RE: The ducks are getting away after being shot!
A few things to try .
Patteren your gun with the shells you are shooting .
The patteren may be full of hole or thin areas , a change of choke or shells should fix that .
What shot size are you using ?
#4 steel will work early in the season , but I would sujest # 3 as a min and 2's or 1's might do lots better .
How fast is the load ?
I shoot 1500 fps and faster loads .
I have found that a lighter payload and faster velosity kill better.
I shoot for most of my duck hunting a 2 3/4" 1 oz of #3 at 1650 fps reload .
I will switch to a 3" 1 1/8 oz of #2 at 1650 fps soon .
Get out to the skeet and sporting clay's cources and practice as much as possible
Johnch