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

 

[Beaches To Backroads]

You have to know a few things. When I am in the Arizona desert and they could see me, I'm shooting 30 yds at times. IF I can stay concealed I could be 20. If I am hunting around fields with dove weed and oaks, my approach might be different given my environment. I would recommend hitting some paper targets with the shells you are going to use, considering what distance you might shoot given your environment, and see what the spreads look like with different chokes and loads. Also depends how hard it is for you to get on target and stay on target because dove can be fast fliers. If your in a closed environment and not the desert of AZ, you better be fast and I would look for a big spread. This would also change what size shot I'm using as well.

So just my 2C, but it can be much more that what choke should I use.

 

[txiong124]

You have to know a few things. When I am in the Arizona desert and they could see me, I'm shooting 30 yds at times. IF I can stay concealed I could be 20. If I am hunting around fields with dove weed and oaks, my approach might be different given my environment. I would recommend hitting some paper targets with the shells you are going to use, considering what distance you might shoot given your environment, and see what the spreads look like with different chokes and loads. Also depends how hard it is for you to get on target and stay on target because dove can be fast fliers. If your in a closed environment and not the desert of AZ, you better be fast and I would look for a big spread. This would also change what size shot I'm using as well.

So just my 2C, but it can be much more that what choke should I use.

Thanks for that. Just got done patterning my load and choke this past weekend. Going to stick with #7 steel and LM for this season and see if it will be better. Most of the shots will be around 20-30 yards.

 

[Beaches To Backroads]

Thanks for that. Just got done patterning my load and choke this past weekend. Going to stick with #7 steel and LM for this season and see if it will be better. Most of the shots will be around 20-30 yard

It really is crazy how much shell size, shot, and choke in combination can change the game. Now you throw in non lead ammo and bang your head against the wall. For dove and quail I go one size up. For duck and rabbit I go up two or 3 depending on my patterning.

Dove opener is coming - get some!

 

[txiong124]

It really is crazy how much shell size, shot, and choke in combination can change the game. Now you throw in non lead ammo and bang your head against the wall. For dove and quail I go one size up. For duck and rabbit I go up two or 3 depending on my patterning.

Dove opener is coming - get some!

Yes sir! Dove opening on 9/1 for us here in CA that's why I needed to get it all ready.