Chokes for Dove Hunting and What Size Shot

[Buckshooter]

What is the favorite choke you use on these little winged evaders and what size shot? Probably opening a can of worms here but just wondering how others around the country hunt these birds

 

[Lennyjoe]

Modified. 71/2 shot. Heavy field loads.

 

[toiville2feathers]

Modified and imp. cyl. 9 shot . I want pattern density!!

 

[MtnCreek]

Depends. Mod / #7.5 or #8 is a great combo for most fields. Some of the really big fields further South of me, Mod / 7.5 or even a full choke. Small field and opening day low flyers, IC with #7.5 to #9 will do fine. #9 runs out of steam pretty quick, so it's not a good shot for higher / further birds, but #9 w/ a IC is perfect for walking around jumping them up. Jumping feeding birds w/ a Mod choke, you better let him get a ways out there if you're looking to have anything left to eat.

 

[MCgunner]

Modified. 71/2 shot. Heavy field loads.

Same for me except I like 7/8 ounce 20 gauge or 1 ounce 12s depending on which gun I'm using. My 20 gauge double gets choked i/c-mod. IC is KILLER on those 25 yard shots.

 

[Patocazador]

20 gauge with modified choke and el cheapo 7 1/2s.

 

[jmr40]

I kill a lot more birds with IC. It is better for longer ranges than many think. If the birds are flying so high I need modified, they are probably farther away than I can hit them anyway.

I generally use 1 1/8 oz. #7.5 or #8.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I go to I/C when dove and quail season run together here in Arizona.

 

[MtnCreek]

If you're shooting 12ga, make sure your shells are orange. If 20ga, they should be bright yellow (I call it Fiocchi-Yellow).

 

[coxhaus]

I like IC chokes and #8 when the birds are coming into a tank for water. I have been known to shoot #9 shot when it is real still and they are flying low. I also use M chokes and #71/2 shot when I am in a sunflower field and a northerner is blowing in with the birds flying high to where you have to lead them about 8 feet.

I carry different shot and chokes and adjust as I go.

 

[rcmodel]

What coxhaus said in the above post.

That's the way it works here in Kansas.

Coming in to water = Cyl or Imp Cyl, or Skeet choke.

Pass shooting over field stubble = Mod, maybe, when IC isn't quit enough.

rc

 

[oneounceload]

Early when warm - 8 or 8-1/2, LM
Late, or if cooler - 8 or 7.5, M

Basic target loads do fine, no need for heavy loads that beat you up

 

[stiab]

I no longer dove hunt due to relocation, but kept records and have killed over 2,000 12 at a time, and learned many years ago that your killing percentage goes up drastically as you open up the chokes. Skeet if you have one, if not use IC, and nothing bigger. Modified is a poor choice, but it is what many people use because it is all they have. Another option is to take a vintage double barrel that originallly had 30" tubes and get a gunsmith to cut them down to 26", and then impress your friends with how you dove shooting improves.

 

[allaroundhunter]

I shoot size 7.5 shot with a skeet choke in the bottom barrel and an IC in the top. Most of my shots are under 25 yards so that is plenty.

If I am shooting a little further then I'll go IC/Mod.

 

[303tom]

Modified. #71/2 shot. Heavy field loads !..................

 

[oneounceload]

Another option is to take a vintage double barrel that originallly had 30" tubes and get a gunsmith to cut them down to 26", and then impress your friends with how you dove shooting improves.

And I will disagree, especially with a 20, 28, or 410, I'll take 30" tubes every time...26 inchers tend to start fast and stop even faster

 

[mnhntr]

Modified or improved choke and 7 1/2 shot heavy field loads

 

[Dr.Rob]

1oz 7.5 shot, 3&1/4 dram Federal "Game Load"

12ga. 26 inch I/C choke

 

[gbran]

I hunt a lot of flushing birds. I use a cheap Stoeger 12ga side by side, 26" barrels, fairly light, two triggers, two chokes..... IC 1st barrel, modified 2nd. Shoot either at any time.

This combination has worked so well, I haven't hunted these birds with anything else for years.

 

[MCgunner]

I hunt a lot of flushing birds. I use a cheap Stoeger 12ga side by side, 26" barrels, fairly light, two triggers, two chokes..... IC 1st barrel, modified 2nd. Shoot either at any time.

This combination has worked so well, I haven't hunted these birds with anything else for years.

Naw, say it ain't so, an AFFORDABLE SxS works? Yeah, I feel the same way about my Spartan 20 gauge, works fantastic 20" barrels and all! Yeah, it's a little whippy, but I seem to do okay with it, usually shoot daily limits opening weekend and if I'm on my game, I'll shoot 50 percent with it which is DANGED GOOD for ME. I never claimed to be the world's best wing shot and I can't do any better with my favorite 12 gauge auto. It's just that the Spartan is so handy, I love that thing, light and fast. No, it probably wouldn't hold up to 6 figure round counts, but it'll never see that sort of round count in MY possession, not unless I was to hit the lotto and buy a ranch in Argentina or something. If that happens, I'll put in my order for a Purdey or Holland and Holland in 28 gauge.

 

[Beach Nut]

I always used #6 shot for doves and #8 for quail. It always worked for me. Improved
or Modified chokes are good choices for controlling patterns.