I will not use 9s on anything that flies of it's own accord. I proved to myself half a lifetime ago that too many of my doves and wild bobwhites fly away hit solidly with 9s. The problem with quail is that you're shooting them in the rear end, usually, and the shot have to drive up into the vitals from the back end, unless a wing is broken. 9s cannot do that reliably, IMO, at the distances we usually get shots at wild birds. Breaks my heart to see a quail sail away 100 yds. or more with a leg dropped.
Some doves can be killed with 9s on opening day, if a man keeps his shots under 20-25 yds. and doesn't try going away shots. But, most of them won't hit the ground dead, and without a dog you may lose some cripples.
I never use anything smaller than 8s on game, and prefer 7 1/2s under anything but perfect circumstances, and late in the season.
SRH
Last edited by Stan; 08/15/17 04:40 PM.
