Duck Shooting.....

[GT_Irl]

:rockon:

Got my shotgun 2 weeks ago, my birthday was last monday so went out and bought myself a 9 week old springer spaniel, lovely thing so he is, he's very big and strong for his age.

Just trying to get him house trained and then get him used to the gun, gonna be though to train him on the gun and the whistle and to retrieve all the game but it should be good.!!

do you think i should train him myself or get him proffesionally trained?

John

perfect hunting dog Train him yourself dude! We've trained all of ours over the years. The key is too get him out hunting as much as possible especially when hes young. We brought our current fella out when he was just a pup and although he didnt enjoy it much he started learning from the older fella straight away.

These dogs have natural hunting instincts built in but too help him know what hes looking for so try and get your hands on some duck/pheasnt/woodcock/snipe feathers and let him sniff them. Let him have them but if he starts too chew take them off him, straight away he will start too understand not too chew the game. You could then move onto hiding the feathers, let off a shot and then hunt with him, direct him if hes having difficulty (point at a location and say like sniff, sniff or whatever word or sound you choose..he will associate this word with going too the places you point..important when a pheasnt is hidden in thick brush or something!!), then when he finds the feather reward him/encourage him and make sure he brings it too you and drops it at your feet (good idea too teach him too sit at an early age as this helps later on when he brings something back too you).

Alot of it is common sense, but some isnt it. Any questions just fire away matey! Key point really is practice practice practice...the more you get him out the better he'll be!!

 

[GT_Irl]

I must admit I don't like the idea of animals being killed. But I think as a meat eater it has to be accepted, you can't slate hunting but then buy a duck in a supermarket. Hunting has been around since the start of the world and its just how carnivorous animals feed. I would never be able to do it myself and I must admit that I don't always approve of the way its done, often see in the field next to my house 1 pheasant being shot at by many different people. IMO it is a little cowardly to do it that way, as I believe the term 'hunt' must provide a fair chance for each side, otherwise its nothing more than a masacre.

Good input. As for your last point, I would have too say 9/10 you will miss the bird, its surprisingly difficult too actually get a hit with a shotgun...trust me!!! Infact most times we go out hunting we come back with nada, its still thrilling though. As for the word "massacre"..poor use im afraid, it does not really apply too huning imho! The amount of birds killed in a hunting season doesnt even remotely dent their populations so I wouldent call it a massacre!

 

[Skidz]

Reading your reply I myself would also say that masacre is perhaps the wrong word. What I meant was is that I don't agree when the hunters heavily outnumber the animal as it takes away the 'hunt'.

Again although its something I would'nt do myself, I do feel that it offers a fantastic life to the dogs involved. It gives them great exercise and enables them to be rewarded by their owner for doing something that is natural to them. Although I could never see my 5 month old lhasa apso puppy hunting lol

 

[clarkytrd]

il pm u now in a sec buddy with regards to a few tips for the dog!

what size shells are u using?? ive two boxes of 6's here, got a couple of decoy ducks and a caller today.

so hopefully i can get out 2moro and give it a go!

 

[GT_Irl]

Reading your reply I myself would also say that masacre is perhaps the wrong word. What I meant was is that I don't agree when the hunters heavily outnumber the animal as it takes away the 'hunt'.

Again although its something I would'nt do myself, I do feel that it offers a fantastic life to the dogs involved. It gives them great exercise and enables them to be rewarded by their owner for doing something that is natural to them. Although I could never see my 5 month old lhasa apso puppy hunting lol

I do agree with that actually. Normally its just myself and my Dad and the dog but a couple of weeks ago we went out with my uncle and my two cousins and looking back, ya that was a bit unfair on the birds! Having said that though our lab rose a pheasant at one point and between 5 shotguns we all missed!:haha: Thats a good point though. My Dad is really into the "fairness" of hunting..i.e giving the bird a chance (If a bird evades us twice we let it go) so ill bring this up with him tomorrow and see what he says!

lol at taking your Ihasa apso hunting! Think he'd be a bit small They're lovely dogs, wonderful temperment

 

[Skidz]

I do agree with that actually. Normally its just myself and my Dad and the dog but a couple of weeks ago we went out with my uncle and my two cousins and looking back, ya that was a bit unfair on the birds! Having said that though our lab rose a pheasant at one point and between 5 shotguns we all missed!:haha: Thats a good point though. My Dad is really into the "fairness" of hunting..i.e giving the bird a chance (If a bird evades us twice we let it go) so ill bring this up with him tomorrow and see what he says!

lol at taking your Ihasa apso hunting! Think he'd be a bit small They're lovely dogs, wonderful temperment

Kool totally respect that mate :beer:

 

[Aidan@EP-styling]

your showing that you need a weapon to do it and also picking on something that is completly defenseless .

catch it with your hands and kill it that way and then eat it ,.eans it didnt die for nothing.

