Steve,
What you've observed is an example of the symptom, not the larger problem.
I've been very, very fortunate to have been able to hunt in the field at least 2000 days thus far in my thirty-something year old life. Much of that time was spent with a fine gun, the vast majority was with a raptor practicing the ancient art of falconry. There is a relevant warning in understanding the almost extinction of falconry as a sport and what we will soon face with the firearm sportsman as well.
In the renaissance, there were literally millions of falconers in the world hunting all forms of game on 3 continents but that soon changed. Within 50 years of the proliferation of gunpowder and breech loaders, falconry was almost completely extinct. By 1880 there were perhaps 200 falconers left in all of England, for example. You see, technology, greed and the expeditious ease of killing subsumed the desire to commune with nature and partner with animals in the pursuit of game. (whether dog or falcon)
Was the near extinction of one sport sufficient for the average man's desire for a lazier, easier hunt with less philosophy, etiquette and decorum? No. Today we notice the phenomenon you've encountered where sportsmanship is lacking and only trophy hunting with multishot guns is in vogue. People prepare for hunting season by purchasing more camo covered ATVs, not by going to the skeet range to hone their point with a double gun.
This forum and a few notable societies are all that are left supporting the notion of traditional arms, traditional conservation minded hunts and purists pursuits in this era. Just as falconry nearly became an extinct sport, so too will the upland shooting sportsman if people such as yourself only refrain from keeping the traditions alive.
Hopefully I'll see you in the field this year as I too look for good covert, a brace of fine dogs and the traditional hunting implement ready to pursue game.
