As summer comes to an end, us hunters are getting antsy. Like a pacing dog at the front door- anxiously waiting for the first cold front, and the sounds of wings overhead. But here's the truth- if you wait till opening day to shoulder your shotgun, then your already behind. Just like professional athletes don't throw their first pass, pitch, or take their first shot on gameday, you shouldn't wait till that first group of mallards to dust off your aim. Pre- season practice isn't about just hitting easy targets- it's about building that muscle memory, and challenging yourself, that way you can be quick, smooth, and deadly when it counts. Here's some great, and creative ways you can do this today.
Clay Targets: The Orange Birds
There's a reason clay target shooting is a favorite among hunters- they explode into dust when hit right, and it's as close to chasing real birds without feathers flying. Whether its at a trap range, or a skeet field, every trigger pull should be sharpening your reflexes. Plus you can shoot hundreds of clays without having to pluck anything afterwards. But there's also a hidden danger shooting clay targets. Many hunters like to only shoot what's easy. Crossing shots, or consistent flying away clays just aren't a reality of how real birds fly. Yes it's fun to shoot 20 in a row this way, but your not sharpening any skills or challenging yourself in order to improve. So try the difficult shots.
For example, if you have room in a field or wherever your getting your practice shots in. Try sitting down, with your safety on , then stand up , click your safety off ,and pull the trigger on several clays. This simulates you actually getting up in the blind and shooting birds. Another thing to try is to turn around facing the other way , have a buddy throw the clay, or the machine, then spin around, find the target, aim, and fire. This will help sharpen your hand-eye coordination to find targets, and shoot them quickly. Try having several targets tossed at once. One of the most difficult things to do, and a mistake we all make ( whether we will admit it or not) is just blasting into a group of birds, rather than aiming in on one folding it, and moving onto the next. Shooting several clays at once will help sharpen your brain, as well as muscle memory to keen in on single targets, one at a time. Making you lethal when large groups come in during the season.
Dove Hunting: Duck Season Warm- Up
If clay targets are practice, and scrimmage, then dove hunting is the pre-season. Dove season kicks off this month depending on your area. There is no better place for a duck hunter to be this time of year, than in a dove field. Doves fly fast, dip and dodge like little fighter jets, and have a way of making even the best of shots miss. There's a reason they say it's a box (of shells) for a bird. But that's the beauty of it. A day in the dove field will typically allow you to take more shots than you usually would almost all duck season. So by getting out in the dove fields now, when the mallards finally show up, you will be steady, sharp, and DEADLY. Plus- doves are DELICIOUS!
Consistency Is Key
Getting out and practicing one time won't cut it. As much as alot of us think it will, being consistent in getting out and practicing is what will keep our skills sharp. Repetition is what builds muscle memory, the more often you practice- the more easy, and natural your movements feel. Over time you will move almost automatically, allowing for your focus to be free to read the target and time your shots perfectly. That is where consistency really pays off- when the pressure is on, your training takes over.
Ducks don't wait for you to "get set" or take their time. They will appear out of nowhere ( usually when your not ready, or looking down at your phone) they will swing wide, dive fast, and only give you a split-second to react. The consistency you have built on the range will directly carry over into the duck blind. Practicing consistently now will ensure that you will be able to shoulder your shotgun smoothly, track birds quickly, and finish the shot confidently.
Remember: you don't rise to the occasion, you fall back to your level of training, and practice.
So get that shotgun out, grab a buddy (or go alone), and get that practice in now. Go out dove hunting, trap and clay shooting as much as you can now. And watch as that consistent practice pays off during duck season.
We'll see ya in the blind.