My first dove shoot - what to expect?

[Setter Man]

Sun-up on September 4th will find me in southern Indiana between a cut feed corn field and a pond and anxiously awaiting flights of doves. Needless to say, I'm pretty fired up.

When I was growing up in Indiana, doves were protected and so except for the occasional bird taken with my pellet gun, I have never hunted them officially. I am aware that dove hunting is heavy with tradition and is revered and so I am coming to the board to ask for guidance and direction. I certainly don't want to offend anyone when I get there.

For gun, I plan to take my 20 ga DHE with 30" barrels (.43/.44) and/or my 28 ga Repro with 28" barrels (.008/.018). The 20 seems a little more appropriate for the occasion.

Thanks,

JDG