Chamber Empty or Loaded

[OntarioHunter]

I think comparing a chambered rifle throughout a full day of big game hunting to a chambered shotgun throughout a full day of bird hunting is like comparing apples to oranges.

Depends. I stalk big game. How is that different from stalking birds?

 

[shrapnel]

Depends. I stalk big game. How is that different from stalking birds?

Mostly that big game doesn’t fly from under cover when you see them…

 

[OntarioHunter]

Mostly that big game doesn’t fly from under cover when you see them…

Ah, the voice of experience speaks! You're right. Instead stalked big game runs from under cover in front of me or, if lucky, I may get the drop on the critter in time to get a shot off in the split second before it figures out what I am. Not a huge difference from stalking birds with a dog, especially a flushing dog. With a pointer the hunter may actually have time to load an empty chamber. But I don't know anyone who hunts behind a pointer with an unloaded gun.