What should a hunter consider when patterning a shotgun?

When patterning a shotgun, it is essential to consider the different ranges at which you expect to encounter game. This practice helps determine how effectively your shotgun will perform at various distances, as shot spread can vary greatly. By assessing the pattern at multiple ranges, you can better understand the optimal distance for taking a shot, ensuring a higher likelihood of a clean and effective harvest.

Using only one type of ammunition may provide insights into its specific pattern characteristics but does not account for the variety that you might encounter in the field. If you only pattern at short ranges, you risk misjudging the shotgun's effectiveness at longer distances, which can lead to missed opportunities. Lastly, focusing on shooting while moving is an important skill in hunting, but it is not specifically related to the practice of patterning a shotgun; instead, it is more pertinent to shooting techniques and strategies during actual hunting scenarios.