After the dog run this morning my buddy Jason and I went to LeBaron Outdoor Products to browse the gun room and to pick up some ammunition. I found the kinds of non-toxic shotgun shells I prefer using for wild duck and goose hunting are no longer stocked at LeBaron or any other retailer in town. I prefer the alternatives to steel shot that is commonly used as I recall the bad experiences I had when the use of non-toxic shot was mandated in the 1990s. Prior to this, lead shot was used and the transition to steel shot for use in duck and goose hunting proved difficult for me. Though I tried the choke and shot size combinations recommended at the time, I found steel shot wanting. I suffered appalling crippling losses, despite waiting until birds were well within range. I remedied this situation opting to use the more expensive alternatives to steel shot: bismuth, tungsten, hevishot, etc., and was more than satisfied with the results. With these cartridges I kill Canada geese cleanly at 40 yards.
Jason and other hunting buddies use steel shot effectively and Jason has encouraged me over seasons past to consider using steel shot as he assures me it is much improved in performance in the present. That the kinds of non-toxic shotgun shells I prefer appear to have priced themselves out of market is forcing my hand, finally. Very well, then, this season I am steeling myself to try steel shot in going duck and goose hunting with Jason and the rest of my hunting buddies. To this end, I purchased a new Browning BPS Stalker pump action shotgun in 12 gauge with a 3 1/2 inch chamber and 28 in, barrel. I purchased a case of Winchester shotgun shells, steel, no. 2, 3 1/2 inch, as Jason swears by this when we are hunting ducks and geese. I must admit, it works for him.
In purchasing a new shotgun for this experiment I am opening a new chapter in my hunting hobby. Buying the new gun should help me overcome the psychological inhibition that lingers and kept me from trying steel shot until now. I will try out the new gun and shooting steel shot through it when we get out for the opening day of duck season on September 27th. I am hopeful this experiment will prove successful.
Jason and other hunting buddies use steel shot effectively and Jason has encouraged me over seasons past to consider using steel shot as he assures me it is much improved in performance in the present. That the kinds of non-toxic shotgun shells I prefer appear to have priced themselves out of market is forcing my hand, finally. Very well, then, this season I am steeling myself to try steel shot in going duck and goose hunting with Jason and the rest of my hunting buddies. To this end, I purchased a new Browning BPS Stalker pump action shotgun in 12 gauge with a 3 1/2 inch chamber and 28 in, barrel. I purchased a case of Winchester shotgun shells, steel, no. 2, 3 1/2 inch, as Jason swears by this when we are hunting ducks and geese. I must admit, it works for him.
In purchasing a new shotgun for this experiment I am opening a new chapter in my hunting hobby. Buying the new gun should help me overcome the psychological inhibition that lingers and kept me from trying steel shot until now. I will try out the new gun and shooting steel shot through it when we get out for the opening day of duck season on September 27th. I am hopeful this experiment will prove successful.
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