Ducks don't have hands. I think it would be a more fair way if people catch ducks in their mouth oj:haha:

sorry for spamming this Clarky!

 

[Aidan-G]

il pm u now in a sec buddy with regards to a few tips for the dog!

what size shells are u using?? ive two boxes of 6's here, got a couple of decoy ducks and a caller today.

so hopefully i can get out 2moro and give it a go!

6's..i use those for clay pigeon shootin,doubt theyd be any good for a duck

 

[GT_Irl]

il pm u now in a sec buddy with regards to a few tips for the dog!

what size shells are u using?? ive two boxes of 6's here, got a couple of decoy ducks and a caller today.

so hopefully i can get out 2moro and give it a go!

pm'd back:kiss:

6's are good for short range shots, lowflying. If the duck is higher up or further away use a 2, you could use a slug (I think 0 or 1..cant remember) for extra long distance (very tight spread pattern = longer range).

The best way too think about it is spread pattern reduces and range increases as you lower the number on the cartridge (there are some special numbers also and types of shot but dont worry about them for the moment).

Pheasant, use 7/8. Woodcock, about a 6 should do ya. Snipe..whatevers in the barrel...lol! You cant really plan for those fellas, they could be anywhere and they get up very fast and once they're gone...they're proper gone, like they wont settle down in the next
field.

6's..i use those for clay pigeon shootin,doubt theyd be any good for a duck

Actually, they're perfect! 5/6 for lowflying duck

 

[scot-ish]

pm'd back:kiss:

6's are good for short range shots, lowflying. If the duck is higher up or further away use a 2, you could use a slug (I think 0 or 1..cant remember) for extra long distance (very tight spread pattern = longer range).

The best way too think about it is spread pattern reduces and range increases as you lower the number on the cartridge (there are some special numbers also and types of shot but dont worry about them for the moment).

Pheasant, use 7/8. Woodcock, about a 6 should do ya. Snipe..whatevers in the barrel...lol! You cant really plan for those fellas, they could be anywhere and they get up very fast and once they're gone...they're proper gone, like they wont settle down in the next
field.


Actually, they're perfect! 5/6 for lowflying duck

the number has nothing to do with the spread patter mate, thats determined by the choke, the number is the size of the BB.

for ducks, 5 or 6, and get 32gms, or 36gms, for shooting geese, use heavys, which we use 4's at 36 gms, or 42 gms.

there is alot to the training, but what has been said is pretty much correct,

make sure for your spaniel, buy a 210 1/2 acme whistle, we use 210 1/2 for spaniels, and 211 1/2 for the labs and the viszla.

if your stuck with the training i'll be more than happy to point you in the right way, thats all i used to do being a keeper, any spare time went to the dogs, and got a load just now lol.

whats been said is good, id advise some good books aswell, there are plenty and point you right, the dog will take to it naturally, but most important things are, sit, heel, stay and drop. after that, its plain sailing, dont make the dog drop anything at all, like ever, he/she should never drop nothing untill your hand is on the bird, and youve gave the command "drop" a dummy would be a good bet for them just now, and as said, if you have access to birds at a young age, then even better, the last spaniel i trained, was bringing partridges back to me in the house at 9 weeks old.

for sit, im sure you know how to do it, but you must progress like, firstly, its push the arse down, and say sit, and after a short period of time, the dog will get used to the command, from then its the command sit, with the hand signal "stop" like a copper stopping your car lol, the dog will then progress onto the hand signal and nothing else needed, and it will then sit, and from then you will progress to hand signal "sit" and then one long-ish blast on the whistle, and the dog will then learn to sit on the whistle. this is done with every part of training, in stages, i have my dog, when hunting, it will turn on the whistle, and hunt in the other direction, can make it sit 300 yds away, and then send them "back" or "out" left or right, just by hand signal and shouting the command. they are very clever animals, and only needed guided properly, and you will get so much out of them.

just keep on top of the dog when its young, always walked on the leed,and walk them on the oposite hand you carry the gun with, they will then get used to heel to that side, which is important aswell.

 

[scot-ish]

6's..i use those for clay pigeon shootin,doubt theyd be any good for a duck

i use 8's for clays

 

[GT_Irl]

the number has nothing to do with the spread patter mate, thats determined by the choke, the number is the size of the BB.

for ducks, 5 or 6, and get 32gms, or 36gms, for shooting geese, use heavys, which we use 4's at 36 gms, or 42 gms.

