Dove hunting

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Originally Posted by Sinker

The simple solution is to shoot non-toxic shot for everything. Problem solved.

S.

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I couldn't do it. I have it in my head that I cannot shoot steel as effectively as lead.

Hunt #1 all shot with non toxic:)
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Originally Posted by Cass

I couldn't do it. I have it in my head that I cannot shoot steel as effectively as lead.

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so get your self a box or two of steel number 6s and a pattern board and prove your self very capable.happy shooting ,,,,Dutch

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Originally Posted by skeeter1

Hunt #1 all shot with non toxic:)
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Very nice.

CASS - I have specifically targeted Dove on two hunts so far this year. I hunt them in cut wheat fields. They tend to bunch up in there. Most of the flying/shooting was early morning for me. I think it's a great way to get the dog in the zone and conditioned for the season. They taste fantastic. All I do is fry them in a little butter :)

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Originally Posted by swampsinger

I don't believe you could efficiently "target" them in my area. I log a lot of miles at work in the area bordered by Hwy 29 to the 416 and the 401 to the 417. I only ever see them in ones twos and threes on the gravel shoulder or on the roadside hydro line, never seen a flock. In this area I believe they will only be an incidental harvest.

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They actually do "flock" just around sunset as they return to the roost. For the last two years I've done well with them by parking my butt along a flight path that they use every night, around sunset. They are mostly in 1s or 2s but you will get the occasional flock of 10-20 birds all coming in together. It often makes for 20-30 minutes of really intense shooting, then just as they die down the woodcocks come in.

Doves aren't something you walk around actively hunting for. You find a flight path between their food source, water source and/or roost and just sit back and wait ... they will come to you. I've had a blast the last few years hunting them. Haven't made it out yet this year but expect to soon.