Dove Hunting

[txiong124]

Hello everyone, I was wondering what's everyone opinion on the best choke to use for doves on opening day? I've been using modified but some friends recommended going IC or LM with steel shots (CA) for doves. Just wanted to see what's out there.

 

[jjordan355]

Improved cylinder is a good start. Try that and see how you do. If you feel the birds
are further out throw an LM in there.

 

[txiong124]

Thats what I was thinking but I didn't want to be switching chokes often. If it's just those 2 options, should I be going with the LM for more range or should I just stick with IC and wait for the doves to fly closer?

 

[jjordan355]

Dep

Thats what I was thinking but I didn't want to be switching chokes often. If it's just those 2 options, should I be going with the LM for more range or should I just stick with IC and wait for the doves to fly closer?

Depends how good of a shot you are and the distance the birds are flying at. The further they get the harder it’s gonna be with the IC choke. Inversely the closer they are the more on the bird you’ll have to be with an LM choke.

 

[txiong124]

Thanks. I might have to wait for opening day and actually see how the birds are flying. Will just stick with LM and then switch to IC if the birds are flying too close after an hour or so. I usually go through 2-3 boxes before I limit so I was trying to cut that down.

 

[KurtR]

I just use my pattern master code black. Go right from shooting geese to shooting doves

 

[Jhconnected]

Steel shot is not necessary. Lead 7.5. Steel is for waterfowl and will drain your wallet.

 

[jjordan355]

Steel shot is not necessary. Lead 7.5. Steel is for waterfowl and will drain your wallet.

Looks like OP is in California. Steel may be required. Unsure as I live in a free state.

 

[86indy]

I like a LM with lead, that being said steel tends to “choke up” but lesser with smaller shot. Depending on your spot anywhere from IC to Mod. I cannot recommend patterning enough it will at the very least make you more confident and that’s worth it in itself.


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[Pescetism]

+1 on patterning. I generally use Skeet 2/LM with lead but have had to use nontox in some areas. The patterns with the #6 steel shells I generally used had fist sized pockets with no or very little shot. I actually prefer Skeet 1 with steel because I won't take longer shots anyway.

 

[Ramem7mm]

Modified choke. And yes steel is required in California.

 

[txiong124]

Unfortunately CA requires steel shots and lead free for all hunting in the state. Been using modified with steel shot 6 and 7.

 

[txiong124]

Also, most of the shots I've been taking for the past few years are usually 20 - 40 yards. Would a LM with steel shots work better or am I better off just sticking with the modified since it already pattern pretty good with Kent #6 steel?

 

[Jhconnected]

Looks like OP is in California. Steel may be required. Unsure as I live in a free state.

Ahhh…makes sense now. I’m no help then