Upland Hunting Accuracy Tips

Accuracy in wingshooting can be honed on the skeet or sporting clay course. But when the bright colors and long tail feathers of a rooster explode from the cover and fade into a small, dark gliding shape in the distance in a matter of a few seconds, we all face a problematic enemy: time. I’ve hunted with guys who fire their scatterguns at a flush before I even consider turning off my safety. The speedy competition doesn’t seem to help the fluid motions necessary for a smooth shotgun mount and shot execution. Instead it makes a hunter feel edgy, like some grizzled cowboy in a spaghetti western, anticipating the quick draw.

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  Family Pheasant Hunting Trip in Kansas

  Smoothness beats herky-jerky any day.

• Keep your cheek on the wood; keep your eyes on the beak, not the bead.
• And practice, practice, practice the feel of the stock butt tight to your shoulder and cheek on the comb.

That should take care of it, most of the time. That is, unless the roosters startle you.