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John's Journal...
Entry
112, Day 5
KEVIN TATE: DOVE SHOOTING SECRETS
More Dove Shooting Secrets
EDITOR'S
NOTE: Kevin Tate of West Point, Mississippi, a screenwriter for Mossy
Oak's and Remington's outdoor TV shows and videos, has more than 20 years
of dove-shooting experience. This week Tate will tell us his top 10 secrets
for shooting doves more effectively and consistently.
SECRET NUMBER 9 -- PRACTICE PATIENCE
Shooting well and taking doves often depends on how long you sit at a
hunting site. You also must be willing to relocate on the field to get
a shot. Often you may go to a shoot -- especially on opening-day morning
-- and it's the first time the hunters have had their guns out since dove
season the previous year. You'll probably see a hunter on the field every
30 yards. To be successful, you have to be patient and not waste shells
on long shots and spook birds with long shots. You have to wait for your
opportunities to come. You don't have to be completely hidden, but you
do have to be still because doves will pick up on motion in an instant.
Some hunters will see doves coming in their direction and stand up, fidget
around and mount their guns. The doves may come in but flare at 40 yards
instead of 30. If you'll be patient and allow the doves to come in 10
more yards, you'll increase your chances of bagging a dove.
SECRET
NUMBER 10 -- USE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your shots will come unexpectedly, so thinking about safety each time
you go dove hunting is important. Taking a dove isn't worth the risk of
an injury. When you go to the field, be aware of everyone's location before
the hunt begins. You don't want to be set up too close to someone else,
and you want to be conscious of your shots every time. Because doves may
fly low over the field, when you aim and shoot at them, you may be pointing
your gun straight across the field at a hunter who's camped out on the
other side. Don't let your excitement about the hunt override your common
sense. Be aware of the gun you're holding in your hands, and point it
in a safe direction -- never at anything you don't want to shoot. Always
be aware of your target and your surroundings, and you'll be safe.
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