Doves are small birds and fly quickly and erratically, ranking them among bird hunters' most challenging targets. Large amounts of shells are expended in dove shooting and three hits out of 25 are normal.
Hunters who understand dove feeding patterns have the best chance of bagging them. Doves fly from their overnight perch to water around dawn and then go to their feeding fields. Doves eat grain and weed seeds and prefer to eat on bare ground. They rest midday and then resume eating. They then usually return to their watering holes and back to their roosts.
Dove hunters should take care to camouflage themselves by dressing in clothing that blends in with the surroundings. Hunters can build a small blind or hide in tall grasses. Camouflage paint will help conceal hunters' faces. The placement of decoys can encourage doves to fly in closer.
Some tips for dove shooters:
--Face the bird in the direction of flight you think it is going to take. A bird flying towards you is the easiest shot to make.
--Plant your feet in shooting position: feet spread about shoulder width apart and left foot slightly forward (for right-handed shooters). Knees should be slightly bent. This stance allows you to stay balanced.
--Allow doves to come within 25 to 30 yards before shooting.
--Shoot while the gun is in motion in sync with the bird. Continue to swing after you make the shot. This follow-through makes it more likely that some gunshot will hit the bird.
--Do not shoot doves low on the ground because you could harm another hunter.
