Why Wait for Dove Season?

By: Joe Schram

I know many of us can’t wait to get out there on opening day with a case of new shotgun shells and blast away. That’s right, I said a case! I have been dove hunting many times where I watch hunters go out and shoot a case a day to get a limit of 12-15 Dove. Don’t be embarrassed I wasn’t talking about you; I was talking about that other guy. Or, it could have been me the first time I went Dove hunting. My first time was a humiliating experience to say the least!

Every year around the last two weeks of August, I see hoards of dove hunters descend on the local Trap and Skeet Club to try and warm up before Dove season begins. Great idea, but they should have started earlier. The wait to get on a Skeet field or Sporting Clay station can be frustrating.  Can I suggest that you start now? Actually, I would like to suggest that you never stop. If the Dove hunter would commit to shooting skeet or Sporting Clays at least once a month throughout the year, his/her kill ratio would increase substantially. Oh, and hire  a Shooting Coach.

My phone rings off the hook in late August with people looking for shooting instruction. I have always been able to accommodate everyone. The people who call me, are the smart ones. They have decided it’s time to check the ol’ ego and go get some professional help. Learning leads on the Skeet Field is essential to bird hunting. Whether you like Dove, Grouse, Pheasant, Quail or Waterfowl it’s imperative that you know how to properly lead a bird. Or, you can just buy more shells this year.

If you have young un’s, bring them with you. There is no better Father/Son or Father/Daughter time than teaching your kids to shoot. Most NSSA or NSCA certified instructors don’t charge anymore to teach you and the kids than they would to teach you alone. And, it’s cheaper than shells.

If you live in the Austin area, try Capitol City Trap and Skeet Club. They have a special Sporting Clays course set up just for Dove hunters. I would recommend starting on the skeet field and then moving over to the Dove Course. You don’t have to shoot alone, if you need a partner just ask and they will team you up with someone. I know the Fellowship of Christian Sportsmen meet almost every month to shoot that course. They stay tuned up and ready for those feathered fowl friends to come flying by. Call Randy Rowley, and he will tell you about their next event: 512-963-0003 or www.fcs-texas.com

Outside of Austin, try the National Skeet Shooting Association website: www.mynssa.com They have a club listing for every city in the nation.

Whatever you decide to do I hope you do it now, it will make your trip to the Dove lease much more productive and pleasurable (I hate getting laughed at) when you have the confidence it takes to knock down those sixty-yard speed demons.

Until next time, shoot safe and shoot straight!

Joe Schram is the owner of Wing & Clay Shooting Sports. Joe is an Upland Bird Hunting Guide and Outfitter as well as a National Sporting Clays Association Certified Shooting Instructor.  He can be reached at 512-296-0535 or www.wingandclayss.com

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