I was trying too explain it in simple terms mate. Most hunters as you know yourself dont bother with modifying the choke on their shotgun or ahve a fixed choke. The reason I said that about the spread is consider a 7/8 shooting at a duck far away...more pellets/wider spread pattern (about, 400 pellets...all very light) in the shot. As the pellets exit the shotgun they leave at different velocitys and take different trajectories and hence, make a wider pattern. As they get further and further away from the shotgun they get wider and wider and more off course from their intended direction/target.

Now consider a 4 (135 pellets) shooting at that same duck. Less pellets but there larger so hold their course better. As they leave the shotgun they too leave at different velocitys and take different trajectories but because there is less of them and because (key point) they are heavier they maintain a much "truer" trajectory towards the target and hence a tighter shot pattern and greater range.

Finally, consider a slug (72 pellets). The pellets are much larger and much heavier and theres less of them, hence they travel further then a 4 but have a tighter spread pattern then a 4 as there is less pellets.

Its basic physics. A heavier ball moving at the same velocity as a lighter ball is more likely too hold its course.

So as you can see, size of shell/shell no has absolutly everything too do with spread pattern and choice of shot.

Ive been hunting since I was about 5 so ive seen this hands on so too speak, as for the theory, well its just common sense really. Try any hunting website and they'l say the same thing.

 

[clarkytrd]

now we wouldnt be going shooting poor duckies with slugs now would we:haha::haha:


the poxy weather prevented me from going out shooting today

 

[The_Notorious_C_A_T]

I was thinking of joining the nra, apparently there is a range up in Peterhead which is around my area that you can use .50 rifles.

Although I would probably only shoot targets, if I was to go hunting though, I would like to go hunting something that would prove a challange and could have a fair probably of getting me as well. Fairs fair in my opinion.

 

[GT_Irl]

now we wouldnt be going shooting poor duckies with slugs now would we:haha::haha:


the poxy weather prevented me from going out shooting today

Wasnt too bad down here. Rose three woodcock but missed all three! Dog was swimming all morning, he kept jumping in the river, the mad bastard!!!

Unless hes at long range! Think about it this way mate:

7/8..range..30 yards...spread, about 4 feet


slug/1..range 50 yards..spread, about 1ft

So obviuosly you have too be super accurate too hit something at long range!!

Those figures are guestimates but i'd say there close enough too the real thing

I was thinking of joining the nra, apparently there is a range up in Peterhead which is around my area that you can use .50 rifles.

Although I would probably only shoot targets, if I was to go hunting though, I would like to go hunting something that would prove a challange and could have a fair probably of getting me as well. Fairs fair in my opinion.

Sounds good! My mate does that kind of thing, he has a few sniper rifles, ive seen them but never used them. He says its brilliant fun.

like a lion or something?? I love it dude!!!

 

[The_Notorious_C_A_T]

Wasnt too bad down here. Rose three woodcock but missed all three! Dog was swimming all morning, he kept jumping in the river, the mad bastard!!!

Unless hes at long range! Think about it this way mate:

7/8..range..30 yards...spread, about 4 feet


slug/1..range 50 yards..spread, about 1ft

So obviuosly you have too be super accurate too hit something at long range!!

Those figures are guestimates but i'd say there close enough too the real thing





Sounds good! My mate does that kind of thing, he has a few sniper rifles, ive seen them but never used them. He says its brilliant fun.

like a lion or something?? I love it dude!!!

Something like that, as long as it wasn't endangered or anything. But then again I wouldn't eat it so hopefully someone would. As I aint no veggie or hippie tree hugger, but I also believe is something is to die for us to eat, then they should be eaten. Eg. if you buy some meat, eat it all and don't leave any or else it's a waste of something dying lol

Would like a chey-tac m200 of barrett m82a1, just because it's g and would be for long range shooting. And it's hardcore lol.

Although would need a license which joining hte nra would be key to getting.

 

[GT_Irl]

Something like that, as long as it wasn't endangered or anything. But then again I wouldn't eat it so hopefully someone would. As I aint no veggie or hippie tree hugger, but I also believe is something is to die for us to eat, then they should be eaten. Eg. if you buy some meat, eat it all and don't leave any or else it's a waste of something dying lolWould like a chey-tac m200 of barrett m82a1, just because it's g and would be for long range shooting. And it's hardcore lol.

Although would need a license which joining hte nra would be key to getting.

Well said! The chey-tac looks mean with a silencer But the Barrett is the Daddy!!! Looks mental dude, some recoil i'd say!!

Over here its quite hard too get licences for rifles unfortunatley. You have too start with something small and work your way up. You need referees too fill out character forms on your behalf and then the final decsioin is with your local firearms officer, might take a few trys too get it through. IMO it is good because it vets people who can own serious guns! How does it work over there mate?

