Dove Hunting - Getting Started (Part II)

What to do?remember to clean your gun after wards.
Okay, you've acquired everything you need to3. Hunter's Safety Course
begin dove hunting, NOW WHAT!?!?In Texas, you are required to take this course if
There isn't too much to it, but if you take a fewyou were born after September 2, 1971. Get it
steps prior to taking the field, you'll have a lotdone! It is not fun to have a Game Warden spoil
more fun and a lot less stress. Let's begin.your hunting trip because you didn't take it,
1. Get familiar with your gun.believe me, I know. For more info on the course,
If this is your first shotgun, it can be kind ofclick here.
intimidating. Just remember, safety, safety,4. Learn the rules.
safety. Always make sure your gun is unloadedBag limits, zones, etc. All this information is
before doing anything to it. You should take itimportant and when you buy your license you get
apart and put it back together, as you will havea book that has everything you could ever need
to do this to clean and oil it. Practice loading andto know. If you are in Texas, click here to learn
unloading shells. As I like to say, make love tothem now.
your gun. The last thing you want to do is get out5. Learn how to clean your dove.
in the field and not know how to work your gun.Cleaning dove is not one of the most glamorous
2. Shoot your gunthings you'll ever do. It has to be done though.
Let's face it, that is what it's for. I recommendHere is a short and sweet video demonstration.
finding a skeet range and shooting a few roundsThat is it, you are ready. Finalize your plans, travel
(25 in a round), at least. Doing this will accomplisharrangement, lodging and food are all things to
two things; get you accustom to firing, loading,andconsider. Once you've nailed everything down,
unloading your gun and give you an idea what it'syou'll be able to rest easy the night before. All
going to be like shooting a dove out of the air atyou will have to worry about is how many dove
mach 2 (the good thing is you get 2-3 shots at ayou are going to shoot the next day (this may
dove, you only get one at skeet). Oh, andcause a lack of sleep, don't worry, it's normal).