Dove hunting

[Cass]

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

S.

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

[skeeter1]

Hunt #1 all shot with non toxic
2015 DOVES.jpg

[dutchhunter]

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

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

[Species8472]

Hunt #1 all shot with non toxic
2015 DOVES.jpg

Very nice.

[Pigeoneater5000]

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

[psilokan]

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.

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.