I've fondly followed your bird stories over the years 28G, as I haven't really bird hunted since the boy was born, 20 years ago. It was "easier" to be a "single fishing dad" and go deer hunting with him, rather than incorporate bird hunting into the mix too (and train a new pup in there too)...is what I told myself. When the best ever lab-pet was passing just over a year ago, I had to re-dog and I told myself that I'd hunt this one. Therefore I'm making myself hunt, and I'm having to re-train myself after a long hiatus. I can still shoot, but I'm having to "think" like a bird hunter, it's not 2nd nature, yet. It's been challenging, plus working with a pup who's got real big shoes to fill, from my first 2 labs...albeit that's from a long time ago.

I will say that your more recent stories here were inspiring to me. They helped me think about how much fun I had chasing birds with a dog. I was really into it since I was a boy up into my mid 30's...and I really owed it to my son to expose him to it. It was great getting him into his 1st shoot on T-day.

As to the guns, I applaud you shooting your 42!! I've shot enough 28's that I feel like there's basically no difference between a 28 and a 20 for "me" shooting one. Now, a .410...no bueno for me! There's a significant handicap using one IMO. Is your 42 a field model with no rib? I NEVER shot that model worth a hoot, I've shot the dressed-up SKEET model with the rib and different stock/forearm and I shot it "ok", but still not close to 50% I'd venture. I'd guess for a 2nd shot on a live bird, I'd prob be in the 25% category. We're planning an Argentina trip for 2/26 and now that I've been, I hope to improve my average knowing what I now know. I shot decent, but analyzing afterwards, there's a technique I'll (hopefully) use that should up my average.

I just love family traditons; hearing about them, participating in them, starting them! My son has been going deer hunting with me since he was 5, he's 20 now. He's killed a bunch of bucks. I think he'll always deer hunt, and maybe more now that we have this silly lab....which makes me happy! I'm giving them a break, we beat them up pretty good the last week. Going to go to the Clearwater (ID) the middle of this week. Haven't fished it in a long time. Hope you guys can get some birds kicked up!!