Hunting Fun

millerusaf asked:

At 200 dollars each, everyone can afford this great, inexpensive home defender.

NGPCnews asked:

Leslie and Aaron Hershberger introduce you to spring turkey hunting by examining the equipment used. They will walk you through shotgun choices, decoys, camo, and blinds.

The Basic Retrieving Dog

What I call the basic retriever or deer dog function, is where a dog is walked at heel or very slightly ahead of the hunter, and is stopped whilst the gun takes the shot.

The dog is then used for the more difficult retrieves or for locating the game, but never for the simple retrieves. The reason for never using a retriever on a simple fetch is that it encourages the dog to charge in for every retrieve.

If you cannot control this, you are then in the situation where the dog is a liability and will lose you game when you come across two rabbits rather than the one. Quite often, when using an air-rifle, you will be able to kill one rabbit of a pair and then the second because the weapon is so quiet.

So the rule is, only send your dog for retrieves across water, in cover, or where a wounded rabbit is running. Retrieving a running rabbit should only be undertaken when a dog is well trained on cold game and real retrieves, and is steady to shot. Under other circumstances you will encourage running in again.

The Squirrel Dog

The second way of using a dog when shooting with an air-rifle, (or rifle or shotgun) is when hunting for squirrels. When pursuing these animals, you will often find that they will keep the trunk of the tree between yourself and them.

In this situation, the breed is immaterial, even a terrier will be sufficient to achieve the desired result. All you need is a dog that will respond to hand signals, and that you can send away from you. The squirrel will then tend to keep the trunk between itself and the dog, and present a straightforward shot. Just remember to stay still whilst the dog is doing its job.

After a while the dogs will get used to hunting in this way. Never send a gundog to retrieve a wounded squirrel, the fact that they bite so hard will ruin the dog’s mouth (ie they will become hard mouthed). If you are using a terrier though, let it run in – you are not training it as a gundog.

Rabbits, Pointers and Air Rifles

The third and last way of using a gundog with an air rifle, and one I particularly like, is to use a pointer to point rabbits in light cover. Ideally suited for the air rifle, as you will disturb very few rabbits and the dog can spot them much better than you can.

By: Ken Devonald

About the Author:

Whether you are wingshooting or clay shooting, establishing which type of lead shooter you are will improve your consistency and accuracy. There are three methods of obtaining lead on a moving target. The “swing through” method, the “pull ahead” method, and the “sustained lead” method. All of which have there advantages and disadvantages. Let’s examine the three.

A “swing through” shooter allows the target to pass the barrel of the shotgun and follows the target until just before pulling the trigger accelerates the barrel past the target, generating the lead. When you hear people coaching “follow through” when shooting, this is the method they are teaching. Much like a golfer or a bowler, even after pulling the trigger, the shooter continues his swing until the target breaks(or not).

I am a “swing through” shooter. I do not see lead, as most “swing through” shooters don’t. Of course this is only perceived, as there is a lead on any moving target, especially crossing shots. By following behind the target and then firing as the barrel moves past the target it gives the shooter the perception of shooting directly at the target. I like this fact because trying to maintain a lead for me seems unnatural.

Critics of “swing through” state that this method puts the shooter behind from the beginning and forces the shooter to wait until the last minute to obtain the proper lead. I find it can cause for “riding” a target too long which makes the shot more difficult and puts me out of position for the next shot.

Next, we have the “pull ahead” method. In my opinion, this is very similar to the “swing through” method. The main difference being that with the “pull ahead” method the shooter points the barrel directly at the target and moves with the target until time to shoot, the shooter then “pulls ahead” of the target to obtain lead and fires. Where in the “swing through” method the shooter trails the target.

Many experts believe this helps to solve the most difficult aspects of shotgunning, target speed and direction. By pointing at the target your brain automatically calculates these variables, enabling you to accurately decide the proper lead.

The third method is the “sustained lead” method. Preferred by many target shooters, “sustained lead” matches gun speed with target speed but instead of pointing at the target, the shooter stays in front of the target at all times.

The idea here is the shooter always stays ahead of the target and is in the right positiion longer, giving the shooter a better chance of hitting the target earlier and more consistently. I’ve also heard this type of shotgunnng referred to as “window shooting”. Basically the shooter leads the target to a particular “window” or predetermined spot and fires.

If I had a recommendation for a beginner it would be the “sustained lead” method. This method teaches to obtain the proper lead early and gives the shooter the most control over each shot. Also, when shooting doubles, it allows for early breaks on the first target , leaving ample time to locate and break the second target.

As for me, I’ve been “swinging through” for years and trying to change that would be like trying to make myself right handed, just not going to happen.

Which ever method you prefer, stick to it and be consistent.

By: S P Griffin

About the Author:

A step by step guide to get you in the field!

Dove Hunting is a great sport for all ages. Whether you are 12 or 50, it can be rewarding. I started at age 17 and haven’t missed an opening day since. As the summer begins, my heart and mind always go to September 1st (opening day North and Central Zones in Texas). Every year my dad, brother and I have a competition, called ‘The Top Gun’, and whoever kills the most birds gets their name on the Top Gun plaque for the year. (Dad wins every year) I’ve started my two oldest sons out and this year they are in the competition too. I’m looking forward to many years of time with them With all that said, if you would like to try it out I have some practical things for you to do to make getting started easy.

