Many shots were fired at extreme range where accurate species identification and the chance of a clean kill were highly unlikely. Observations were made of ducks being wounded but not brought down. A number of shooters were observed to continue shooting rather than following-up and recovering downed birds. In states where lead shot is still used this represents a serious pollution risk. Other species of birds were seen to be frightened or distressed by the shooting.
Birds can become exhausted after flying around for hours and have difficulty maintaining height.