My lab wants a divorce

My yellow lab and I got out yesterday to chase some late season roosters. She was outstanding I on the other hand sucked with two missed opportunities. Nothing worse than watching your dog trail a bird for 50 yards, put it up and you miss the shot. That look she gives me is forever etched in my memory. I have always used a full choke 12 gauge. Am seriously considering purchasing a different barrel for my gun. What does everyone else use when hunting pheasants. Do you think an improved cylander would help my success rate? Should I practice on skeet? Or should I give up the sport and try stamp collecting? It was a great day to be out and in all had 11 flushes 3 of which were roosters!!

I ran into the same problem until i started shooting trap. By shooting a couple of hundred rounds befor the opener you can tell where the shots going. I will always shoot a full choke on birds with the heaviest load i can build and chamber. 60 yrd shots aren’t anything to be concerned about and have gotten them at 75 to 80 with bench loaded shells. This gives you plenty of time to take aim.

I ran into the same problem until i started shooting trap. By shooting a couple of hundred rounds befor the opener you can tell where the shots going. I will always shoot a full choke on birds with the heaviest load i can build and chamber. 60 yrd shots aren’t anything to be concerned about and have gotten them at 75 to 80 with bench loaded shells. This gives you plenty of time to take aim.

Go to a modified choke and HV loads #5. Take your time and you won’t miss !

Go to a modified choke and HV loads #5. Take your time and you won’t miss !

Zoomer-

I agree with Birhunter. I use a Improved Cylinder or Modified. I use either a #4 or #6 shot depending on the birds if they are holding I’ll use a # 6. If there getting up ahead of me I use #4. So like Birdhunter said Use #5 . Full choke your pattern stays to tight, unless you are really a good shot. I like a choke that will open up my pattern a little more. I usually have a lot more close 20 – 30 yard shots than far. The Improved Cylinder or Modified will open up your pattern more giving a better chance to drop something in the 20 30 yard range or closer. Just my 2 cents.

I also shoot a combo shooting league in the Fall that sharpens up the skills and clears most of the cobwebs. But if you read my Post the day after Thanksgiving I definitely know what “The Look” is. Your not the only one.

Zoomer-

I agree with Birhunter. I use a Improved Cylinder or Modified. I use either a #4 or #6 shot depending on the birds if they are holding I’ll use a # 6. If there getting up ahead of me I use #4. So like Birdhunter said Use #5 . Full choke your pattern stays to tight, unless you are really a good shot. I like a choke that will open up my pattern a little more. I usually have a lot more close 20 – 30 yard shots than far. The Improved Cylinder or Modified will open up your pattern more giving a better chance to drop something in the 20 30 yard range or closer. Just my 2 cents.

I also shoot a combo shooting league in the Fall that sharpens up the skills and clears most of the cobwebs. But if you read my Post the day after Thanksgiving I definitely know what “The Look” is. Your not the only one.