Spit for patches in an 8 bore would have the saliva glands working overtime. Many people in our age group cannot muster up that much spit.
Grease or an oil that will soften BP fouling is needed for hunting in a BP ML or CTG gun. Neestfoot Oil works as-does Trackofthewolf's Mink Oil, which is more of a soft grease.
If spit or other water soluble product is used for hunting, you will likely pit the bore.
Going to shoot the ALR postal match today with my bro(if it doesn't rain).