That's not a failure. That's a hunt!
Yes, it was. It gave me confidence I'd nail him in the next few days, but it never happened.
I have to say, at 60yds, with my shotgun, I'd have taken a whack I think. The more I pattern the more I learn about my gun.
That said, I'd rather pop him at 25-30.
My personal rule is 35 yards. The longest shots I've ever taken were 40 yards and 42 yards. The 42 yard shot I mis-estimated. I thought it was 35 yards.
I prefer them under 30, but will not hesitate to shoot at 35. The closest I've ever passed on one was 15-20 yards. I don't remember why.
If I had shot at every bird I thought was 40-50 yards away I would have a lot more beards and spurs in my collection, but I would also have some misses and some wounded birds. That, I don't want to do. Therefore I'm conservative in my shot selection.
Steve.
