In the world of bird dogs and upland hunting, there are many surprises that can catch you off guard, suddenly leaving you with a new fascination or obsession. Whether it's the enduring sight of a bird dog on point, the majestic flush of a bird, the breathtaking landscapes you experience, or, for some, the refined elegance of a well-crafted shotgun.
I have always appreciated the craftsmanship of an attractive shotgun, but I must admit that this aspect never deeply resonated with me. To me, the shotgun was primarily a tool—a means to complete the circle between dog, landscape, and birds. My interest in shotguns was driven by a desire to improve my effectiveness in the field, rather than a fascination with their romanticism or historical significance.
Reflecting on the 2022 hunting season, I endured the worst shooting streak of my life. It wasn't something I could easily fix with just a few more outings. This extended period of poor performance turned otherwise remarkable hunts into some of my bleakest memories in upland hunting. Despite the ideal locations, excellent habitat, and capable dogs providing ample shot opportunities, I couldn't seem to close the deal. The ensuing guilt over letting down my dogs led me to seek answers.
A short time after that season, I found myself at The Sawbriar at Big South Fork, undergoing a gun fitting under the astute guidance of Del Whitman from D.C. Whitman Custom Gunsmithing. During this process, I was measured for my unique physical characteristics and coached on the importance of stance, gun mount, and other instinctive wing shooting principles. This process played a crucial role in addressing my inconsistent and streaky shooting issues (For more on this process: Why Do We Do Gun Fittings?).
Once the gun fitting was complete, I submitted my specifications to Upland Gun Company and began the wait for my new shotgun. During this time, I continued to explore ways to improve my wing shooting skills, delving into topics such as shotgun loads, ammo selection, choke options, and even modifications for my current shotgun until the new one arrived (Ep. 223. Ammo Selection w/ Del Whitman).
After a long wait, akin to a child eagerly awaiting Christmas morning, I finally received the solution to my shooting woes: an RFM Venus 20-gauge with an additional 28-gauge barrel. I had the opportunity to test it on the High Plains Prairies of Montana, pursuing Sharptail Grouse, Hungarian Partridge, and Sage Grouse. The anticipation, preparation, and research paid off immediately. My hunting vest was laden with at least one bird of each species, all taken over my dog's points.
I had been warned that the 28-gauge would surprise me with its effectiveness and the overall enjoyment of carrying it all day compared to larger gauge guns. Eager to test this, I spent opening day in the prairies with the 28-gauge barrel, using 7.5 shot Winchester AA 3/4oz loads. The warnings and suggestions proved true; both the gun and load were more than up to the task!
I cannot recall a more memorable start to a hunting season than sitting down at camp with a cold beer, cleaning three distinct bird species all taken in one day with my new shotgun. After the "laborious" task of cleaning the birds, my friends and I enjoyed Sage Grouse tacos and reminisced about the special moments of the day. For the first time in my hunting career, I found my focus and stories shifting away from just stories of dogs, retrieves, or the habitat and noticed it trending towards the shotgun, marking what might be the onset of finally being bitten by the shotgun bug.
The Shotgun Build:
Venus 20-Gauge (Add'l 28-gauge Barrel)
Coin Finish
Double Trigger
Extractors
30in Barrels
Concave Rib
Interchangeable Chokes on the 20g Fixed Cylinder and Improved Cylinder Chokes on the 28g
English Stock
Orange Synthetic Butt Pad
Splinter forearm
Grade 2 Wood
Brass Bead
Standard Engraving
Standard Checkering
Long Trigger Guard
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