I now hunt with all of my double shotguns SXS and OU’s open. I did not always do this but it’s a habit I have gotten into. Most of my hunting partners also hunt this way.
The main reason is almost all of my hunting is done over dogs and generally when one of our dogs goes on point we will work our way to them as quickly as we can.
Many of the points, are over a hundred yards out and require moving swiftly to the dogs. In the difficult terrane we hunt, this results in a higher chance for a slip or fall.
When we get to a point where the birds will flush we close our guns.
We also train the way we hunt.
There is a lot going on when you are training young dogs or tuning up old ones.
I really can’t think of a time off hand where I missed an opportunity for a shot due to struggling to get my gun closed unless it’s after firing both barrels and a late flush comes up while I am struggling to reload.
When closing our guns and it may seem so obvious, make sure the barrels are pointed in a safe direction and barrels are then pointed up when approaching the dogs.
I always go over this with guys I take out that are not familiar with bird hunting over dogs.
Many have been taught to keep your gun barrel pointed safely down. Unfortunately walking up on the dogs on point with the barrels down especially with other hunters results in a person raising the barrel through the dog's position on the flush. Increasing the chance for a dog to be shot should an accidental discharge happen.
Missed birds just add to the great memories of the hunt. An accident with a dog or a hunting partner is a scaring memory none of us want to experience.
Different types of hunts may require different safety measures but this is the way I do it.
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