going dove hunting for the first time

Lots of shells


Lots

we dove hunt in the suburbs. (or used to)

Sit on the couch with the back door open and wait for one to fly by and get it with the Benjamin. Squirrel too.
Never understood hunting squirrel or dove with a real gun. pellet gun does fine, even from a few hundred feet.
(Benjamin's shoot pellets straight as f)

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we dove hunt in the suburbs. (or used to)

Sit on the couch with the back door open and wait for one to fly by and get it with the Benjamin. Squirrel too.
Never understood hunting squirrel or dove with a real gun. pellet gun does fine, even from a few hundred feet.
(Benjamin's shoot pellets straight as f)

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Kinda hard to hit doves that are flying over a field, with a pellet gun.

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going dove hunting for the first time

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im really stressed because im the only one who doesnt know what the hell im doing. any pointers are appreciated

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This was me last year. I have been several times since and feel like i'm a pro.


Bring a ton of shotgun shells. Even if you don't think you will need them. I ran out my first hunt and it was terrible sitting there watching birds fly over my head and being out of ammo.



Buy a game bag at Academy. Great for putting shells, used shells, and dead birds into it.




Buy one of these at Academy to sit on and put dead birds in. Costs maybe $10 dollars. Ants will get on dead birds fast that are on the ground.




Buy some shears to clean the doves. And bring zip lock bags for your ice chest.




Birds fly at sun up and sun down. Shoot the bird. Watch where it falls. Easy to lose a down bird if you don't pay attention to where they fall. Go get bird. Come back and sit and wait for the next bird to shoot. It's that simple.

Have fun.

Watch your gun barrel. I had an idiot get on a bird, follow it until it was right in front of me, and then pull the trigger. Thankfully I saw it coming and was able to duck behind a round bale prior to him pulling the trigger.

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know we will have plenty of meat but what are some good side dishes to prepare outside by the fire?

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Just bring some organic kale and carrots.



No but seriously, maybe some baked beans, cokes, couple bags of chips, bacon in case someone wants to wrap something. Dixie cups and paper towels

Some good advice here. Someone also might want to tell him how to dispatch an injured dove. That's the most difficult thing I faced my first time.

Also, @ getting coworkers together with guns for 3 days. You gonna get peppered.

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4 boxes per hunt if there are some good numbers of birds.

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Gotcha. Thanks. I'm assuming a box is 25. That's what I have now but I did see some boxes of 100. I can't imagine needing 400 rounds. That sounds more like shoulder torture than hunting!

if there is somewhere that you can go and shoot a few skeet, that will help a lot...also, you will need a gun with a modified or improved cylinder choke...

don't be hesitant to tell them all that you have never dove hunted before...lots of people haven't...

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ill be honest, ive never been hunting. ive shot guns but never actually been on a hunt

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Not to worry. Just follow the golden rules of gun safety, the rest will come upon experience. After your first day you will know what to do and what to expect. Doves are easy to kill but not easy to hit.

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my boss wants to have a team meeting/teambuilding event in a few weeks and we are doing a camp south of san antonio for 5 guys

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Your boss is awesome.

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im really stressed because im the only one who doesnt know what the hell im doing

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See above.

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any pointers are appreciated

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If you’re working a field with multiple other hunters communication and awareness are key. Know where all the other hunters are at all times, don’t shoot low birds, and if you are retrieving a downed bird let everyone know. If I’m going through a heavy thicket to grab a bird I will often hold my gun above my head so people can see where I’m at.

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i know they will show me some tips on the actual hunt, but what do i need to know to prepare?

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Shells. My general rule of thumb is 4 boxes of shells per hunt. Load up with two in your bag or vest and hit the field. If you run out before you hit your limit, walk back to the truck and load up two more. If you don’t hit your limit by then, grab a beer.

Gear. A dove stool or bucket is a good place to start.

Other. Ear protection. Eye protection. Sunscreen. Bugspray/thermocell. Mojo dove. Cleaning supplies: gloves, ziplock bags, trash bags.

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what to wear/not wear, times of day to hunt

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Texas is hot. You will likely be walking around a lot. Good boots and breathable clothing are key. Camo or brown/tan/drab. You will hunt after dawn and before dusk. There could be big changes in temperature between the time you go out and the time you leave, plan ahead.

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im stressing out because we are all sleeping in one room and i know i wont sleep for 3 days. i cant stand sound when i sleep and i know everyone will snore!!

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Tall glass of whiskey and earplugs.

Enjoy.