So I took my boy out hunting today (for ring neck eurasian doves, they can be hunting year round, morning dove season starts the 30th here.) . He had the pump 410 and I carried my 870 12ga.
the first dove we saw he pulled up on it and shot and missed. He then shot again and missed again. He fired a 3rd time (the dove was well out of range at this point) and missed.
I felt bad and was trying to think of a way I could get a 20ga. But every one i know in that area that hunts uses a 12. We walked for a while and then my son asks me if I brought him any more ammo.
He only brought the 3 rounds. We are a very long way from home so it is not like I can quickly drive back to the home and pick up the box. I have to say I am very proud. I stayed calm the entire time. We walk back to the car and drive to town. When I get to Wall-Mart the only load they have is #4 buckshot "handgun" ammo. I bought it.
We went out hunting again and we scare up 2 doves with in 5 min of starting again. I shoulder my gun and waited for my son to fire. 2 shots and two dead doves.
I did not have to fire.
We walked around a while longer and never say any more doves but did see a Coyote. I ask my son if we should shoot it and he made me proud. He said that it was too far away and to shoot it with a shotgun would be unethical. (it was about 100 yards away). I tousled his hair and told him I am proud of him.
I had a lots of fun and he did too. He is excited to go next week end. My father will be going with us as well. It will be a great trip even if we don't get any thing.
When we got home I showed him how to breast the doves. They where a little messed up from the buck shot but they where my sons first kills so they tasted mighty fine anyway. Fried them and served with some potatoes and corn grown in our garden.