I went dove hunting in the evening the last couple of nights. The dove were flying right down the middle of a pipeline about 100 yards wide. There were several hunters along the fence line where the pipeline enters the property.

There was no room for me to hunt the fence line, so I decided to go out into the field try to pick off the straglers that made it through the barage of hunters. I positioned myself about 250 yards from the main group of hunters.

I felt a little uncomfortable in that position because I had to wait till the birds came very close to me in order to take a safe shot. Was I too close to the other hunters? I am not sure what the proper etiquete is regarding this issue. Anyone have an opinion about where I chose to hunt. Nobody had any issues about where I was, but I was not sure if I did the right thing?

I believe what you did was correct and would have no problem with that distance. I hunted a lease opening evening and was second group on the property (got there about 3:00pm). I knew that the ponds would be packed so I choose a dry creekbed that looked like it would be productive and set up. Sure enough around 4:00pm the hunters were coming in droves. I had three trucks park within 75 yards of where I was set up and then had them jokers (2 of them) set up within 30 yards of my mojo dove and the other two about 75 yards from me. What a bunch of nitwits. Well the first low flying dove changed that as I emptied my gun downing the dove. From out of the gully came a shout "Watch were you shooting". Being perturbed that they intruded on me and my nephew this was all I needed to make things straight. I promptly walked to were the punk was hidden behind a little mesquite and told him how the cow eats the cabbage. Needless to say him and his buddies packed up and ventured to greener pastures. I surely dont mind unkown hunters around me especialy the range your talkng about but never crowd any closer unless you know them.

I am sorry, but I am the one who brought the whole HIP thing up, to help anyone who did not know. You are an idiot and I am sure most will agree with me on this one. This was my first dove hunt ever. I did not know how things worked out there excuse me for asking.

You're quite congenial, aren't you? Or maybe the word I'm looking for is congenital. Or just plain old genitals.

I think you were fine. Along a fenceline I usually try to space it out about 75-100 yards... this way if someone does take a shot in my direction it won't hurt you or put out an eye.

For going out in the middle of the pipeline or open... I think you did great.

#1 They were there first, so you did right by not crowding them.

#2 You were picking up the left over birds that they had missed. Couldn't have done it any better if you ask me.

#3 250 yards away is 750 feet... I think you were plenty out of range.

Wish more guys who were new to hunting were like you. You are not afraid to speak up and ask questions when you don't understand and you put others first in your decisions.

Normal bird shot has a lethal max range of what..50 yards max?
So any spacing above 75-100 yards you should be fine.
If you were 250 yards then you were way more than fine.

Hey ProximoMetalica, how'd you do? Get any birds?

Ignore that 'heckler', there's always one in the crowd.

BTW, thanks for bringing up the HIP issue; I'm a new dove hunter as well and your notice helped me get my license fixed BEFORE the start of the season - just in time!

Pigpen...not everyone knows it all. I think it's better to help people while you can than talk about things that happened in the past that can't be changed. What's important is what happens going forward. In this case Proximometalica seems like he is trying to be a considerate hunter and should be commended not bashed.

Proximo-I was just pullin your chain, relax. If you didnt pepper anyone and you have as much right to be out there as those guys, the heck with them. I wouldnt worry about those shots if you were 250yds away=that is a far piece, but be sure you arent underestimating your range. Three Curl, that was NOT nice at all. Talkin about my sac and all that. And hey, I wasnt the one that called him a douche bag. And that guy is a Saint and I am the martyr. Proximo-welcome aboard and glad you are starting to grow some thick skin!

I wasn't talking about your sack. I was calling you a dick.

I beg your pardon? My, those are some strong words! Have a banana and cool off.

This is right. You just need to be far enough to not interfere with another hunter. 75-100 yards is good. That way the pellets don't sting either.

For clarification these ranges don't apply to duck hunting.

You should be more than 200 yards when duck hunting. Not because of the pellets, but because you are competing for birds.

Here is a link to tpwd that shows shotgun ranges.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/homestudy/firearms/sgdist.phtml

I don't think this is the lethal range but peppering could still hurt someone if it hit them in the eye or something.

Personally I wear sun glasses and don't mind a little pepper as long as they are far enough away I doesn't hurt.

Here is the link for rifle ranges

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/homestudy/firearms/bullets.phtml

During special white wing it is elbow distance or the length of the barrel, which ever is longer.

If I'm not mistaken, he was calling you the D-bag.

250 yards.........noooooo problem!!!

I have been on vendor sponsored hunts where we were 100 yards apart on either side of the field. Had pellets raining down on us off and on for several hours. No biggie.......just lower your head when you hear them hit the trees.


Tbar

Yep thats how it is on public land when dove hunting for sure!! Makes you flinch a little the first few times!

Some better chill, no other warning will be given. You will banned without notice.