Dove Hunting Tips
Dove hunting season has kicked off, and wing shooters are flocking to the fields. Considered one of the simplest forms of hunting — compared to larger games such as moose, elk, caribou, bison, and deer — hunters oftentimes challenge themselves with this fast-moving target to brush up on their shooting skills more than anything else.
However, there is still much preparation involved when hunting doves. From gathering the right accessories and supplies to conducting prior research, there are many dove hunting tips that can help increase your chances of success.
Dove Hunting Firearms
A shotgun is the typical firearm of choice when dove hunting. That’s because pellets are more accurate at hitting these small and fast targets than a single bullet. And in terms of shotgun gauges, 20-, 16-, or 12 gauge shotguns are the most common options for hunting doves. The 12 gauge, frequently referred to as the king of shotguns, is great for versatility and delivering more power. The 20 gauge, another popular choice, has a narrower barrel, making it a more manageable size. Halfway between the two is the 16-gauge, another, less popular, yet effective, alternative.
The next thing to consider is the choke. Chances are you’ll face a variety of shooting conditions, and because the choke allows you to control pattern diameters at given yards by shaping the shot’s spread, you’ll be able to adapt to these different situations. Open chokes, including improved cylinders and skeets, are ideal for close-range shooting of approximately 25 yards. In contrast, tighter chokes are better for longer shots that are required when birds fly further away. Therefore, it’s suggested to pack various chokes to ensure optimal range and accuracy, no matter the distance from which you’re shooting.
The shell type is another consideration. Doves aren’t necessarily tough to bring down, but their speed and unpredictable flight patterns make them a tough target to hit. Most wing hunters opt for No. 7 ½, 8, or 9 shotshells, as they are effective at close range. When shooting from a distance, however, consider upsizing your pellets to 4s, 5s, or 6s.
When deciding which shotgun to use for dove hunting, the choice is ultimately yours. The most important thing is to choose one that best suits your specific needs and preferences. The key is to pattern your shotgun before heading out so that you can find efficient patterns at different ranges.
Dove Hunting Supplies
Decoys can significantly boost the chances of hitting your prey, especially in dove hunting. Since doves always scope out the area before landing, decoys can help catch their attention, encourage them to fly at a closer range, and even instill confidence to land. Position four or five decoys in a given location, whether on the ground or in the trees.
Dove Hunting Accessories
There are many great accessories that can help while you’re in the great outdoors. Camouflage clothing, for instance, can be a game-changer since doves can spot hunters from high vantage points. You can even add camo tape to your shotgun to help hide sudden gun movements and glares.
Polarized shooting glasses can also be useful while hunting. Yellow-tinted/dark lenses will protect your eyes from glare and sunlight, making it easier and safer to shoot in areas with many reflective surfaces. At the same time, binoculars may also come in handy for tracking prey from a distance without startling them.
Understanding Dove Habits
Another way to increase your success rate is to study doves’ flightpath in advance. Identify their roosting areas, water holes, and food fields, and determine the time of day they visit these locations. This information will give you an advantage since you’ll know exactly where to set up decoys, as well as when to expect your prey.
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