Some very good advice already, I hope I'm not duplicating but I would add, have your gun in a slip until the drive starts, unload and return it to the slip immediately the drive finishes or if any non-shooting member of the puublic comes close. No matter how few shots you've had, once the signal for the end of the drive has sounded do not shoot again no matter how tempting. Pick up your cartridge cases, mark where birds have fallen to help the pickers up afterwards, pay special attention to runners and try to get a dog on them as soon as the drive finishes. It's worth repeating the advice "if in doubt don't shoot" there will be more birds but beaters and other guns generally object to being shot.
If you are missing birds it's usually behind so increase your lead and keep the gun moving as you fire. If the action is "hot" keep two cartridges between the fingers of your left hand (if shooting right handed) so you can quickly reload without fumbling for a cartridge in a pocket or bag. Don't push your skill limits with overlong shots, we all love to take a very high bird but it is irresponsible to shoot at birds you do not expect to kill. If there is a multiple flush, stay cool pick one bird but take it early with the choke barrel and then look for another if you kill it. Smile nicely when your neighbour takes your best bird of the day right in front of you, especially when you have to duck to avoid it taking your head off!! Finally don't have too much damson gin at lunch, shooting and alcohol are not good companions.
You're doing OK on a typical shoot if you have a kill percentage of 40% of shots or better, if you're doing better than 60% you're a "hot shot".
I use RC Sipe cartridges in No.6 with a fibre wad (many shoots insist on fibre wads) and I am very happy with them.
Here's looking forward to a few good days on the peg with you all again this year. Cheers Paul.
