How to Hunt Mourning Doves in Minnesota
If you want to get more shots, you can try using a target load. These are manufactured to higher standards and may result in a higher shooting percentage. Usually, a dove will fly at about 55 MPH, but can go much faster when a tailwind blows. To shoot a dove, you need to have an adequate lead and you can use a lighter load to achieve this. To shoot a dove, you should remain motionless until it is within about 25 to 35 yards of your target. You can also shoot once, or twice, and use a lighter load.
You can start your dove hunt by finding a location where the birds are feeding. The best places to look for doves are areas where they are commonly found, such as fields with corn silage and wheat stubble. Another great place to hunt is near ponds with exposed banks. Before hunting season opens, scout these fields to make sure that they are active and feeding. You should set up near where the birds are flying, so you can watch for them coming in. If you want to catch a few, you can use a motion wing decoy to lure them in. To find the best dove hunting spots, you should contact the local game agency to see if there are any restrictions on the number of doves you can hunt.
Once you've chosen a spot, you should observe weather patterns. Look for rain storms and cold fronts. Doves don't like cool weather and they'll avoid a shotgun when it's too cold. If you don't have a hunting license, you should visit the website of the state's Department of Natural Resources to find out where to hunt doves. Once you've spotted a dove, you should move around to get more opportunities.
If you are trying to shoot a dove with a decoy, you should set up several in the same area. It is important to be able to distinguish between a decoy and a live one. A decoy that looks like a bird might be a dead tree or fence that you have to jump over to get a closer look at it. If you can't tell the difference, use a decoy of a dove instead of a real one.
Doves migrate, and they need to be found in a good place. If you're looking for a dove in your area, you should look for a tree where they often roost. Once you've found this location, you can move close to the tree and wait for them to swoop down. Then you'll be able to see the dove as it leaves and comes back again.