New To Shooting & Hunting

[Bganz]

Hi guys!

First of all, this is my first post and I just want to say thanks and how much I appreciate having AOF at my disposal. It's such an amazing resource and over the last few months I've learnt a ton and it has seriously gotten me pumped for hunting and shooting!

I have completed the Albertas Hunter Ed Program, and I'm just waiting for my PAL to come in the mail, so until it is in my hands there's not much I can do but wait, watch YouTube videos, practice blowing a duck call, and read forums. Once my licence does arrive though, I will have a Benelli Supernova waiting for me!

Anyways, here are my questions so far..

My primary goal (for now) is to improve my shot then get into hunting waterfowl. I totally understand it's not easy or cheap so I'll need to build up to it. My game plan, once my license arrives, is to practice my shot until next season then start hunting. I'd hate to cripple a bird or make a serious mistake because I wasn't fully prepared. Any advice on the best way to properly learn to shoot? I was thinking that I'll join a shooting club (maybe Silver Willows?) and take a lesson or two?

My next question: Waterfowl gear! As I have quite a bit of time before I plan to be out burning fuel, scouting and hunting, I figure I should wait to buy much gear (boots, waders, jacket, decoys) until there's some good deals. I don't want to spend a ton of money on stuff in case I decide I'm not a huge fan after all, but I am considering picking up a dozen mallard decoys to start off with when I can find a good deal. WSS has a deal on right now for 30% off decoys. It seems like a fairly good deal, but do you find there are better deals near the end of the season as they try to push out their stock, or is this about as good as it gets?

My last question is about patterning a shotgun and ammo. When you pattern your shotgun, do you to try to find good patterning ammo for shooting clays, and then pattern your shotgun again with steel-shot for hunting? Also, what's the best target load? 2 3/4" #7.5? I am considering just the standard Federal target load as it seems relatively inexpensive compared to many others.

Anyways, thanks again for any and all advice! I know I sound like a complete newbie, but I am just genuinely very excited to get into this sport, and hoping to find some friendly advice and guidance as I don't really know anyone that's into this.

[NewAlbertan]

You'll get lots of advice here. Great group.

Shoot. Shot trap, skeet and 5 stand. If you can take a lesson great. But practice lots.

Gear - u don't need much. Start with jump shooting. Go from there. Good shotgun, camp top and decent waders will suffice.

Observe and learn. Then get into decoys and setups and blinds.

Go and enjoy! It's not about the kill. It's about the experience. And life is not a magazine ad or a tv show.

[BrownTrout]

That's a great first post by the OP. Well thought out and written. Welcome to AO.
Great response post by NA.

I'm guessing you are in the Calgary area as you mentioned Silver Willow. To save on cost before you challenge yourself to sporting clays, go to the Calgary firearms centre in DeWinton. You can take a much more cost effective lesson there to get you started and practice a ton. After a few rounds of trap and you being more comfortable then, I'd suggest going to Silver Willow.