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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.




 

 

 

Check back each day this week for more about Dove Shooting...

Day 1 - Kevin Tate: Dove Shooting Secrets
Day 2 - More Dove Shooting Secrets
Day 3 - More Dove Shooting Secrets
Day 4 - More Dove Shooting Secrets
Day 5 - More Dove Shooting Secrets


John's Journal