Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Late season dove

Went on a hunt Saturday morning. Only hunted dove twice before, in September. Nothing at all for the first 30 minutes of daylight but when they began, it became hot and heavy and stayed that way for almost 2 hours. And then they just shut off. Must say, it was a great way to end the hunting season. I shot 65 times and got 8 birds. Hopefully can do better next season, which I am really looking forward to. Owe lots of thanks to my friend who set up the field, planted the crops, etc.... Next, we are going quail hunting in a couple of weeks. Looks like I might be in the market for a new shotgun. Using a Browning light 12 with modified choke. Also have a longer barreled 870 with Modified also. Not sure what I need but have a good friend that should be able to advise me. As well, it is just money......and lots of fun.

65:8?

Stand by for 87 year old man to chime in with

By golly, I shot 15 with 12 rounds, 410

😀

What size shot were you shooting. 8 or 7 1/2 . Shooting 1 oz or 1 1/8 oz.

Depending on the distance you may have needed an improved modified.

Your modified will have holes in the pattern at 30 yards that a dove can fly through.

Shooting 8 shot. Not sure what oz. Keep in mind, this is the shotgun I have. THINKING of buying another one and will definitely pattern whichever one I use next year. Assuming ammo can be found. Made 3 hunts so far and shot different ammo each time, as that is what I could get. And yeah 8 shots per bird. Remember I am a beginner? And 72 with bad eyes. I had fun and hope to get better. But if not, I will continue to have fun.

Glad you had a good time. Might try out a 20ga...be easier on the shoulder at 72.

Have fun!

Traveling Man,
Now we’re of “mature” age we only hunt for fun…not for meat! Thankfully!! Can’t see close, worse at distance. lol 😂

Got a buddy that tears 'em up with a Ruger Red Label 20gauge.

Sounds fun!

What kind of quail hunting(wild, preserve, etc.) are you going on? I assume in Alabama? Alabama used to have some big plantations and lots of birds dogs.

Any time you can go out and shoot 65 shots is a good day in my opinion.👍👍

^^^This^^^

schiddt man

the real doves left here Labor Day weekend

we do have the collared doves piggin' out at the bird feeder

Sparrow Hawks hangin around waitin for an easy meal

Have not been on a late season dove shoot since I lived in Alabama more than 20 years past. That’s the time to shoot. All grown birds moving fast. Favorite equipment was always my old Sweet 16 shooting 3 - 1 1/8 - 7 1/2 from a modified barrel.

20 GA and low base 6s w Imp Cyl for blues which are stronger than bobs. I'd take Skeet choke for close shots over pointers for bobs.





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22 for rabbits.





8s and Skeet for dove over water holes.




2 shooters got 2 limits with 2 20s over water. Took pic in a lul in the action in good light here.

screen shot in windows

20 O/U w mod/imp cyl.

take a screenshot

20 with Skeet and 8s over water hole..

I agree 100%.
Love those high volume dove “shoots.”

20 ga w steel 4s.



TM, with today's shot cups the patterns hold much tighter than when I was a kid.

I think if you go to a more open choke and kind of aim/point and swing at the doves or a ducks beak or a few inches ahead and not stop the swing when you shoot you will drastically increase you hit percentage.

Take care and GOD Bless and good hunting.

Great photo of the Wood Ducks, Doc!!! Beautiful!

Never killed one, never seen any in this part of the state in my lifetime.

I’ve only seen them while fishing on Lake Caddo & Toledo Bend.

Ive been blessed, Neal, by the Grace of God.

Bro and his bud got some on the San Saba near Mason this fall.

screen capture software

TM, works on Sanhills too. 12 ga. Mod.



Miserable duck hunting this and last season

These were ftom 20/21.

Dove was poor this year, early and late season.




screenshot utility

My deceased brother Johnny loved to dove hunt. He said it was his favorite type of hunting cos: you can sleep in and don’t have to get up before the crack of dawn, you don’t freeze, you can wear whatever (usually cut off jeans, a tee and flip flops), you don’t have to be quiet, you get plenty of shots if they’re flying, you do have to clean nothing cos you can’t hit em, and you can drink lots of liquid refreshments. He was the class clown and I miss his unique outlook on things.

It was a lot of fun but the birds were high and fast. Obviously had been shot at before, unlike the early season hunt. 2nd hunt in September, I limited out with 33 shots. Most of yesterdays birds were 40+ yards away with the afterburners on. Still an absolute blast. As said earlier, I may have a new gun by next season, where I can use an appropriate choke but this year it was use what you have. 12 does not really bother me. Shoulder is a little sore but not much considering. But a 20 might just be on the agenda.