How to Hunt Doves

Whether you hunt doves in your own back field or book a trip to hunt doves at a professionally-staffed hunting resort, you have chosen an exciting sport. Dove hunting is not only fun, but makes for a delicious meal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Choose a good area with a variety of terrain when you want to hunt doves. The best hunting is found in their natural habitat. Wide open fields with adjacent stands of trees where the birds can roost and rest are great. Look for areas where a water hole is nearby. Lakes and ponds next to open fields are attractive to doves. Find a field that has lots of wild flowers and wheat since doves are drawn to eat there.
2. Wear camouflage clothing or light brown clothing to blend in with the surroundings when you hunt doves. Stay as still as possible with no sudden movements because doves are very skittish and sensitive to movement. Raise you gun to your shoulder slowly and quietly. Stand at the edge of the tree line, not out in the open.
3. Study the flight pattern and path of doves as you wait for a chance to shoot. If a flock of doves has just flown across a particular area, chances are good that another flock is shortly behind. Be ready.
4. Hunt doves using a 12 gauge shotgun. Most experienced hunters use ammunition that is 3 ¼ drams and 1 1/8 oz. of number 8 shot. Most prefer to use a modified cylinder on the shotgun. For new hunters, most experts recommend using skeet chokes on the shotgun. Skeet chokes provide a wider pattern of pellets when shot, thus giving a better chance to hit more birds when you hunt doves.
5. Abide by the rules, regulations and hunting laws of the area where you choose to hunt. Make sure you remember to get your appropriate hunting license before you start to hunt. License fees can vary from state to state and country to country.

Tips & Warnings

• A fold-up stool to sit on while you wait for the birds is ideal. Sporting goods stores often carry a bucket type seat that has a camouflage covered seat lid. You can lift the lid and put your doves in to keep until you're finished hunting for the day.
• Always protect your eyes and ears when hunting. Safety glasses and ear plugs are a must.