G37 said:
Eventually you will become bored of a shotgun which can't shoot trap/skeet - that is where true shotgun fun is to be had (I can't say hunting as I have not - yet)
G37,
I don't know where to start.
You're right about a lot of things, not the least of which is how much fun can be had at the trap range. If you know someone with a portable flinger, try shooting trap at your very own improvised trap range - coming to a hillside near you. You can make up your own shooting games, practise shots that you find difficult until you master them, all in a comfortable, informal environment.
I am sorry to have to be the one to do this to your budget, but you HAVE to try wingshooting. I don't care if it's waterfowl or upland, you haven't lived until you've hunted birds. They're two different experiences altogether, but both well worth the effort.
Hunting wetlands is more of a hide and wait kind of hunt. Upland is the opposite - lots of walking. Generally, the guns used for migratory birds are completely different from those used for upland hunting. But, that's only because folks seem to think that steel shot is a given. Far from it. Tungsten matrix has similar deformity and density to lead, so it can be shot from any nitro proofed gun.
Hunting upland is less restrictive in terms of what you can use. Because lead shot is legal, you see more old SXS and pump guns in the field and bush. No matter what, if you have
any shotgun, it can be adapted to the hunt. Once you get started, though, you'll quickly find that you want a selection of guns so that you can adapt to the conditions of a particular hunt.
I prefer upland, myself, but that's because I like to hunt for the birds more so than wait for them. That, and I find the taste of grouse to be better than, say, duck. I have a personal bias that won't let me kill the bird unless I'm going to eat it, so grouse and pheasant and the like get all my attention these days.
I think it's Claybuster who has a tag line on his posts that goes something like "Appreciating a fine shotgun is life's way of telling you that you don't earn enough money." Ain't it the truth! If you factor in all your costs, pound for pound wild bird meat is the most expensive meat on the planet.
Next season can never come fast enough for me. And that's where trap shooting comes in real handy.
SS
