Going dove hunting for the first time tomorrow...

Scottpants said:

I have a vest that holds 24 shells in individual shell loops, and has other pockets for additional shells that I intend to fill up. I only have 75 rounds at the moment. Should I bring more than that?

Also, do you guys carry a sidearm with you when you go out hunting? For some reason, it just seems appropriate. I'm also wondering out in the desert what the chances are of running into an angry javelina or something. Plus, since I've started carrying concealed, it's becoming more and more a part of me and I feel weird leaving it at home. BUT I'm also going to already be loaded down with shotgun shells, water, and my 870 and I don't know that I want to lug around the extra weight...

Click to expand...

You can probably forgo your sidearm *IF* you can remember to bring along a few rounds that you will under no circumstances fire in your shotgun except for personal defense. It will make a better defense weapon than your sidearm ever can.

as far as how much ammo can be spent in an afternoon birding a small fast bird like a dove... go get an extra box or two LOL

unlike clays, real birds rarely fly in a straight line

since you'll probably out and about for some time, i might suggest you have a good backpack to lug your gear with ya, or at least plan on restocking part way through the day by looping back to your vehicles to help ease the load. This all of course depends on the area you'll be hunting and how long you'll be out in the field.

also, please remember to wear comfortable broken in shoes that are correct for the terrain you'll be traveling. As an extra precaution, i never travel out without at LEAST one pair of clean dry socks with me. Hiking around can be sweaty work under the best of conditions, and personally speaking putting on a nice fresh pair of socks can add a little spring back into your step.

and among everything else, remember to have fun & be safe !