First dove hunt

[mustangLX92]

I will be going on my first dove hunt later this week. Any tips for a first time dove hunter, what to bring with me? How much ammo, stuff like that

Thanks for the help

 

[Smoke]

3-4 boxes of shells (just in case)

Water

Find a flyway. Usually between food source and water, can be between roosts and water/food.

Be still until you take your shot. Smooth movements when mounting the gun, jumping up fast and throwing your gun up suddenly will cause those birds to do acrobatics that make the best fighter pilots jealous.

Good luck, and have fun.

Smoke

 

[mustangLX92]

What size shot should I be using?

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

My favorite dove shot is #7-1/2, though I've used #6 on very windy days. A friend swears by #8, and he's a much better shot than me (except when I'm having a great day).

The other thing I suggest you take is patience. They may not move much during daylight hours, so if you start early, you may be a little bored until late afternoon.

I always take a chair with me, so I have a place to sleep (not a joke). And look out where you're standing; I set up on top of a fire ant mound once and it ruined my day.

Also, don't get frustrated if you miss a lot. It takes a while to learn--dove seem to have a sixth sense about when to move, and they are capable of amazing aerobatics. (I think the stupid ones die first, and the ones that survive the first week or so are pretty crafty.)

Have you done any other hunting?

 

[mustangLX92]

I have not done any other hunting yet. This year I will be doing a lot of deer hunting, but this trip will be my first time out.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

In that case, let's back up a bit.

Are you going with someone who can show you the ropes a little, such as range for hitting doves, compensating for approaching vs. crossing vs receding shots?

Also, will you be going to a pretty open place, or will there be lots of other hunters around? You can make yourself pretty unpopular in a hurry by shooting too close to other hunters.

You'll need someone to show you how to clean a dove (it's pretty easy; I just rip the breast out). It can get a little messy.

Since you'll be outdoors for a while, don't forget plenty of water & something to snack on (jerky is good).

Where will you be hunting? Here in Texas, dove hunting is like a religion, but it's sure a lot of fun. I'm hoping I can get out this weekend.

Also, I envy you being able to "a lot" of deer hunting--that's an expensive proposition down here!

 

[birdv]

Oh don't forget the BEER. It will help the first few times you shoot all your shells and hit nothing. (or swear you hit 12 you just can't find any of those dead doves) You will need a beer for every dove you thought you hit.


Note: DON'T drink before you go. Because that is cheating. You have to miss sober like everyone else.