Many people who shoot high pheasants would consider themselves a good shot. It’s just the nature of the sport – if someone misses an easy bird, there’s generally some sort of excuse that’ll no doubt be shared after the drive ends. Don’t be that someone. Instead, follow these tips and learn how to shoot pheasants like a proper gentleman.
What actually makes a good shot?
You’ve got the kit, you’ve brushed up on the etiquette, and you know how to handle a gun. But to be a good shot, you’ll also need the ability to shoot high birds over and over again. A high bird is one that’s more than 45-50 yards above you – it’s a well-known fact that once the bird is over 40 yards away, your shot-to-hit average will significantly decrease.
There are some key areas that make the crucial difference between a hit and a miss. Some of these may seem so small that you may think you don’t really need to worry about them. However, they’ll all affect your shot, so you do have to keep them in mind.
A key element is your footwork. This does not mean you need make great big steps forward; the main thing to remember is to finish square, which is achieved by addressing the bird and taking only a gentle step forward to ready yourself. <
Where do people generally go wrong?
The biggest mistake that most people make when shooting pheasants is not being in line with the bird. This is usually the result of leaning back and not getting ‘under the bird’ – placing yourself behind it and following through. If you start in front, you’ll more than likely miss the bird with the first barrel and have no chance with the second.
Another area where you can go wrong is if you mount the gun too soon. This will result in you not following through enough, as you’ll be traveling at the same speed as the bird. By mounting the gun just before it reaches shooting distance, it essentially means the gun will be traveling the same distance, but you’ll have more chances of getting under the bird and following through properly.
Apart from overstepping, the other common mistake in pheasant shooting is leaning back and putting your weight on your back foot, which will result in you stumbling back into your loader (never a good thing). Avoid doing this, keep practising – and give it your best shot.
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