Begining dove hunting

[fabsroman]

Originally Posted by Mr. 16 gauge

Thanks for the replies so far......all help is welcome.



How's about I bring a case, just in case...

Yeah, I was going to tell you that Skeet was being really good about your shooting ability. The average number of shells shot per hunter per dove killed is just over 4 shells. So, if you are an average shot, you should be able to get the job done with a 12 bird limit in just over 2 boxes of shells. Me, I have seen some guys go through 4 and 5 boxes of shells and still not get their limit.

It also depends on how the doves are acting. If they are flying by you after being shot at in the field, they will be hauling, diving, and dodging already, which makes things a lot tougher. If you are the only one that will be hunting the field, which I prefer with a few exceptions (e.g., father, brothers, and a couple other guys I hunt with), then you will be in much better shape. What I really hate is when birds are heading right for me, they are within 20 yards of me, and some idiot 50+ yards away just has to shoot at them. The birds start their "dance" at that point, and the idiot rarely, if ever, hits the birds.

Me, I always bring 4 boxes of shells for me, take 2 out in the field with me, and leave the other 2 in the car just in case I have a senior moment a la Skeet LOL and cannot shoot all too well that day. The best I have ever done is 12 birds in 20 shells, but I almost always use a 12 gauge.