A lot of people ask me what my number one tip is for breaking more clays or bagging more birds. Being a clay target shooter, I’ve learned how to properly look at a target. Your eyes always have to be on the front leading edge. This translates right into being successful out in the field.

Don’t get distracted by the flapping wings of the bird. Drive your eyes to the front. Look for the beak, look for the eye. This will ensure that you have the best opportunity to bag what you’re shooting at.

The best ways to practice for bird hunting is on the trap or skeet field.  I use the trap range to practice for quail. The trap house simulates a dog on point with a bird or covey right in front.

When you’re walking up to a covey with a hunting partner, like my friend Christian here, you always want to make sure your muzzle’s pointed in a safe direction.

Establish shooting lanes for each hunter and stick to your lane, and never shoot a low bird. This can happen.

When I’m practicing for doves I like to come out to the skeet field and pick a random spot out in the middle of the field. I have a friend that pulls for me and I let him decide which bird he gets to pull.

 Once you break that one, go onto another spot. Doves don’t come at any pattern. It’s completely random, so find another one and let him throw it.

This simulates not knowing where the bird is coming from, so just keep doing it. Go to a random spot on the field, wherever you feel like. Pick a spot. Let him surprise you, and again, safety first. Be aware of your surroundings, but as always, have fun.

Pulled me a pair!