I didn't realize it in my mis-spent youth, but, smokeless loaded modern ammunition loses punch at low temperatures. A LOT of punch, in reality. In the 1980s, I just figured those guys with the .410 monogram this and AAHE that were lousy, unpracticed shots. Moving them up to a 12 pump, especially in "weather", be it blowing snow or deep cold, would usually seem to put them at ease and onto pheasants that thought nothing of flushing wild, into the wind, at 40 yards.
I always assumed simply putting away their good (read-expensive) gun took their minds off breaking something worth more than the guide's pickup, dog, spare gun and gun put together. But I think (now) the cold often factored into lousy, smallbore shooting.
If you guys need more "sport", hunt naked. But, do it with a 12 gauge. I've always considered a winged and lost wild bird a sin. I wish more people did.
Best,
Ted
