Leading the Target

The two most common methods of leading targets at long distances are swing-through and sustained lead.

Swing-Through

Point your shotgun barrel behind the target, moving momentarily to match the target’s speed. Then increase the speed of your gun swing. As the muzzle passes the front of the target, fire and keep moving the barrel at the same increasing speed. In other words, literally “swing through” the target and fire at a blank space in front of the target. Swing-through is the best technique for hunting moving game.

Sustained Lead

This method is a little more challenging because it requires more experience. You estimate the length of lead necessary to hit the target. Point your barrel at that position and maintain that lead as you swing with the target, fire, and continue the same swing. This type of lead is more useful in trap and skeet shooting than in hunting.

Snap-Shooting

Snap-shooting is a technique to use if you must make a quick shot and the target is straight ahead at close range. You simply raise the shotgun and point where you think the target will be when the shot arrives.