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Get that grouse – nailing those low, fast targets

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A low driven target catches more shooters out than you would expect. A fast target simulating grouse, the wild moorland bird, is not only low and fast but, to add to your difficulties, you might find yourself down in a pit or in a grouse butt. This means the target can be presented as low as possible, sometimes only a couple of metres above your head. It can come in any size and at any speed, so how can we make it easier?

Hold point – keep it low

Start in your normal shooting stance with your barrels on a low holding point. So often we see shooters starting with barrels up in the air, only to have to move down to the target and then slash back the other way to try to find it.

Keep a low hold point on the horizon

A low hold point on the horizon, where the target comes out, will encourage you to mount the gun smoothly then move the gun in a controlled manner with the target.

Don’t wait – take it early

Another common mistake is to let the target come right in and then try to shoot it directly above your head – perhaps just a couple of yards. At this point your pattern is still tight, resulting in a ball of dust when you are on the money but allowing minimal margin for error.

Consistently taking the target out in front, where the pattern has had time to develop, should produce better results.

Lead – not too much

Very low driven targets can often be missed in front. You can be surprised how little lead this target might need.
Bearing in mind that a normal sporting shotgun shoots 60% of its payload above the barrel, it is easy to jump in front. Don’t be surprised that on particularly low grouse you can shoot as soon as you connect with the back edge of the target.
As the height of the target increases so does the forward allowance.