Getting started falls into two basic categories:

What to purchase?
What to do?

What to Purchase

I know, you are thinking this is going to be expensive. It can be (if you have the money), if not, you can start out on a shoestring budget, like me. There are many items that make dove hunting more comfortable but they are not necessary to begin hunting. I’ll begin with the bare necessities.

A Shotgun
I don’t think there is any way around this one, unless you are real good with a sling shot. There are many options when it come to a shotgun. The basic categories are; pump action, auto-matic, and over and under. All three have there advantages and disadvantages. The other things involved in purchasing a shotgun are , what gauge and what brand.

A pump action shot gun is the least expensive type of shotgun. Pumps can be purchased for around $300. Winchester and Remington have decent entry level pump shotguns. A pump simply means that the discharging and reloading of shells is done by pumping the gun backwards and then forward. Contrary to popular belief, this can be done very quickly and all have shot a lot of birds with a pump. A pump’s advantages are it is a great starter gun and the cost will keep some money in the bank if you are on a budget.

An automatic shotgun is an upgrade from a pump. An automatic shotgun ejects the spent shell and reloads the chamber automatically (hints why it’s called an automatic). Both the pump and automatic hold three shells(with the plug in). For a beginner and even for me (as I shoot an automatic), the third shot can be a life saver. Automatic shotguns can be pricey though. I shoot a Remington 1170 (left handed ) and it cost around $850. the price range is from $500 and up. I’ve never had any problems with my gun but some critics of them say they over heat and run out of gas if you do an awful amount of shooting. I recommend automatic’s unless you are going to Argentina or something.

Over and Under shotguns are probably the most popular in the target shooting world and a lot of bird hunter use the. They have two barrels one on top of the other. they are know for their accuracy and reliability. Both my brother and my dad shoot them. They are the most expensive starting at around $700 and going up from there. If you’ve got the cash, you can’t go wrong buying one.

Gauges: When buying a shotgun, size does matter. The smaller the number the larger the shell. 12 gauge is the most common and then 20 gauge being the next. Although there a many different gauges all you need to know is the bigger the gauge the more it kicks. Don’t get to excited none of them really hurt unless you shoot 500 then you might be a little sore. I recommend 12 gauge for adult males and 20 ga. for adult women and kids over 13. For youngsters, I recommend .410 gauge.

Brands: I’ve had good luck with Remington and Winchester. Both are low to medium price range. Mossberg also makes entry level shotguns, but my brother had all kinds of problems with his first pump, in a short period of time I might add. Benelli an Beretta are also good brands, but in the medium to high price range.

The bottom line is you have to have a gun, so decide on your budget and make a purchase that will last a life time. Let’s keep a running total….

1-pump-action gun = $300

2. A place to hunt

I’d say this is a necessity. Here again, this depends on your bank account. There are several ways to hunt without paying ant outrageous amount of money. In Texas, they have public land and for around $50 one can access thousands of acres. The trick is finding a spot with birds. There are also day hunts for around $100 per day, and even some leases for around $150 per season (usually these suck). If you’ve got the money, look for some established leases in the newspapers. They can range anywhere from $300 to $1000 per gun. Again, a gun is no good if you don’t have a place to shoot it (preferably with birds on it or flying by).

1-pump shotgun @ $300, 1- public land permit @ $50

3. Hunting license

I don’t think this needs too much elaboration. Depending on your state, should be around $40.

1-pump shotgun @ $300, 1- public land permit @ $50, 1- hunting license @ $40,

4.Accessories:

You can really go crazy here if you want, but there are a few ‘must haves’.

Shells. I could write a novel on this, but to start just buy some 8 shot dove load. Buy a case (10 boxes), should be around $60.
Bird/bullet bag.Probably a three pouch camo, $15.
Chair. Get a comfortable one. They are cheap $30 max.
Camo clothing. Depending on your climate, you’ll need pants and a shirt. The more pockets the better. You might want to buy some boots too. We’ll say $100.
Other accessories you might want to get could be a water bottle (camo, of course), flashlight, hunting vest, a new cooler (to put all your birds you kill in), camo hat, and polarized sunglasses. For now i won’t figure these into cost.
1-pump shotgun @ $300, 1- public land permit @ $50, 1- hunting license @ $40, 1-set of accessories @ $205.

That’s it! The grand total to get you into business is around $600. It sounds like a lot, but if you don’t wait until the last minute you can budget it in over time.

In the next article, I’ll cover what to do to get started dove hunting.

I’ll cover that after I RELOAD!

By: S P Griffin

About the Author:

What to do?

Okay, you’ve acquired everything you need to begin dove hunting, NOW WHAT!?!?

There isn’t too much to it, but if you take a few steps prior to taking the field, you’ll have a lot more fun and a lot less stress. Let’s begin.

1. Get familiar with your gun.

If this is your first shotgun, it can be kind of intimidating. Just remember, safety, safety, safety. Always make sure your gun is unloaded before doing anything to it. You should take it apart and put it back together, as you will have to do this to clean and oil it. Practice loading and unloading shells. As I like to say, make love to your gun. The last thing you want to do is get out in the field and not know how to work your gun.

2.