First Shotgun Hunt

First shotgun hunt

After I had been deer hunting a couple years I decided I really wanted to try upland game hunting. Since I didn’t have my own shotgun I borrowed one that had belonged to my Grandfather – a Winchester Model 25, 12 gauge. Yes it was one that had a butt about has hard as cement and the ability to kick like a mule but I was determined to try this out.

It was a beautiful October afternoon and we set out to walk some harvested fields and dried up ponds looking for pheasants, grouse or maybe even a rabbit. After walking through some harvested corn, wheat and through some cattails we didn’t have much luck. We decided to try a belt of trees known for cottontails. Luck would have it a cottontail jumped up in front of me. I lifted the shotgun and didn’t rest it on the front of my shoulder. Instead it was more on my upper arm and I took a shot. Not only did I miss but I felt like someone had grabbed my arm and ran the other direction with it. WOW! First lesson – don’t rush the shot (especially over a rabbit!). 

We then walked the last field of the day which was a harvested wheat field. The sun was at our backs and we couldn’t have had a better view. Just over a small hill a large group of partridge got up. This time I held the gun to my shoulder and shot. I was successful and got my first upland game kill! 

What a tremendous opportunity this was for me to not only learn how to be patient but to make sure I had good shooting position to be successful. Second lesson – purchase a shotgun less with recoil and one that fits me.

Happy Hunting!