First time Mourning Dove scout/Pigeon and Euro hunt

[Turtle]

This is my first dove season. I don’t know what I’m doing. Fortunately, my friend does and we made our way down to the desert last Saturday morning.

Goal was scout mourning dove and basic training for me on the pigeon and euros. I really wish I would have shot trap or some other practice first but I still came home with some birds.

Brought down 13 pigeon and 5 Euros on the day. Unfortunately there were a couple I couldn’t recover that got stuck in a tree or their momentum carried them onto private. I was definitely trigger shy for the first hour until I was confident in differentiating the Mourning and Eurasian doves.

I went through 5 boxes of shells. I’ve never shot my shotgun that much. It was a literal blast. The shot process on a moving target is completely different than aiming the gun. I mostly missed but there were a few shots that felt pure. I’m hooked.

Avian-X spinners and decoys were effective in bringing them in range. I shot #7.5 steel but think I will use #6 next time.

Very thankful for to be gaining this experience. I’m excited for the opener! ️

 

[MAG 1]

Careful with your pictures or you will have the whole neighborhood hunting with you.

 

[NBK]

Good for you! Stay with it.

 

[Stikbrandon]

Get em!

 

[HATCHET1]

Post him when get him!! Standing by!! LFG

 

[ilovesprig]

Good work, buddy...................

In your minds eye, imagine throwing a football to a receiver...You don't throw where he is...You throw where he's going to be...Eventually, it will become second nature...See bird, lead bird, pull trigger.

Your gun fitting has a great deal to do with your shooting ability or lack of as well...I shoot Benelli...So, I float the target (shoots a little high)...Meaning, I can see the bird when I pull the trigger.

Every person and gun are different...So, realizing where your gun shoots for YOU is very important...This can be done in a number of ways, but shooting at paper is a good starting point (25-30 yds).

Good luck..............

ps...I like steel 7's, way, way better for dove...Soft feathers and small bodied birds, you want density in that pattern ......