If you’re going for dove, don’t forget …

ALBANY‒ Here are a few simple tips that could help you get a limit of dove with the fewest possible shots. I believe anyone who can put 15 birds in their bag with a box of shells, or 25 shots, is a good wing shooter. If you can do it with two boxes, you are still better than average. More ammunition is expended on dove than any other game species.

· Although shooting dove while they rest on power lines is unethical and could lead to a fine, they are a good indication of where birds might be feeding or traveling between fields, water holes and roosts.

· Look for “marker trees” around a field. These can be solitary trees or clumps of small trees along the edge of a field or fence row. Dove will frequently use these as landmarks along their flight paths into and out of a field.

· When possible, wait to retrieve your downed birds when dove are not in the air near you. Also use landmarks in the field or beyond to mark where your birds fall. This makes locating them easier. Obviously, a well-trained retriever is a blessing here. The less motion you make in the field the better.

· Sunglasses not only help when it comes to the glare of a rising or setting sun, they also protect your eyes from the stray pellets from a low shot. Never take a shot when your barrel is level with the field. An angle of about 60 degrees is the lowest you should attempt in order to prevent hitting other shooters.

· When shooting passing dove swing your gun along the bird’s flight path coming from behind them, as the barrel passes ahead of the bird pull the trigger while keeping the barrel moving even after the trigger is pulled.

· When a drove (multiple birds flying together) zooms past your stand, do not try to shoot the lead bird first. Select a bird farther back in the group. As you swing through the bird and fire, if the bird falls continue your swing along to the next bird in a continual motion. Get a double, congratulate yourself. Get a triple pack it up and go home: It’s all downhill after that.

· When a dove is coming straight at you, the best course of action is to bring the barrel from a point behind the bird in line with its flight as the barrel blocks your sight of the bird pull the trigger, keeping the barrel moving.

· If you want to be invited back to a field, do not use a large social shoot as an opportunity to train your retriever. The backyard and dog training sites on Wildlife Management Areas are the place for this.

Special Photo: Georgia DNR