Home Hunting Dove Bustin’ 101 TIPS FROM A VETERAN SKY BLASTER

Dove Bustin’ 101 TIPS FROM A VETERAN SKY BLASTER

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by Jim Wilson


Dove hunting is one of the most exciting and challenging wingshooting sports available to most of us. These fast, erratic flyers require sharp reflexes, precise aim, and sound shooting fundamentals. Whether you’re a novice hunter or an experienced shooter looking to improve your accuracy, this guide will provide you with essential techniques to consistently hit flying doves at various angles.

Proper Shotgun Mounting

A proper shotgun mount is the foundation of accurate shooting. An incorrect mount can lead to poor sight alignment, inconsistent shots, and missed birds. To ensure a proper shotgun mount, begin with a correct stance. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, positioning your lead foot slightly ahead, with your weight slightly forward on the balls of your feet.

When mounting the shotgun, start with the firearm in a low-ready position, resting the stock lightly against your hip. Bring the shotgun up to your cheek first rather than your shoulder, then firmly seat the stock against your shoulder without pressing too hard. Your dominant eye should naturally align down the rib of the barrel. A well-practiced mount ensures a smooth transition from spotting the dove to firing accurately without unnecessary head movement.

Calculating the Lead

Since doves are fast and unpredictable, calculating the correct lead is crucial. Lead refers to the distance ahead of a moving target where you must aim to compensate for its flight path. There are three primary methods for calculating lead: the swing-through method, the maintained lead method, and the pull-away method.

The swing-through method is beginner-friendly, where you start behind the target and swing your barrel through it before firing. Begin tracking the bird from behind, accelerate the barrel past the dove, fire as you swing through, and continue following through after the shot.

The maintained lead method requires holding your barrel ahead of the target at a consistent lead distance. Estimate the required lead based on speed, angle, and distance, keep your barrel steadily in front of the bird, and pull the trigger while maintaining this lead.

The pull-away method starts with tracking the bird and then increasing the lead before firing. Lock onto the dove’s path, gradually move your barrel ahead of the bird, and fire once the proper lead is established. Each method works well in different situations, so practice each to find what suits you best.

Mastering Trigger Pull

Unlike shooting stationary targets, wingshooting requires a smooth and controlled trigger pull to avoid jerking the shotgun. To ensure a proper trigger pull, stay relaxed, as tension in your grip can negatively impact your shot. Squeeze the trigger smoothly rather than jerking it, allowing it to become part of your follow-through motion. Commit to the shot without hesitation, as doubt leads to missed opportunities. Trust your instincts and fire decisively.

Follow Through: The Key to Consistency

Follow-through is often overlooked but is critical to maintaining accuracy. Many shooters stop their swing as they fire, causing them to shoot behind the target. To ensure proper follow-through, keep swinging the barrel after the shot, maintain your cheek on the stock, and keep your eyes locked on the bird until it drops. A smooth follow-through keeps the shot pattern aligned with the dove’s flight path, increasing your chances of a clean hit.

Shooting Angles and Adjustments

Doves approach from various angles, requiring quick adaptation. For straight-away shots, minimal lead is needed, so aim just above the tail and maintain a smooth, controlled swing. For incoming shots, slightly reduce lead and focus on keeping your barrel under the bird, firing before the dove passes overhead. Crossing shots, whether left to right or right to left, require significant lead due to lateral movement. The faster the bird, the farther ahead you should aim. High-angle shots demand adjustments to stance and lead to prevent shooting directly overhead. Keeping your movements smooth is essential to avoid overcorrection.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Your gear plays a role in successful dove shooting. Choosing the right shotgun is essential, with 12-gauge and 20-gauge options being ideal for dove hunting. Semi-automatics and over/under shotguns are popular choices, while a lightweight shotgun helps reduce fatigue during long hunts. Choke selection is another important factor. Improved Cylinder (IC) or Modified chokes are best for doves, with IC providing a wider spread for closer shots and Modified offering tighter patterns for longer shots. Shot size also affects performance, with #7 ½ or #8 shot commonly used for doves. Lighter loads help minimize recoil while maintaining effectiveness.

Practicing for Improvement

Regular practice is essential for improving wingshooting skills. Engaging in sporting clays and skeet shooting helps simulate real hunting scenarios, refining lead calculation and swing. Practicing dry fire drills at home allows you to work on mounting and swinging the shotgun to build muscle memory. The best practice, however, comes from real hunting conditions, so spending time in the field will sharpen your skills effectively.

Hitting flying doves with a shotgun is a challenging yet rewarding skill that requires proper technique, practice, and patience. By mastering shotgun mounting, calculating lead, refining trigger pull, and maintaining follow-through, you can significantly increase your success rate in the field. With the right equipment and regular practice, you’ll be able to consistently bring down doves from any angle. Happy hunting!

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