Hunting is more than just aiming and shooting
John Johnston

On the morning of Aug. 15, I was purchasing my Super Combo hunting license for the upcoming season. Pete, the manager assisting me, said, "You must have slept in," because I am usually one of the first to get my license, but it was 10 a.m. when I got to the counter.

Hunting has been a significant part of my life since my first dove hunt at age 11. I have missed only one opening day since then, and that only because I was in the hospital and they would not let me out in the field with an IV.

To be successful, hunters have to do a little preparation before heading to the field. First, practice as much as you can, either at a sporting clays range or with a friend and a hand thrower. The idea is to get that hand-eye coordination warmed up.

You do not see a quarterback going out for a game without warming up; neither should a good hunter. If you don't practice a little, you will miss more of the first day's birds than you would have with prior practice.

Next is a good cleaning of the shotgun. Semi-automatics need the most attention. They need to be taken down completely and cleaned well.

Lube the action according to the manufacturer's directions. Too much lube can gather dust and grime quickly. Lack of proper oiling can cause the parts not to work correctly. Pumps are not as finicky but take them down with the barrel off and the bolt stripped down.

Doubles are far easier to clean with basically just the barrels and chokes to clean. If I feel the action of one of my doubles needs to be cleaned, I take it to a competent gunsmith.

Removable chokes need attention also. I soak mine in a choke solvent. You can literally see the layer of plastic from the wads come floating off. I then use a soft toothbrush to clean the threads inside the barrel and on the choke itself.

To get the threads absolutely clean, I use a spray cleaner that is mostly alcohol. This degreases them, so you need to put a light coating of oil on the chokes. When I go to re-install the chokes, I put a little anti-seize grease on the threads.

In the field I carry a cleaning rod that is covered with a sheepskin type material that takes out any loose powder or dust. If you need a good scrubbing of the barrel in the field, try the Bore-Snake. This is a soft, rope-like cleaner that has brass imbedded into it that you pull through the barrel, so it will help clean the barrel fairly well. Just use the one for your gauge.

If you clean your shotgun several times a year, don't scrimp; buy a new brush each year so it is tight to the bore.

Last but not least, pick up your empty hulls. My veterinarian says shotgun hulls can be detrimental to cows, who like to eat them. Besides, landowners hate to see empty shotgun hulls all over their land.

John Johnston is a retired sergeat detective who served with the Austin Police Department for 25 years and was a licensed gun dealer for 25 years. He now lives in Lampasas County and can be reached via e-mail at olsingleshot@gmail.com