When shooting for high doves there are several reasons that these birds are missed, and no matter the reason it is very challenging to achieve for high dove hunt. When we missed it could be because the shooter doesn’t have his face planted firmly on the stock, and has incorrectly mounted the gun, so forgets to aim in front of it before pulling the trigger, isn’t steady on his feet or mounts the gun too early. 

But could be other reasons like slow down the swing because the shooter is use to shoot clays or skeet; it could be different issues involve in our shooting and it is always important to keep in mind some of the basics shooting a gun, to be able to correct when we are in the field and doves fly over our heads. The gun ought to always be mounted properly prior to attempting the shot, as to do otherwise is a formula for a lower success rate.

The commonest reason high birds are missed is because the shooter pulls the trigger when his face is not planted firmly on the stock. He’s either mounted the gun correctly (he should have as he’s had all the time in the world to see the bird coming) but then for some reason lifted his head away from the stock, probably to get a better view of the bird. Or, and this happens more often than you’d believe possible, the shooter has simply thought ‘this appears really slow and easy’ and didn’t give the bird the attention it deserved.

Shooting high birds is one area where a steady, methodical and calculated approach will pay dividends, but this doesn’t mean there isn’t scope for instinctive shooting. Shooting instinctively at a late-seen bird, for instance, will often reap results, but if you want to use this technique as your normal shooting style, you’ll find that you have to bide your time.

Another key element is your footwork, this is essential, however this does not mean you need make great big steps forward. The main thing to remember is to finish square; this is achieved by addressing the bird and taking only a gentle step forward to ready yourself. Apart from over stepping the other obvious one is leaning back and putting your weight on your back foot, which will more then likely result in you stumbling back into you loader, which is never a good thing.

Although a steady, formulaic and calculating method can get great results, there is still a place for shooting intuitively while you’re on the pheasant shoot. Remember that a tighter choke is helpful while shooting really high birds. The choke may cause the shot to maintain denser over extended ranges.

Gentlemens, if you have the chance to shoot some high birds in northern Cordoba, you will find them even more challenge than the driven pheasant in UK. You can check it with our friends, Colin, Chris, Ian or Franz. We hope you will be the next one to come and challenge yourself.

Happy Hunts

Pablo Aguilo

Pointer Wingshooting