Almost here…
Any favorite ammo recs?

Benilli users, which choke do you prefer?

Used to always be a Browning Gold 12ga but this will be a fun year experimenting w the 2 20’s and barrel lengths.

Last year our everyday since I was young afternoon hunt was a bit of a show after the morning hunt was allowed. It was also super windy.

This year a morning hunt in the works, any fun tips?

Thanks in advance!

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Posted by AwgustaDawg

CSRA

Member since Jan 2023

13786 posts

Posted on 8/28/24 at 5:42 am to LS(DB)U

7 1/2 Winchester Super X 1 oz 1290 fps. 12 ga

Shoot exactly the same load except #2 1 1/16 oz 1550 fps steel 12 ga for ducks and geese.

All modified. I haven't changed a choke tube in a gun in 20 years. Pretty standard dove load and a little light for geese but I do not pass shoot ducks or geese. I found out years ago that I could hit more consistently using the same loads regularly. I stick with the closest velocity and amount of shot for everything because I shoot one of 2 guns and one of those I shoot about 90% of the time....Citorri 26 inch. I used to use several guns a season and would have various loads with me and would use different loads and different choke tubes....until an old goose guide in southern Illinois mentioned he had used the exact same load and fixed choke pump gun for 40 years because it was what he hit best with....I took it to heart and damned if it did not work for me....similar velocity, weight, same choke and same gun....and I don't have to keep up with choke tubes and wrenches and if I have a shell in the bag its the one I meant to use.

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Posted by MrWhipple

West of the Mississippi

Member since Jun 2016

1138 posts

Posted on 8/28/24 at 7:12 am to LS(DB)U

Light Modified (LM)

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Posted by Koolazzkat

Behind the Tupelo gum tree

Member since May 2021

3357 posts

Posted on 8/28/24 at 7:17 am to LS(DB)U

Early eighties Remington 1100LT20 with a 28” fixed modified choke and 7/8 oz #8 lead (any brand because they all shoot great outta this gun).

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Posted by LoneStarTiger

Lone Star State

Member since Aug 2004

16479 posts

Posted on 8/28/24 at 9:24 am to LS(DB)U

I use a Sears Ted Williams O/U with improved/modified barrels and generally the cheapest shells I can find.

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Posted by AwgustaDawg

CSRA

Member since Jan 2023

13786 posts

Posted on 8/28/24 at 9:26 am to LS(DB)U

quote:
This year a morning hunt in the works, any fun tips?

Decoys. If you do not use them and they are not common in the area they are incredibly effective. On a typical pass shooting dove field they will attract birds to other shooters nearby but they work better than cracked corn LOL. If they are common in an area and it is not opening day they get less effective quickly. If they are not common and birds aren't accustomed to them they almost ought to be outlawed.

They are also effective sometimes on fields with a lot of pressure if you can get slightly away from everyone. If you have ever watched dove on a highly pressured field that had a dead tree or a powerline that was just out of shooting distance from the pressured area every dove in the vicinity will set down and see what's up. If you can mimic that situation even pressured birds will swing your way.

I have never had any reaction from dove putting decoys on fences and barbed wire. It may work in some areas but I have never had any luck with it. Spinners on a piece of conduit and regular decoys silhouetted against the background in a dead tree or on a pole, for me, works best. They will also work on clean banks of water holes, especially if you can get a few up in the air. I have a "fake" power line on our field....a half dozen on that thing and every dove in the county swings by to see what's up. They work even when the wind has blown them upside down or someone has shot one and turned it upside down.

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