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How far is too far to shoot in waterfowl hunting? Answer these three questions

Bourjaily says your effective range in the field depends on primarily three factors: your gun, you, and where you are hunting. He explains below. (Photos by Phil Bourjaily)

In my ideal waterfowl hunt, every bird is backpedaling over the decoys and we’re taking our shots at 20 yards. Sometimes it works out that way, but usually, sooner or later, a bird skirts the spread, or it flares quickly out of the hole on a stiff wind, or it passes over the top of the blind, and the 20-yard shot becomes a 40-plus-yard shot.
Before you stand up and pull the trigger, you have to decide how far is too far. Your effective range in the field depends on primarily three factors.

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