 

[scot-ish]

I was trying too explain it in simple terms mate. Most hunters as you know yourself dont bother with modifying the choke on their shotgun or ahve a fixed choke. The reason I said that about the spread is consider a 7/8 shooting at a duck far away...more pellets/wider spread pattern (about, 400 pellets...all very light) in the shot. As the pellets exit the shotgun they leave at different velocitys and take different trajectories and hence, make a wider pattern. As they get further and further away from the shotgun they get wider and wider and more off course from their intended direction/target.

Now consider a 4 (135 pellets) shooting at that same duck. Less pellets but there larger so hold their course better. As they leave the shotgun they too leave at different velocitys and take different trajectories but because there is less of them and because (key point) they are heavier they maintain a much "truer" trajectory towards the target and hence a tighter shot pattern and greater range.

Finally, consider a slug (72 pellets). The pellets are much larger and much heavier and theres less of them, hence they travel further then a 4 but have a tighter spread pattern then a 4 as there is less pellets.

Its basic physics. A heavier ball moving at the same velocity as a lighter ball is more likely too hold its course.

So as you can see, size of shell/shell no has absolutly everything too do with spread pattern and choice of shot.

Ive been hunting since I was about 5 so ive seen this hands on so too speak, as for the theory, well its just common sense really. Try any hunting website and they'l say the same thing.

i wouldnt agree with that, and as youve said about your hunting etc, its the same for me, altho ive worked on a few shoots, one with george digweed as my boss, and if your into hunting you will know exactly who he is, if not, google him, you will be impressed, its where ive learned most about shooting.

you say hunters dont change the chokes?? very wrong, anyone who buys a multichoke shotgun, like all mine are excluding the 16 bore, do so, to change the choke, not for the novely, and depending on where im shooting, wether it be high duck flighting, bout 60 yds, pigeon flighting, pheasant days, or goose shooting, i differ my chokes every time, and usually second barrel 1/4 down on choke, so 1st shot, full choke, second shot, 3/4 choke.

on the pellets changing the spread pattern, on that, iit has more to do with the material the pellets are mate of, and thats why people pay more for tungsten, and have more success with the expensive catridges, otherwise every one would buy the cheap ones.


oh, and on another note mate

there are no pellets in a slug, only one peice of metal hence the term "slug" this is illegal to use on game, and is the only cartridge you can use to shoot deer with a shotgun. you must change the choke to a certain choke to shoot "slugs" hence the choke works like the inside of a rifle barrel, to get the spin onto the slug, since its a single bullet, much like a rifle.

 

[GT_Irl]

i wouldnt agree with that, and as youve said about your hunting etc, its the same for me, altho ive worked on a few shoots, one with george digweed as my boss, and if your into hunting you will know exactly who he is, if not, google him, you will be impressed, its where ive learned most about shooting.

you say hunters dont change the chokes?? very wrong, anyone who buys a multichoke shotgun, like all mine are excluding the 16 bore, do so, to change the choke, not for the novely, and depending on where im shooting, wether it be high duck flighting, bout 60 yds, pigeon flighting, pheasant days, or goose shooting, i differ my chokes every time, and usually second barrel 1/4 down on choke, so 1st shot, full choke, second shot, 3/4 choke.

on the pellets changing the spread pattern, on that, iit has more to do with the material the pellets are mate of, and thats why people pay more for tungsten, and have more success with the expensive catridges, otherwise every one would buy the cheap ones.

edit: as for the tungsten, yup I agree with that, they are better and some do come with plastic inserts which alter the spread pattern based on the insert (maybe thats what your referring to?)


oh, and on another note mate

there are no pellets in a slug, only one peice of metal hence the term "slug" this is illegal to use on game, and is the only cartridge you can use to shoot deer with a shotgun. you must change the choke to a certain choke to shoot "slugs" hence the choke works like the inside of a rifle barrel, to get the spin onto the slug, since its a single bullet, much like a rifle.

I didnt say all hunters, if you read my post back you will see that I said most hunters. 90% of the lads in my club dont change their chokes or have fixed chokes.

Sorry, when I say slug its more a colloquail term, we call a 1 a slug (as i said above..if you read my post).

Of course the amount and size of pellets change the spread pattern and hence the range. Spread pattern is a function of range!!!! A 2 or a 4 wont spread out as much as 7 or 8, simple as! hence, a 1 is better for long range then an 8 because it maintains a tight spread pattern and hence longer range due too less, yet heavier pellets. Just like an 8 is only good over about 20/30 yards because the pellets spread out more...the futher they get form the gun the more they spread out hence why they are useless for long range..unless you get very very lucky, but that still wouldent take down a bird.

I googled him, very impressive dude. Wouldent mind being on a serious hunt like that!

edit: as for the tungsten, yup I agree with that, they are better and some do come with plastic inserts which alter the spread pattern based on the insert (maybe thats what your referring to?)

 

[gv1.3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun_shell