David BASC Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 When decoying I tend to set my pattern out so the killing zone is no more than 30m away. Similarly when rough shooting or on the odd beaters day when I get to have a go at driven I tend to keep my shots within 30-35m What about you? David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 When I'm after Crows, I tend to bring my decoys in a bit closer, usually about 20 yards. I leave a few out a bit further, but most are nearer to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 I like to push the boundaries a bit when I shoot, taking/trying longer shots (within reasonable limits),if the opportunity presents itself. Pigeon shooting is probably my favourite where I prefer to take 40-50 yd shots at free flying birds if they give you the chance. I agree though that with decoying the object is principally crop protection and 30-35 yds is about right. Archie Coates used to take them on the ground or sitting in trees if necessary. Different time and approach but although he loved shooting them and seemed to always respect his quarry, he needed to reduce their numbers. Range is perhaps also linked to the type of gun and cart you use - I like a semi with a fair load when out after pigeons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.philmypower. Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 I enjoy taking the harder shots around 50yards but i love nothing more than the fast pigeons when theyve got the wind behind them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 Obviously, Kes and Phil are using lead shot. Is that what your question refers to , David? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the running man Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 (edited) with the price of cartridges these days,i only take the shot if i think i mite hit it!!,i put my decoys out at about 15-20m from my hide and max range is about 25-30m,i did once take a crow at .410,i was pretty nifty with my .410 at the time and seemed to be able to hit a lot with it,but i wouldnt do it these days. Edited May 29, 2011 by the running man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 I like to take the bird at 40 yards, and set my pattern accordingly. Yes you can take a bird at 50+ yards, but I like to ensure that the bird comes down dead as much as I possibly can. I start my pattern 10 yards from the hide, and use 10 decoys in each arm of the horseshoe, the last bird being the 40 yard marker, the killing zone is approx 20 yards across. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David BASC Posted May 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 I was not focusing on shot type or indeed size for that matter, it was just curiosity to see what ranges others typically shot at, that’s all. I have personally always limited my shooting range to the range that I am confident at hitting and killing the quarry, but as I say it’s my personal limits. I am confident that a 12 bore will bring down a pheasant or pigeon to 45 yards easily, if I could be sure to put the bird in the middle of the pattern at that range of course! Unfortunately my skills lag well behind that of Mike, hence my limits to 30 yards or so! As for shot size / type, I tend to use lead 6’s for live quarry, lead, 9’s for clays and if I use steel I go to 5’s David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 I was not focusing on shot type or indeed size for that matter, it was just curiosity to see what ranges others typically shot at, that’s all. I have personally always limited my shooting range to the range that I am confident at hitting and killing the quarry, but as I say it’s my personal limits. I am confident that a 12 bore will bring down a pheasant or pigeon to 45 yards easily, if I could be sure to put the bird in the middle of the pattern at that range of course! As for shot size / type, I tend to use lead 6’s for live quarry, lead, 9’s for clays and if I use steel I go to 5’s David Range What's your maximum? .....to see what ranges others typically shot at Seems like two different questions to me, I seldom Decoy but would always endeavor to keep as close as possible, my Maximum bird has probably been about 60 yards, but that is certainly not Typical! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MK38 Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 I prefer to shoot between 25 - 35 yds and try to set decoy patterns to suit.... Allthough shotguns can reach out 50 yds + i seldom shoot past 40yds.. i find it hard enough at that distance. Should also remember that some people have a very poor idea of range/distance.... stick a full bodied decoy out at 40 yds..... and see how many guess the range correctly. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the running man Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 I prefer to shoot between 25 - 35 yds and try to set decoy patterns to suit.... Allthough shotguns can reach out 50 yds + i seldom shoot past 40yds.. i find it hard enough at that distance. Should also remember that some people have a very poor idea of range/distance.... stick a full bodied decoy out at 40 yds..... and see how many guess the range correctly. Dave thats a very good point mk38,a lot of people have a problem judging distance,and on eneven grond it can hinder ure judgement. however,im not about to get me tape measure out just yet!! i know just about where things need to be,experience comes into it on the mostpart for the sucessful decoyer i feel....do u agree? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 I can remember reading somewhere that the average shot distance in game shooting was 20 yards . I am comfortable at shooting over the decoys at 40 yards maximum . Most of my shots over the coys are a lot closer than that . Harnser . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandalf Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 Shooting 'pigs' is for crop protection only these days. (Not for sport 'cos that's not allowed anymore)! So - Get 'em in close. Put closest coys at 10yds and the farthest at about 35 (max). Average shot will be about 25yds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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