Field and Game Shooting Basics: Understanding Lead

If you're new to field and game shooting, one of the first things to understand is that shooting a moving target is very different from simply pointing a shotgun at it and pulling the trigger.

Whether you're shooting game in the field or practising with clay targets, the key is learning to judge where the target is going to be, rather than focusing only on where it is when you first see it.

Understanding lead

When a target is moving across your field of view, you need to allow for the time it takes to recognise the target, move the gun and pull the trigger. If you simply place the barrel on the target and shoot, you'll generally be behind it.

Instead, smoothly follow the target with your gun, move ahead of it and take the shot where you expect the target to be.

How much lead you need will depend on a few things, including the speed, direction and distance of the target.

A target travelling across your path will generally require you to get further in front, while a closer or slower target may require less lead. As the distance increases, you'll generally need to increase your lead as the target has more time to travel before the shot reaches it.

Shooting targets moving away

Targets moving away from you require a slightly different approach. As the target rises or travels away, you'll generally want to be above and ahead of it when taking the shot.

The same principle applies — you're allowing for where the target will be by the time you've completed your swing and pulled the trigger.

Understanding the shot pattern

It's also important to remember that a shotgun doesn't fire a single projectile. It fires a pattern of shot, which spreads as it travels.

The pattern isn't a perfect circle and can spread into more of a teardrop shape. This gives you some room for error, but it doesn't replace the need for good technique and correct lead.

Getting a feel for distance

One of the biggest parts of field and game shooting is learning to judge distance.

A target that's close will move less distance while you're taking the shot, so you generally need less lead. A target that's further away will require more lead because of the additional distance it has to travel.

With practice, you'll start to develop a natural feel for how much lead to use rather than having to consciously calculate it every time.

The key thing to remember is simple: don't shoot at where the target is — shoot at where it's going.

Field and game shooting is all about reading the target, judging its speed and distance, moving smoothly with it and developing good timing. The more you practise, the more naturally these skills will come together.

Get out there, practise your swing and learn to trust your lead — the more targets you shoot, the better you'll become at reading them.

Still looking for more information? Check out Darcys latest youtube video on understanding field and game shooting.

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