Ask The Instructor: Teal Targets

Questions: Teal targets cause me more problems than any other type of target. What’s the key to shooting teals?

Answer:  I divide teal targets into two distinct types: one that is within range at the peak (i.e. the point at which the target reaches its maximum height), and one that is outgoing and out-of-range at its peak.

For a target that is within range, I recommend a “cut-off and collapse” or “catch move” technique. Your breakpoint is immediately after the target reaches it’s peak. Initiate your move as the target is launched. Move the gun along a line that is slightly offset from the target line (so as not to occlude the target). Complete your mount and move to the breakpoint just prior to the target reaching its peak. Execute the shot immediately after the target peaks and begins its downward movement. Pay attention to the direction of the target after it reaches its peak. For a target that is going up and slightly left, the leading edge (and thus your focal point and insert point) will be around seven o’clock (just left of the bottom edge).

The second type of teal target is outgoing, and reaches its peak at a distance too far away to engage comfortably. This rising target must be engaged while under power, and thus requires a pass-through movement (aka “two-piece”) in which you move the muzzle through the target after the target has passed your muzzle. For this two-piece move, the muzzle is held about a third of the distance back from the breakpoint to the ground. Your gun mount is completed just prior to the target reaching your muzzle. Immediately after the target rises above your muzzle from underneath, pass through the leading edge of the target and execute the shot. Remember not to hold any farther back than one third from the breakpoint and make sure the target is still under power at the breakpoint, otherwise you will miss in front of the target.