Hmm I've gunned several times, I'm usually pretty good at it, single shots for most birds, like maybe 2 called no birds (birds were dead), in an entire masters stake; (usually when our thrower is replaced); However I have had some really hard days, where judges insist on setting up tests where; even after they've been told several times; circumstances are so bad for shooting that three good gunners couldn't get it done. Throwing Chukars into the wind (which kept speeding up) & into the setting sun, bird must land in a square, or a no bird was called. Got so bad one lady had 5 no-birds in a row, changed out gunners 3 times, eventually I believe steps were taken to ensure No-more No-birds, and they still had them because the bird would blow back into the gunners blind (it was terrible), and no one was more angry than the Gunners.
I do believe the gun-steward is responsible for ensuring a club has the best gunners
available, and they shouldn't just put anyone out there, but there is not a gunner alive who doesn't hate no-birds. I don't know of anyone who wouldn't gladly give up their spot to a better shooter. So if you are that better shooter, get off you buttocks and get out there; if your not might as well quit whining, we're not payed for this. Still if Judges want to switch gunners out after 1 no-bird, I'm completely fine with it; there are many other things; I could be doing with my Sat & Sun. I do wish them very good luck finding other shooters, on the Property; particularly those clubs that for some reason or other always hold their events during hunting season, a few even on Opener.
That's a really fun call to answer when you're out in a duck blind; "Hey we're having problems, can you come out to shoot (I doubt it, I'm 3 hours away hunting). What about XYZ?, (Well they're sitting in the Blind beside me, but let me ask
) (Hold on a second...QUACK..BOOM)... (I'm back; XYZ say they'd love too; but I have the keys, so unfortunately they're marooned
)....AHHH!!! Do you know anyone who can come out to shoot!!!?...(Umm, you are aware that it's Duck Opener Right?, in fact what the heck are you doing there
)... <phone goes quite> Blah(wife) Blah(kids) Blah(gun steward)> ..(QUACK QUACK QUACK...BOOM BOOM...KOTA...(Hey dude, We got a sailor, I'm gonna have to let you go, but good luck) <chorus from the background>, GOODBYE; have fun at the HT, We miss you LOL
) click.