Now is the time for bird hunters to prepare for the rapidly approaching hunting seasons.
Story and Photography by Nate Skinner

“Just wing it.” This advice might work in some aspects of life, but it has no place in the outdoors. Being unprepared is a recipe to fail. And let’s face it. Failure doesn’t result in memorable moments afield.
Migratory game bird hunting seasons commence in September. They start with dove season which is quickly followed mid-month by the early teal season. The regular duck season will also arrive before we know it. This leaves hunters with only the remaining weeks of July and the month of August to prepare.
Now is the time to obtain ammo. The shelves at sporting goods stores and supplies from online distributors are guaranteed to be picked clean the last few days before season openers roll around. Hunters should go ahead and purchase enough shotgun shells to last them through the season.
Another thing to consider is the type of shot shell being used. Some ammo seems to cycle better through particular guns than others. During sessions at the range, shotgunners should consider using several different brands of shells to find out what performs the best when paired with their shotgun.
Some folks may have acquired a new gun. Plenty of rounds need to be cycled through it before it is ever relied upon in the field. This is not only necessary for break-in purposes, but also for hunters to become completely familiar and comfortable with the new firearm.