But what if the big ol Tom gets hung up at 45 yards and won't come any closer. And when you patterned your gun, you consistantly put 10-12 pellets in the head at 50 yards. So you have confidence in your gun.

Your right though...to each their own. And I admit, the majority of the birds I have taken or called in where shot at 20-30 yards, but I have taken two birds over 40 yards...1 at 45 and one at 52 yards. In these cases, the birds where hung up and weren't coming any closer. Even though I know my gun is capable of making the shot, I still like to call them in closer because I like the up close and personal experience, but when they won't come in, it is my last resort.