Well said indeed Sir Hunter of the Marketplace. Have missed your postings, I have 20 years on you or more, and am also a die-hard waterfowler. I love to drop big birds with a 3" 12 bore (M12 or LC Smith with proper loads) but consider my eyeballed 40 yards to be "Max"--
I think those of us who shoot the big ten bore doubles are perhaps a bit of a "cult"- the eight bore (and I have handled your Churchill 8- what a cannon) even more so.
But I also sense the great spirit of American Independence here- perhaps in like token to one reason why I have a valid CCW for our State- when in past years each of the 83 Counties had their own arbitrary rules and regs- Because, as a Honorably Discharged vet with zero criminal record- shall issue, I seldom carry the S&W snubbie, but when I want to, within the limits of the law, I can- I see no harm or fault in allowing the 8 bore, as it was once legal- you could count on the fingers of both of your hands the number of men dedicated and die-hard enough to want to do so for waterfowl- most likely they would have to hand load non-toxic- expensive, but if it is their wish to expend the funds- I say- have at it Gents.
Good shooting to you and your friends this season- I'll be out early Sat and Sun morning- awaiting a Bluebird (not Bluebills) opener here--
"Destry rides again"
Threaded Mode