Dove Hunting Tips
Practical dove hunting tips from expert shotgunners to improve your aim and results this season.
Looking to improve your accuracy this season? These dove hunting tips, shared by experienced shotgunners, will help you shoot better—whether you’re walking the woods, hunting from a blind, or out in the open field. If you’re planning a trip, explore our dove hunting packages in Argentina for a truly unforgettable experience.
Pattern for Perfection
Ed Kaltreider of Montana, a seasoned shotgunner, emphasizes the importance of patterning your shotgun. Many hunters overlook this step, but it’s essential to determine your gun’s point of impact.
Test-fire your gun from a rest at a set distance to see if it shoots straight. You may be surprised how many shotguns print patterns too far left, right, or low—issues that can often be fixed by a gunsmith.
Why Patterning Matters
Patterning also helps confirm how your gun performs with different shot and choke combinations. Test with No. 6 or No. 4 shot and see if the results match your expectations at 40 yards. The more informed you are, the better your field results will be.
Prepare to Shoot
Jim Buzzard, an expert grouse hunter, is always prepared. His advice? Hunt as if the next step will flush a bird. Keep your shotgun close to your body to reduce fatigue and stay alert at all times.
Footwork matters too. Right-handed shooters should lead with the left foot and angle the body slightly for better swing range. After taking a shot, pause and be ready for a second flush—this moment is critical.
Read the Shot
Ed Moxley, a seasoned waterfowl hunter, stresses the importance of judging range. “Success increases as range decreases,” he says. Closer birds mean less guesswork for lead and better shot placement.
Practice range estimation at 25, 35, and 40 yards. Use a range finder or pace out distances. Read the bird’s flight pattern and time your shot when it’s closest—this increases your odds of a clean hit.
Rehearse at Home
Gil Rodler, a state skeet shooting champion, suggests mirror practice. Mounting your gun in front of a mirror helps perfect form and reveals whether your shotgun fits properly.
To check fit, look at a spot in the mirror, close your eyes, mount your gun, and reopen. With practice, this technique sharpens your aim—no ammo needed. It’s a great prep for hunting trips or range sessions.
A Balanced Approach
Balance and awareness are key. Don’t look at the ground—keep your eyes a few feet above the expected flush zone. Picking up movement in your peripheral vision allows for faster reaction.
Practice with clay targets as often as possible. This builds muscle memory, teaches you how to mount your gun quickly, and helps you judge distance and lead accurately.
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Source: By Nick Sisley. Originally published at Outdoor Life.
