[jcronk]

I toss all night wondering about what gun and what shells.I drive myself crazy.And no matter what combination I end the day with,I usually do well....
CONFIDENCE IS EVERYTHING...Ed

Never have shot a 28ga but what Ed said I understand. I'm not a ballistics expert or any kind of expert for that matter. I have missed a few easy roosters over the years but I have taken a very high percentage of my shots. I shoot 12 ga. lead. I've used 71/2, 6, 5, 4, 2 (in a pinch) and even unknown reload gifts. They have been put through a Savage 755A, Parker SxS, Winchester 1200, Ithaca 900XL, Remington 870, which I freely interchange because I enjoy them all. I prefer MC but have used FC for many years as well. Always have used 2/34 inch but powder and shot oz really not always known. This may be close to heresy for the true afficianados but whenever I have centered the bird, it has been DOA no matter the gun or the ammo. Over the course of 40 years I have lost a few roosters but that would be in the single digits. Only lost one with the dogs over the last 6 years. There were so many birds in a slough bottom that the dog just had way too much scent in his nose to find the dead bird when others kept flushing around him whenever he moved. I try only to shoot within a reasonable range (30-35 max). If the bird is in the pattern, they will be in the bag and on your plate in due course. I don't disagree with going through the patterning at various ranges and loads to gain some basic understanding. I do agree with Ed that ultimately it is a confidence issue. I have tried to analyze what I do but cannot really describe it. When I try thinking through a shot, the bird keeps flying. I know I do not aim and I think both eyes are open but I can't swear to that. I do know that a lot of hunting in my youth developed the confidence and it has been a source of fun for decades. Enjoy every day in the field that you can. The older we get the shorter we realize that our time on this precious planet is really pretty short. Regards, Jack

 

[jcronk]

p.s. I hear the pheasants out your way are skittish?

I have hunted only wild pheasant in Saskatchewan. In my youth, in Alberta, we sometimes hunted in areas where birds had been released. Some of those were not very skittish. I have some favourite spots in SE (Long Creek) and SW (Wood Mountain, Wood River, Noteku Creek). Early morning of opening day you might find a few complacent birds but by noon and until the end of the late season the adrenalin will run high. The really skittish ones are those making sure there will be a spring hatch. Some are local legends - you know, the fisherman's big one that got away. There is not a large population and SK only provides a licence to residents for pheasant. Roosters only. 3 daily limit, 6 possession. What can you tell me about Pelee Island - have you ever hunted pheasant there? Regards, Jack