Shooting shotgun
Shooting with Shotguns
Shotgun shooting is reflex-based. It differs from rifle shooting in several important ways:
• You look at the target (while with rifles, aiming devices are more important).
• You “snap” the shot off with a firm pull (while with rifles, you squeeze the trigger).
• You must have proper body positioning and a gun that fits your body (this is helpful—but not critical—for rifle shooting).
Shotguns are almost always cast. This means the stock is slightly angled sideways in relation to the barrel. The stock is also higher or lower to varying degrees, and has individual shapes for grip and cheek rest. If the stock doesn’t fit the shooter, the alignment will be off. Ideally, when mounting the shotgun, your aiming eye should end up directly behind the barrel. The shooter should see just enough of the rib (the flat top of the barrel) that it could be covered by a pencil if laid on top.
The First Shots
At shooting ranges, there are often adjustable guns available that can give you an idea of how your own gun should be fitted. You can also tape and pad the stock if you’re shooting too low. If you’re hitting too high, you’ll need to lower the comb (the top of the stock). Ask an experienced shooter or instructor for help, and try the following three steps:
• Mount the gun (firmly with your cheek against the stock—no exaggeration) while your eyes are closed. Open your shooting eye and check if the barrel and rib look aligned.
• With both eyes open, mount the gun and aim at a target. Close the eye you won’t aim with (left eye if you’re right-handed). If the target seems misaligned with the barrel, you’re using the wrong eye for aiming and will need to train this away.
• Fire your first shots at paper (e.g., cardboard or wrapping paper) with a clear center mark. Focus your eyes on the center mark, aim quickly in one motion, and press the trigger as soon as the barrel “sits on the target.” Don’t over-aim or correct—just shoot. Then check where the shot hit.
Once you’ve come this far and things seem to be working decently, move on to shooting at stationary clay pigeons, then on to thrown targets (flying straight away from you).
How to test shotgun ammunition
Sometimes it’s necessary to test your ammunition. You can do this using a wide sheet of wrapping paper:
Draw a 75 cm diameter circle on the paper and shoot one shot at it from 30 meters (you can test at other distances too).
If your ammo performs poorly, you’ll notice it from the pattern being uneven or too sparse. This also teaches you how your shot pattern works and how different chokes and shells affect the spread.
Shotgun Training
Shotgun training is about shooting moving targets. You mainly practice by shooting clay pigeons at the range. In sport shooting, this is known as skeet or trap.
To hit moving targets, you must lead them—because the target moves before the shot reaches it.
Lead is greatest when shooting side-on targets—and less when targets are flying toward or away from you. Lead distance can vary depending on range. A clay pigeon (or bird in flight) can travel 20 meters per second, meaning that at 30 meters (maximum range), lead might need to be over 2 meters—less the closer the range is.
Basic Tips
You learn to shoot at the range, alongside experienced shooters. Here are some general tips for your first visit to a skeet range:
• The gun should fit your body (as discussed earlier). This can be hard to judge at first, so ask experienced shooters and try several guns before buying your own.
• Stand steadily and slightly angled in the shooting direction (clockwise if you’re right-handed). Make sure you stand relaxed and leaning slightly forward in a ready position (see images).
• Hold the shotgun firmly and handle it confidently. When mounting the gun, your cheek should be firmly on the stock. Always use the same grip and starting position for every shot.
• Swing with your legs, hips, and waist. Your upper body, arms, and head should stay mostly still.
• Look sharply and focus on the target. Everything else (the front bead, etc.) should appear blurry.
• Swing aggressively—you want to catch up to the target and pass it.
• Snap off the shot confidently when you feel you’re on target.
• Continue the swing after the shot.
Hunting with Shotgun
The basic rule of shotgun hunting: Pay attention to distance!
All shooting beyond 30 meters is risky and should therefore be regarded as the maximum range for shotgun hunting in general. For larger or tougher game, such as geese or roe deer, the maximum effective shooting distance is 20 meters.
The most difficult situation is shooting over open water or at birds flying in the distance, because it’s hard to judge distances accurately. Goose hunting in particular can be difficult, as the birds are large and can appear much closer than they actually are. An old saying among experienced bird hunters is: “You should be able to see the bird’s eyes before pulling the trigger.”
Practice Range Estimation
Range estimation is a constant source of mistakes (probably the most common) in hunting. That’s why it plays an important role during the practical hunting license exams. Range estimation is something you can easily practice in everyday life by pacing out distances. A good preparation when setting up a stand is to mark certain distances with tape or flags – which helps you make better judgments during the hunt. If you’re in an unfamiliar spot, try to estimate the distance to stones, trees, or other reference points beforehand – which is easier than guessing in a stressful hunting moment.
There are also situations where taking a shotgun shot is inappropriate, even if the animal is within normal range. Birds swimming on water are protected by the water and can be very difficult to kill. A roe deer directly facing you in winter fur presents a very small target area and is protected by both fur and breastbone. In both these cases, a shot is only justifiable in a tracking (wounded animal) situation.
Treat Every Shot as a Hit
When hunting with a shotgun, you generally have at least two shots available. A common mistake is firing the second shot too quickly. The best approach is always to remain calm, take an extra second, and renew your swing before firing the second shot.
Keep in mind that shotgun pellets don’t cause the same visible wound effects as bullets, which affects how you handle follow-ups and tracking. A hit animal may not bleed much at all, and the small tufts of hair released from a pellet hit can be very hard to find on the ground. A good rule of thumb is to assume every shotgun shot is a hit.