shooting troubles

[follow maggie]

So I was out hunting this weekend, and had a great time with the blind and the calling- for the first time.  My shooting was a different story, though.  Over 1/2 box of shells, and all I managed to shoot was the sky.  I'm shooting behind and don't know what I'm doing wrong, since I can't see myself.  I've decided to go see an instructor to help me out and salvage my dignity.  Does anyone know a good wing shooting in the W Washington area?  I would like to keep it between Mt Vernon, Ellensburg and Chehalis, but will go further if necessary.

Thanks for any help.

[h2ofowlr]

I would hit the local trap club where your located and see if they have a 10 stand you can shoot.  Sporting Clays.  That may help.  The first tid bit I would give you is make sure you follow through on every shot.  If the bird is flying across the spread from either side start behind the bird and swing past it.  Touch off the gun in front of the bird and continue your swing.  Your shot always strings out and 95% of misses are behind the bird.  Lead the bird a little further.  If it's dropping into the spread aim at the bottom of the bird.  Another few boxes and you should be getting close.  Good luck.

[ICEMAN]

Butt, beak, bang.

[CP]

Sometimes we just have an off day.  Happens to everyone.  Wingshooting is mostly mental once you have the basics down.  When I was a kid my Dad would send me to sit in the truck awhile if I was missing too much, when I came back he would give me one shell and I had to make that count or go back to the truck.  That really helped the mental game.

I don’t send myself to the truck but if I hit a streak of misses I’ll only load one shell in the gun.  You would be surprised how well that simple technique works.

But to answer your original question, you might try the Kenmore gun range in Bothell.  I know they have a basic shotgun class once a month.  They may also more advanced classes.  They have trap & 5 stand ranges to sharpen you skills. 

[crabcreekhunter]

Don't stop the gun when you pull and emphasize your swing through the bird if it is crossing from behind to the front of the bird!!

[BigGoonTuna]

Butt, beak, bang.

best wingshooting advice, ever.

only thing i can add is, make sure you're always getting the same mount on your gun every time you throw it up.

[BLR 243]

when I first started with the steel shot I wasn't hitten anything, untill I realized that the steel was traveling @ 1500 fps Swing through the bird and shoot for the bill. Lead is much slower so your lead is increased. With lead 90% of miss are behind,oh and keep your head on the stock. AS for a shooting school Drykes over in Sequim is where I went  (Sunnydell Shooting Grounds) Chuck and Matt Dryke

[Oldguy]

If you are really serious about learning how to be a better shot, try Sunnydell Shooting Grounds in Sequim. You can even learn shooting over their duck pond! ( clay pigeons, not ducks ) It was well worth my trip over and improved my shooting a bunch.

[ducksdoom12]

keep your head down on the gun. thats always what im doing wrong when i start missing

[jackelope]

follow maggie--
contact Walt Plonski, my stepdad, at www.hpst.biz for lessons. they teach at seattle skeet and trap.

[follow maggie]

BLR- went and spent a couple hours with Chuck Dryke this morning.  The man knows what he's talking about.  It was ell worth the money- I'm shooting better than I ever have before.  Knocking down crossing doubles one after another, which I've never been able to do in my life.  Thanks for the tip.  But, beak, bang from iceman is working, too.  Thanks, guys.