Tips for the mid-season

The mid-season, with its high temperatures, offers us an excellent opportunity to enjoy hunting turtledoves, quails and wood pigeons. However, it is essential to take into account certain factors to make the most of these days. The first is always to be clear about the regulations and specific dates in each Autonomous Community, we provide it to you in this blog, CLICK HERE .

The intense heat is a challenge this season, and many hunters return after months without hunting, which can make the first few days a little more difficult. Visiting the hunting ground in spring to observe the agricultural distribution and movements of the species is very useful. In quail hunting grounds, it is important to check the wheat, corn, sunflower and mustard fields. In dove hunting grounds, it is crucial to observe their movements at dawn and dusk to plan the hunting strategy.

Hydration is essential, so you should carry water and drink it regularly, cool your neck and nape, wear a hat and appropriate clothing. With dogs, you should also make sure they are well hydrated and have cool places to rest. Avoiding the hottest hours, carrying plenty of water and resting in the shade is crucial to prevent heat stroke. Wearing sturdy gaiters and checking resting places carefully helps to avoid insects and snakes.

Mid-season dogs

For the mid-season, it is essential to have a good pointing dog. The Perdiguero de Burgos is a quail specialist, hardy and sober. Podencos are resistant to heat and fast. The Pointer is fast and covers a lot of ground. The Setter, protected by its coat, searches in difficult places. The Bracos, both German and Weimaraner, are excellent in endurance and smell, and withstand heat well.

It is essential to carry a first aid kit for the dog that includes a corticosteroid-antihistamine, bandages, antiseptic, emetic, extraction forceps, cotton, gauze and scissors to deal with any emergency. After months without hunting, it is normal to make mistakes. Training at the shooting range at least a week before helps to regain confidence. Shooting a wood pigeon requires applying large steps due to its size and speed. Shooting a dove requires a short swing and medium steps due to its changes in direction. Shooting a quail requires pressing your face tightly on the stock and not rushing.

Being consistent and organized on outings, alternating dogs to maximize their performance, is essential. Looking for cool spots on hot days and observing the conditions of the crops is also important. Investing time in getting to know the hunting grounds helps to obtain better results. Prioritizing safety when shooting and training dogs to remain still when birds fly is crucial.

Mid-season casts and sizes

When shooting the different species during the mid-season, it is important to adapt the shooting technique to each one. The wood pigeon, due to its size and speed, requires large swings to compensate for its fast flight and the height at which it usually flies. In the case of the turtle dove, a short swing and medium swings are crucial, since these birds make many variations in their flight direction, which increases the difficulty of the shot. Finally, when hunting quail, it is essential to press your face tightly against the stock and not rush. The wild quail tends to zigzag in the first few meters of flight, so it is advisable to wait a little and shoot with a good trajectory.

As for the most suitable shotgun calibres for the mid-season, the 12 gauge is a very popular choice due to its versatility and power, providing a wide margin of error and good coverage. The lighter and more manageable 20 gauge is another excellent choice, especially for those who prefer a shotgun that is easier to handle during long days. Both calibres offer a good balance between range and power, allowing them to adapt to the different conditions and species found in the field.