Duck Hunting
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I went proper duck hunting, as opposed to puddle jumping, for the first time yesterday in a swamp in middle Georgia.
Tons of fun.
I have hit birds like that and you think they be where they thump the ground but just seem to vanish. Grew up in PA and hunted the Tx coast alot. Any those feathers Still good for tying?
My shotgun is an over/under. I had only eight shells; they weren’t all in the gun at once. Do they even make a shotgun that will hold eight shells?
Zach
you can get tactical home defense shotguns that hold like 8 or 10 shells, obviously they would be pretty tough to swing for birds.
you need to go on a really good dove hunt and you will be hooked
it’s illegal to hunt any migratory bird with more than 3 shells, don’t think about removing the plug.
Woodies are tough birds. Unless they hit the water dead, they will try (and often times succeed) in either swimming a long distance under water (I have personally seen one go @ 50 yards) or grabbing weeds and then their jaw locks.
Glad you had a good time.
Steel shot is a terrible alternative to lead….it’s a great way to mortally wound a duck that dies a long ways from where you shoot it. Last weekend I hit two ducks hard that managed to fly another two hundred yards before they fell stone cold dead. I was lucky that my dog was able to find them.
My Dad started taking me to the duck blind when I was about 11 and I’ve been hunting ducks ever since. I’m fortunate to have access to my in-laws ranch which is only about 30 minutes from my front door. They have a couple of nice lakes that get a strange mix of puddlers and divers.
I must admit that now that I am married with a child, waking up super early on a Saturday morning is a little more difficult than it used to be. This season I have only been out duck hunting twice, but have hunted quail (we actually have a great crop of wild native birds this year) over 15 times this season.
I believe (although I am not certain) that there is a federal ban on using lead for waterfowl hunting.
I shoot the cheap steal, I can’t justify dropping $30 on a box of bismuth shells.
I typically try to wait until the ducks put down there landing gear before I shoot, but even then, some birds that are hit still manage to get away.
1. Can anyone explain the point of shooting doves?
2. Using lead split shot is illegal (or at least not sold) in some states (NY for example) because of its affects on environmental concerns. I do believe it to have a negative impact, particularly where water and resources are concerned.
3. The Bismuth stuff is crazy expensive…I think Cabela’s sells it for $28 for a dozen or maybe 15.
4. I have got my limit on Canada’s twice this season. Only 2 of the birds were cripples.1. Can anyone explain the point of shooting doves?
2. Using lead split shot is illegal (or at least not sold) in some states (NY for example) because of its affects on environmental concerns. I do believe it to have a negative impact, particularly where water and resources are concerned.
3. The Bismuth stuff is crazy expensive…I think Cabela’s sells it for $28 for a dozen or maybe 15.
4. I have got my limit on Canada’s twice this season. Only 2 of the birds were cripples. All obviously shot with steel. I think most would agree that lead is certainly more deadly, but steel is effective enough. Kent Fast Steel and Winchester Super X (DriLok’s) are my favorites.
5. Will be interesting to see how many shotgun barrels get trashed by Remington’s new HyperSonic shell. It claims something like 1,770 fps.Point of shooting doves?
1. Can anyone explain the point of shooting doves?
Opening weekend of dove season in the South is a family event that typically falls around labor day.
Dove are a migratory bird that can be in a field by the hundreds one day and gone the next. When they are flying good, you have them coming in every minute or two in groups of one to three or four. It is a blast to hold out, lead and shoot them as they seem to come from all directions, turn on a dime, drop 20′ on you. They also taste great on the grill or smoked and bacon wrapped similar to quail.
Dave, how does the new gun shoot?
Hevi Shot is obscenely expensive. I use it when I know my actual shooting opportunities will be limited and I want to make the most of the few shots I might get. (On the plus side, it only takes one shell to kill the bird). Or, if I have already spent a fair amount on travel and and guide, I might use it to make the most of the trip. It is heavier and better than lead. I have dropped ducks straight down when the other guys couldn’t take an ethical shot with their steel. Since I am cheap by nature, I also think it helps me focus on my shooting a little more closely — I point the gun like it will cost me something if I miss.
Black Cloud is a good intermediate option. I used that on geese earlier this year. My uncle in Nebraska hunts ducks and geese all the time – even by a retired guy’s standards – and uses Black Cloud exclusively.
If the birds are close enough and you can find them when they drop, Kent Fast Steel is a good budget friendly option. I have hunted ducks in South Louisiana on several occasions – lots of folks down there shooting Kent.
Just my $.02, which is about all I have left after buying Hevi Shot.
JL – those timber shots are making me itch. Looks like you are in duck hunting heaven. I hunted one year outside of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Beautiful area. We got into some birds but it was COLD.
Doves can be great sport – I wish it was easier to find a good field around Charlotte.
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