Shotgun Tips – Hitting the Elusive Dove

Dove Hunting Made Easy

By Trapper Bonds

Doves can be aggravating.  Doves offer the shotgunner one of the most challenging targets in the sky.  First of all, doves are small targets.  Second, they are extremely fast.  But most of all they are true aerial acrobats.  Doves can suddenly dart, dip and dive and give the wingshooter fits.

It’s generally acknowledged that more shotshells are fired on the opening day of dove season than all other days combined.  Some of those shots even find their target.

So what is the secret of bagging a limit of doves?  Well, I learned my method from an old grizzled hunter a long time ago.  It’s worked for me and I’ve taught it to many shooters over the years.  I call it my “Spray Paint” method.

You just imagine your shotgun as being a can of spray paint.  You see, the shot that comes from the gun barrel travels in a stream, like water from a garden hose.  Or a spray paint can.  When you see a dove approaching you just start the gun barrel behind the bird, swing to catch up with the bird, and as the barrel passes the dove, you pull the trigger.  But, the most important part of this method is…keep the gun barrel moving.  Do not stop your swing when you pull the trigger.  Follow-through is key to making this method work.  You shoot just as you would spray a can of paint.  You spray the bird.  It’s really that simple.

Again, the follow-through is all important.  If you stop the gun barrel you’ll shoot behind the bird.  It takes a bit of practice, but believe me it’s worth it when you walk out of the dove field with your limit.