Off-season duck practice: suggestions?

TheCoachZed

TheCoachZed

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Well, I think today was the last of the 2011 season for me, since it closes Wednesday. I figure I might go out for a sea duck hunt in the skiff in February, but that's a totally different game - we don't use decoys.

This year, I had plenty of shots. I'm getting better and better at finding spots to shoot ducks, and worse and worse at hitting them. I plan to shoot skeet this year in the off season, and hunt crows. Anybody have any other suggestions on how to improve my shot? It doesn't help that I'm cross-dominant...
 
just shoot alot of skeet......even if you just use skeet loads...once you get used to shooting a moving target...you will have better luck duck hunting...keep your head on the stock and BOTH of your eyes open......
 
it doesn't matter ...keep both eyes open ...thats how you will find the targets whether ducks or skeet...hand eye co-ordination thats the key...
 
I agree with the guys on shooting lots of skeet. Shoot some trap too.

There is a trick with cross dominance that you can try. The round piece of tape on your glasses in the correct spot on the glass lens of the dominant eye. That way you can still shoot with both eyes open and you won't have the dominance issues. I have a buddy that does this, and it works well for him.
 
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May sound too simple but double check the fit of your gun with your hunting clothes on. I couldn't it worth crap with one of my set ups when I put my gear on. It didn't fit anymore... once you're done that then shoot but quit if you are hitting poorly. Then go back at it fresh until you are re-establishing good patterns and habits.
 
I prefer to shoot international skeet (gun down, faster targets) over american skeet (gun up, slower targets), it really improves my waterfowl shooting. Sporting clays is also helpful as there are a great variety of presentations most of which you will see while waterfowling. Another productive activity is to practice gun mount, it can be done anywhere and will definitely improve your shooting in the field.
 
albertaal said:
I agree with the guys on shooting lots of skeet. Shoot some trap too.

There is a trick with cross dominance that you can try. The round piece of tape on your glasses in the correct spot on the glass lens of the dominant eye. That way you can still shoot with both eyes open and you won't have the dominance issues. I have a buddy that does this, and it works well for him.
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I've heard of this. Honestly, it sounds easier just to re-learn to shoot off the other shoulder, which I might end up having to do.
 
sI have to caution against using hunting loads at a clays range. Some clubs are located in a tight spot and have carefully mapped shotfall zones, shot sizes larger than 7 1/2 can exceed these zones causing major headaches.

That being said, the advise to shoot the clay games is valid. Most clubs will let you practice at a station that you have difficulty on if they are not busy, asking never hurts!!
 
tigger said:
I have to caution against using hunting loads at a clays range. Some clubs are located in a tight spot and have carefully mapped shotfall zones, shot sizes larger than 7 1/2 can exceed these zones causing major headaches.
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X2. Most clay target clubs limit shooters to nothing larger or more powerful than than 2-3/4", 3-1/4 dram, 1-1/4 ounce shells and #7-1/2 shot.
 
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