1500 fps +

[Jerry Parise]

I have to say that 1500 FPS is just absurd. It seems that American hunters have been duped into thinking that faster and more powerful is better. I can understand that some areas are non tox only, but, even in those areas, when shooting steel shot at 1425 fps is fine and even at that speed the shells give quite a wallop. In areas that lead can be used I have never felt the need for anything greater than a 20 ga. shell throwing 1 oz. of lead #6 at 1200 fps for all prairie birds.

[Double Lab]

Every year heading out west I stop in the Cabelas in Mitchell, SD. It's been so long I can remember when they broke ground for that location and how wonderful it was to stop there. We all know those days are gone.

As I cruise the aisles for a bargain I see some nimrod pushing a shopping cart filled with new clothes, boots and ammo. I glance down at the ammo selection he has and I swear to you I've seen on more than one occaision he has 12 ga., 1 3/8oz loads of #4 lead in 3 inch magnum. I act like this is mky first hunt out there and look him straight in the eye and ask him "just how big are the pheasants out here"? He will mumble something to the effect of how tough these wild birds are. Most of these dudes are hunting stocked birds but don't know it.

Yes, anything over 1200fps is ridiculous but it sells ammo.