I'm not an expert either but usually the dumb ones are the ones you take during early season. Cover is usually better and typically won't flush until you are closer. I've seen them try to hide in the middle of a dirt road hunkered down in a tire track (one of the dumb ones). I'll typically use 7 1/2 shot with a modified/IC choke during the early season. Late season, you have the survivors left and they are smart. Winter weather has reduced the amount of foliage and cover. The birds tend to run, but when they do flush, longer shots seem to be the norm. I use 3" 6 shot with a full choke in one or both of my O/U.