dove hunting crisis
 

I dont know whether i should use my mossberg 500 in 12 gauge or my harrington and richardson 410 and how far do you lead on a dove?

RE: dove hunting crisis
 

410er, Use the gun you' re most comfortable with, and lead just enough to hit ' em.
Goodhunting,

Michael

RE: dove hunting crisis
 

that' s not a crisis. Try moving to Minnesota where I' m not allowed to dove hunt:(

RE: dove hunting crisis
 

The .410 will work if your' re a better than average shotgunner. 12ga can be a bit " big" for dove. I prefer 20ga for birds in general, but the 12 has such a big pattern that it is usually more effective for a larger number of shooters. Just make sure you' re using the right shot size, #7 1/2 or #8 should be fine. With a 12ga you could even use #6, but once you get much bigger, pattern density becomes an issue to consider.
Then there the economics.....out here, 12 & 20 are the cheapest shells unless you reload. And when it comes to dove hunting, you will go through a lot of shells.
Some shooters can go through a whole box w/ nuthin to show for it but 25 empty hulls, other guys get doubles almost every day they shoot.
Have fun, and don' t forget your ear plugs.

RE: dove hunting crisis
 

I love my H&R 20! It may have to do with the fact it was my first shotgun!

But as woodsboy said, use what works for you. Also, practice is recommended. Trap is OK, but sporting clays offers more realistic shot simulations.

RE: dove hunting crisis
 

ohio duck hunter that was my first gun too i shoot really well with it ........

i recieved it when i was two i knew i was destin to hunt lol lol

RE: dove hunting crisis
 

here' s a novel idea...take both the guns out with you along with a box of shells for each one. as far as leading them, if you' re missing you' re probably shooting behind them. keep increasing your lead.

RE: dove hunting crisis
 

i' d go with the 12.

As for leading. Well average distances yardage wise is probably 25

I usually start off leading just in front of their head and if i miss, i increase from that. Good idea to have lots of shells as well.