Shooting doves from 40 yards requires ample lead. Hunters have several ways they can use to determine how much lead is necessary for their shot.
One of the key points in dove hunting is remaining as still as possible in the field. Any movement can send signals to birds that cause them to move away from you and away from being shot at.
The Butt-Bella-Beak System
One of the primary reasons hunters fail to hit doves is due to trying too hard to lead them. A dove that appears high above treetops is often only 30 or 35 yards away; at that distance it presents all its vitals and is within range for a standard shotgun with an Improved Cylinder choke.
Lead requirements will depend on your shotgun size, pattern and the speed of the dove you’re hunting; as a general guideline though it is best to shoot slightly ahead of the bird – for example if she flies directly overhead shoot for the first spot of blue sky that appears between it and your gun muzzle.
At the start of dove season, it’s not unusual to witness hundreds of birds congregating in fields to feed prior to heading out on their respective hunting areas for the day’s hunt. It can often become a social gathering that includes food and camaraderie among friends. While opening day of dove season provides ample opportunity for fun pre-hunt socialization opportunities, it is also imperative that hunters prepare themselves mentally for shooting long range doves at a target range.
Once you arrive at your dove field, make sure to scout for areas of birds’ preferred flight paths and select a seating location with a clear view of these spots. Doves often land where there is water nearby as well as protection from sun radiation.
Keep hydrated during your hunt – sitting in the heat all day can take its toll, leading to dehydration quickly. Be sure to bring enough water for each hour spent hunting; on average it should take three bottles per hour in order to sweat comfortably.
The Pass-Through System
Dove can become easily lost among groups of flying dove, making them hard targets for hunters. A good hunter must quickly be able to identify his chosen bird before moving in position for an effective shot at that location. Dove have excellent eyesight; therefore any movements too frequently could reveal his position and prompt other dove to fly away quickly from him or her.
One way camouflage can assist dove hunters is to wear colors similar to their background. Additionally, dove hunters should try sitting or standing in areas with ample cover in order to hide from birds. Finally, when legal, decoys can help draw birds directly towards you for easier shooting accuracy.
Doves are fast-flying targets that require careful aim and skill to hit. The amount of lead needed depends on various factors such as their speed, distance from where it was fired and type of gun/ammunition used.
Use of an appropriate choke on a shotgun is key to creating the optimal pattern when hunting doves, with wider and denser patterns being easier for longer distance hits. Unfortunately, many dove hunters make the mistake of overchoking their guns which decreases both pattern size and effectiveness.
Dove hunters often make the mistake of trying to shoot at groups of birds at once, which can prove challenging and result in many missed shots. Instead, it would be more efficient if each hunter focused on taking one bird at a time until one falls.
Dove hunting can be an enjoyable and fulfilling activity. By applying these tips and strategies to increase your odds of success on opening day and throughout the season. Best wishes!
The Swing-Through System
Dove are fast-moving birds, so being prepared at any given moment is paramount to successful dove hunting. That means being in an optimal position so you can quickly raise and aim your gun when the opportunity presents itself – this usually means sitting somewhere that will conceal your profile while waiting for doves to fly by; trees with bare limbs and power-lines tend to be popular dove spots, so try getting within range of one or more.
Another crucial tip when waiting for doves is not moving around too much while waiting. Movement acts like sonar bleeps for doves and will give away your presence, prompting them to maneuver away from you in order to escape your line of fire. If necessary, try to move only when able to see the dove before moving quickly in its direction.
Once your dove hunt is complete, it’s common practice to take group photos with all the birds you have harvested as a fun and lasting reminder of an unforgettable hunt experience. Be sure to divide up all your birds before leaving the field; game wardens don’t appreciate piles of meat left sitting around unattended!
Make sure to pack plenty of water. As it can get hot out there and you may sweat while waiting for doves, staying hydrated is essential in keeping hunting as productive and long-lasting as possible. Drink frequently! This will keep both yourself and the doves alive longer!
The Exaggerated Swing-Through System
Doves tend to fly erratically, so being able to anticipate where they’re heading is key. Sit somewhere that offers a clear view of their flight path, then adjust accordingly as soon as they change directions.
Undergoing this process may be difficult and require lots of patience, but the effort can pay off. By trying out different chokes, shells and lead loads you can increase your success rate significantly.
Another key tip when hunting doves is to increase your lead. Doves often come flying right at you and it can be easy to miss them because your gun wasn’t moving fast enough when swinging at it; try being at least four feet ahead when swinging to ensure that pellets hit in front of the bird rather than too far behind it.
Hunting doves at sunrise when they emerge from their roosts is usually most fruitful, though you can also catch them later in the afternoon when returning to their night-time roosts.
Once at your chosen spot, sit somewhere where you can conceal yourself a bit and view birds without giving yourself away. A low overhang on a tree or field fence are both excellent ways to do this while sitting among high weeds or sunflowers also offers you a good opportunity to spot doves without being noticed by others.
Always ensure you use a high-quality shotgun and load when dove hunting, typically consisting of 3s, 5s or 6s for best results. While many dove hunters opt for this approach when shooting doves at longer ranges (10 or 12 slugs are optimal). These patterns will offer more effective shots with their reduced power loss compared to standard loads.