It's true there are sporting clays presentations that do not mimic anything any gamebirds would/can do. But, a shooter that can master chondelles, springing teal, and erratic rabbit targets can better handle unexpected things gamebirds do. Those who have spent a lifetime shooting doves , and woodcock for that matter, understand erratic flight ......woodies in the flooded timber, too. And, I've yet to meet the shooter that is good on 50 yard crossers that isn't better than most on shorter shots. Learning the long game only makes you better on the short game.
As for skeet being a great practice venue for field shooting, I agree, up to a point. But, anyone who shoots gamebirds at the range you shoot high and low station 8 doesn't care about meat damage. IMO a person who limits himself strictly to skeet as a means to practice field shooting is going to be very handicapped when presented with shots from 30 to 50 yards. Again IMO, learning to kill targets at extreme ranges, and getting better at targets exhibiting erratic behaviour, will serve you well in the field.
