Checking POI and less often considered convergence, is a very valid points, Stan. Only way to know is a trip to a patterning plate. It amuses me the number of shooters and hunters who have never patterned a shotgun. Zero times. All my rifle shooting friends spend countless shots at range to figure both group size and point of impact. Convergence with the few double rifles as well. But a shotgun has that magical spreading pattern which must compensate for both operator error and gun payload limitations.
If you want to kill a high percentage of birds, with one well placed shot, you must do your homework. And then practice, practice, practice. If you want to use any small-bore you have to do even more advance work. And very few people can estimate distance worth a darn. Maybe a farmer can who has to train his eye to judge 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 20 rows.
Most hunters are lucky to guess correctly within 5-10 yards at birds flying the true distance. And if your bird is five yards past your effective range and abilities, all you are doing is wasting time. If you can not put multiple lethal pellets, on a Dove, do not shoot.
