The 2023–2024 duck season is officially coming to close. But just because live hunting is off-limits until later this year doesn’t mean you can’t brush up on your skills. The summer months are the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming season and get ahead of the game. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by refining your marksmanship.
Maybe you were a little rusty this year, or maybe you see some room for improvement in your technique. As the old saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” That may be true, but we’re here to give you some practical advice that you can take with you into the 2024–2025 duck season. Read on for some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your hunting trips.
- Take Your Time. Duck hunting often requires long periods of waiting. But when that moment of action comes along, it’s not uncommon to feel a little jumpy. Watch your target closely, wait an extra second before standing, and take a steadying breath as you mount your gun.
- Practice Follow Through. As you follow your target with the barrel of your gun, your instincts might tell you to stop and shoot. But the reality is that this abrupt stopping motion can throw off your timing and aim. Swing through your shots to improve the chances of hitting your mark.
- Sharpen Your Instincts. Waterfowl hunters are heavily reliant on their instincts. How far away is the target? How fast is the target going? How far should I lead the target? These calculations need to be made in a matter of seconds. The more you practice, the better your instincts will become.
- Real-Life Scenarios. As you practice, try to imitate real-life scenarios as much as possible. For example, you might consider shooting from different positions and different angles. The closer your practice is to mimicking the movements of the real thing, the more prepared you’ll be for your next hunt.
- Consult an Expert. No matter how good we get, there’s always someone better who can give us a few pointers and some good advice. Whether you personally know someone like that or you opt to pay for a guided session, it never hurts to absorb the wisdom of the experienced.
- Consistency & Repetition. It can be difficult to get any real practice during the season. Consistency and repetition are essential to improvement, and it’s only during the off-season that you can really refine your skills. Practice often, and you’ll begin to see results.
Here at Mattamuskeet Goose Club, we’re always looking to refine our craft. Join the Mattamuskeet Goose Club Restoration Society, and get access to special members’ benefits. Want to get in touch with us directly? Contact us with any questions or comments. We’d love to hear from you!
