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Seek and Ye Shall Find - The most valuable thing you can do while dove hunting is to observe dove flight patterns. The majority of birds will follow patterns and use landmarks for navigation. Figure out where they are flying and then move into their flight line. Dove often fly along fences, ditches, tree lines, rivers and sloughs. They loaf in trees near water and have the same pattern day after day while in an area. Scout every year before the season opens as sometimes the flight paths change. Have a plan "B" just in case of a road or land closure. You don't want to be scrambling opening morning looking for a place to shoot.
Make Like a Post - When doves are approaching stand or sit still, movement will flare them. You will have plenty of time to mount and shoot as the dove comes into range. Stand behind a tree or bush, not out in front to break up the outline of your body. Stand in the shadows to stay hidden. Sit on a stool to keep your upper body below the brush line. You can wear camo to be harder to spot but you can also be shot because someone didn't see you. Make this decision depending upon how many people are around you.
Suck em In - Doves like to perch in dead trees. You can use dove decoys that have a clothespin for attaching to fences or tree branches to give the appearance of doves securely resting or feeding . Decoys work good around waterholes, just remember to pick a good hiding spot that is in range.
Now Where Did I Put That Dove? - Mark your downed bird first before you you try to shot the second dove, especially if you are without a dog. Another trick when the shooting is fast and furious is beforehand, gather a few small rocks and tie about a foot of orange contractors ribbon to it. When you down a bird throw the ribbon rock in the area it fell then you can move to another bird and do the same. If you are losing birds, forget trying for a double and try just shooting one dove and concentrating on marking it where it lands.
Keep it Cool - It's hot dove hunting anywhere in California so take plenty of water and a cooler to keep your doves cool in the heat. Take a stool or bucket to take some load off your feet if you're going to be out for extended periods of time. Take some sunblock too if you don't want to burn and a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes. If you are hunting with a dog, make sure to carry additional water for your dog. It also pays to avoid hunting during the mid-day hours when it can be quite hot. Be prepared for cold temperatures at night.
Buzzworms - Lots of good dove hunting areas are good rattler areas too. Wear snake chaps and watch wear you stick your legs and hands. If you have a dog, there are snake avoidance classes that will teach ole "Spot" what a buzzworm smells and sounds like. It may save you a lost dog or huge vet bill.
Good Shooting Form - Set up so that you can take your best shot. Every wingshooter has a favorite shot so use it to your advantage. Keep your cheek down on the stock, pulling your cheek off the stock will cost you birds. Find the best lead method that works for you. You can shoot swing through lead, sustained lead or spot lead. Make sure you have good footing where you are set up. Clear any rocks or sticks away that will cause you to take an off balance shot. Use good footwork. Take a half-step before swinging on a dove, planting your foot on the line where you plan to take your shot. Take a step back for a straight-on bird, a step forward for a straight-away bird and a step away from a bird crossing either right or left. If a bird is coming from the right, take a short step to the left slightly away from the bird. This will allow a little more room to swing on the bird and follow through.
Be Prepared - Try and get a few practice rounds in at the range or throw a few clays to get back in the swing of things before the opener. Break out your gun a month before the season and make sure it is functional and cleaned. If you have any problems, you'll still have time to run it by the gun shop and still make it for the opener.
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