My impression was that if we'd done our job properly there were no more pricked birds from a "normal" day than on a high bird one.
I think possibly the reason that folks are not seeing more pricked birds on the high bird shoots is because they're not being missed due to thinning patterns or reduced pellet energy. Likely, they're being missed by a ton at that range. Doesn't matter how much shot you put behind them. On lower birds I think there's a much higher chance of clipping a bird with the edge of the pattern if you're a bit off. If you're a bit off at a 60 yard bird you're well off, likely won't clip a tail feather, all of your mistakes are that much more magnified at range.
I've found the longest birds I've killed have been lights out, everything came together perfectly, otherwise it was as if I was shooting blanks.
