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a tip on hitting doves #6431438 08/30/16 05:45 PM
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There seems to be a lot of discussion on what type of shot to use,,,heavy, light, 6's, 9's, etc. They all have different velocities and different characteristics--------- the key to hitting game is to pick one ------ any one----- and shoot that same one every year, year after year, one shell for dove and quail, one for ducks. . . Same argument about your chokes ----- I use full and Mod, for all game---- if the dove/quail/duck is 15 yds away I let him fly out to 25 yds before I shoot. simple --------- If you cant get a limit of doves with one box of shells, you are doing something wrong.

Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431452 08/30/16 05:58 PM
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So full choke with #6's Is a good choice for shooting bobwhites over my dogs as long as I'm consistent with it?

Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431454 08/30/16 05:58 PM
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Winner winner chicken dinner. ....Lt Mod on dove quail....Full on ducks geese also know your yardage I know I'm good to kill up to 40yds that's my limit anything over I seem to wing alot of birds


If it bleeds I can KILL IT
Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431531 08/30/16 06:40 PM
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Killing birds is easy...you point and shoot where they are going to be not where they are. wink

Make sure you're full choke is rated for steel or is a steel shot full choke...if not your barrel could end up looking like this one:



bentman - I know you know this so I'm not directing at you, but there are some who might grab their lead chokes and end up in a mess that looks like this.


Originally Posted by Phil Robertson
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431662 08/30/16 07:53 PM
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#calmdown Juddy!


Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431698 08/30/16 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted By: dune2218
If you cant get a limit of doves with one box of shells, you are doing something wrong.


I read a few years ago the national average (not sure how that information was obtained) was 4 shells per bird.

I have hunted with very few people who routinely kill limits with a box of shells. I also recognize that some places hunt differently than others. I hunted with a buddy last year, 100% white wings all flying the same direction directly towards us. I killed my first 9 birds in 9 shells in about 10 minutes. Nothing like hunting the morning doves I have shot most of my life.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431704 08/30/16 08:27 PM
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Let them land at your feet.


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Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431714 08/30/16 08:34 PM
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What about camo dont forget camo i get a limit every year you have to be quiet very quiet.



-Those who say money can't buy happiness never bought a dog.

Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431722 08/30/16 08:36 PM
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Opening morning on a good field with Mojos, pick your shots, you could limit with 15 shells.

If I pass shoot, it usually takes me a box and a half, give or take a few.

Gman




" I don't hunt turkeys because I want to, I hunt turkeys because I have to."
Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431756 08/30/16 09:11 PM
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Originally Posted By: dune2218
There seems to be a lot of discussion on what type of shot to use,,,heavy, light, 6's, 9's, etc. They all have different velocities and different characteristics--------- the key to hitting game is to pick one ------ any one----- and shoot that same one every year, year after year, one shell for dove and quail, one for ducks. . . Same argument about your chokes ----- I use full and Mod, for all game---- if the dove/quail/duck is 15 yds away I let him fly out to 25 yds before I shoot. simple --------- If you cant get a limit of doves with one box of shells, you are doing something wrong.
Get off your high horse Mr Perfect.

Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: Judd] #6431792 08/30/16 09:25 PM
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Originally Posted By: Judd
Killing birds is easy...you point and shoot where they are going to be not where they are. wink

Make sure you're full choke is rated for steel or is a steel shot full choke...if not your barrel could end up looking like this one:



bentman - I know you know this so I'm not directing at you, but there are some who might grab their lead chokes and end up in a mess that looks like this.

good point on the chokes


If it bleeds I can KILL IT
Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431795 08/30/16 09:27 PM
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--------- If you cant get a limit of doves with one box of shells, you are doing something wrong.

bs


SPACE FOR RENT


Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431861 08/30/16 10:16 PM
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On that same supposition I should only own and shoot one shotgun every year, year after year for all birds too. And for big game to be consistent a single rifle with a single chosen round every year, year after year for all game?

Naw, that would be boring. That is great advice for the beginner. But after hunting during 70% of my life, I prefer to rotate through several different shotguns, gauges, chokes, and loads and rifles for other game through the season or from season to season be it for the situation presented, nostalgia, to purposely limit myself, or just because I can. I can say without a doubt by using and learning the advantages and limitations of several different firearms and loads, it has greatly improved my overall hunting success and therefore experience.

Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6431960 08/30/16 11:01 PM
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While I am not disagreeing with you on your advice here OP, I can't say that it applies to everyone, maybe not even most. Ive always shot my doves with IC in the barrel because they tend to decoy quite close at the beginning of the season and after a few Dove hunts I tire of the meat and tend not to hunt them again until the short second season in December and I step up shot size and choke then as they usually stay further out and have more feathers on by then. IC/Modified in the O/U for my Quail and a custom Decoy extended Carlson choke for my ducks.

Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6432039 08/30/16 11:35 PM
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I agree 100% on the "1 shell" philosophy, especially 1 velocity, but can't go along with always using the same gun or chokes. For the opener I'm lucky to be able to hunt a small watering hole that is almost always covered up with birds....I shoot a 28 O/U choked skeet and improved...it would just be silly to constantly hold off on shots and have to walk further to get them for no reason.....not the same later in the season at other places. P_102


Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6432052 08/30/16 11:43 PM
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I think the OP is taking this way too seriously. Dove hunting should be fun.

I have met very few people that can limit with a box of shells.


Always chasing grey bullets.
Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: Will] #6432100 08/31/16 12:00 AM
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Originally Posted By: Will
I think the OP is taking this way too seriously. Dove hunting should be fun.

I have met very few people that can limit with a box of shells.


Well you haven't seen me shoot my single shot 410. I'm deadly if the doves are within 75 yards. peep

Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6432172 08/31/16 12:38 AM
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Yeah, Espy, but is it choked Cyl.? Lol

Will, I truly believe that more hunters could limit if they follow 2 simple suggestions: 1) Stop taking 'low %' shots, 2) Shoot only one bird at a time (unless they have a good dog). Low % shots mean more misses and shooting singles results in fewer lost birds. P_102


Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6432191 08/31/16 12:44 AM
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P_102, I called Elm Fork and they are all dried up with all Sporting Clay courses open, we need to go rent a cart and soot some.


SPACE FOR RENT


Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: Will] #6432195 08/31/16 12:46 AM
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Originally Posted By: Will
I think the OP is taking this way too seriously. Dove hunting should be fun.

I have met very few people that can limit with a box of shells.



I can, I just choose not to. peep


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Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: P_102] #6432215 08/31/16 12:58 AM
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Originally Posted By: P_102
Yeah, Espy, but is it choked Cyl.? Lol

Will, I truly believe that more hunters could limit if they follow 2 simple suggestions: 1) Stop taking 'low %' shots, 2) Shoot only one bird at a time (unless they have a good dog). Low % shots mean more misses and shooting singles results in fewer lost birds. P_102

very practical statement there...
but shells are cheap entertainment and I am as guilty as anyone on burning thru a couple of boxes or more for maybe a dozen birds...
that and the fact I'm fortunate to own my own place and have friends and relatives who do also, so lease or day money is not a factor...
and my wingshooting skills leave a lot to be desired

Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6432218 08/31/16 12:59 AM
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Gonna bring that new 28 Buzz? There are certain posters on here that say they are simply 'pop guns' and not effective. LOL! P_102


Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: dune2218] #6432220 08/31/16 01:02 AM
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Understand that kweber, we don't always 'practice what we preach'. I've been known to take the occasional 'mad shot'. P_102


Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: P_102] #6432334 08/31/16 02:09 AM
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Originally Posted By: P_102
Yeah, Espy, but is it choked Cyl.? Lol

Will, I truly believe that more hunters could limit if they follow 2 simple suggestions: 1) Stop taking 'low %' shots, 2) Shoot only one bird at a time (unless they have a good dog). Low % shots mean more misses and shooting singles results in fewer lost birds. P_102


I agree with you 100%. Both great points.

I am well capable of limiting with a box. I've had good shooting instruction and practice. However, I burn through more than a box on most hunts because I'm having fun, taking a few lower percentage shots, and smiling the whole time.


Always chasing grey bullets.
Re: a tip on hitting doves [Re: kweber] #6432338 08/31/16 02:12 AM
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Originally Posted By: kweber
Originally Posted By: P_102
Yeah, Espy, but is it choked Cyl.? Lol

Will, I truly believe that more hunters could limit if they follow 2 simple suggestions: 1) Stop taking 'low %' shots, 2) Shoot only one bird at a time (unless they have a good dog). Low % shots mean more misses and shooting singles results in fewer lost birds. P_102

very practical statement there...
but shells are cheap entertainment and I am as guilty as anyone on burning thru a couple of boxes or more for maybe a dozen birds...
that and the fact I'm fortunate to own my own place and have friends and relatives who do also, so lease or day money is not a factor...
and my wingshooting skills leave a lot to be desired


I'm in the same boat kweber. I'm much better with pistols and rifles than I am with shotguns, but I really enjoy wingshooting. At $5 and some change per box, I'm not going to stress and lose sleep over misses. I've practiced a little more this year than in the past, but it's more about being outdoors and having fun to me. I can guarantee you I'll have a load of fun Thursday morning regardless of how many birds I kill.


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