent shooting in the field is a learned skill that requires preparation and practice. Here are some of the little things to keep in mind to help you overcome the big problems.

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  • Focus on the bird’s head when shooting. If you look at the entire bird, you’ll invariably shoot with insufficient lead. The more precise your target, the better you’ll shoot—every time.
  • Don’t peek! After shooting behind birds, shooting over top of them is the most common problem. It’s a result of not keeping your head down on the stock until you’ve finished following through.
  • Keep both eyes open. Many shotgunners have a tendency to close one eye, as they might when aiming a rifle. Aiming a shotgun leads to stopping your swing, however, resulting in you shooting behind your target.
  • Pick out a single bird from the flock and shoot it. Whether you’re hunting ducks or Hungarian partridge, don’t shoot into the flock, as there’s typically a lot more open space there than you’d think. The only path to a double starts with dropping the first bird.
  • Can’t figure out the proper lead? Start by lengthening your lead, especially with crossing birds, which are difficult to over-lead.
  • Practise! Shotgunning is a skill that improves with time spent at the sporting clays, skeet or trap range. Even hand-thrown clays at the cottage or cabin will help make you a better wingshooter.