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Yes!

20 gauge, 7-1/2 shot, 2-3/4 shell…high brass, Improved Modified Choke @ approximately 30 yds.

My Older Brother and I were dove hunting together. The place we were hunting had an old dug out caliche pit about 30 yds. wide, 75 yds long and maybe 12’ deep. These pits hold a small amount of water and plenty of “gravel”….so they attract doves for those two reasons.

We originally started out on the same side of the pit…but soon noticed we were missing opportunities at birds that were flying parallel to the pit on the other side (some were out of range). Teenage logic (if there is such a thing), dictated we split up to cover each side of the pit (agreeing NOT to shoot toward the pit UNLESS the birds were safely past the centerline). You see where this going….right?

Both of us had taken a few birds on our respective sides (backs to pit….birds approaching). Suddenly, I heard a shot that sounded much louder than the others and I turned to see a dove falling into the pit (about 45° to my left), I also noticed that my Brother was tracking a second bird (it was a pair) and was swinging his shotgun in my direction.

About that time…. the dove makes a big dip (evasive maneuver) and I can see my Brother is still following it. Of course…the dove flies down to exactly my level….and I can see that Mark is doing an excellent job focusing on it (and nothing else).

I just had time to turn my head (and most of my back) when I heard the shotgun go BOOOOOM! A millisecond later….I was pretty much on fire from the lower part of my neck to about my waist.


Yes! 7-1/2 shot WILL penetrate a game bag, short sleeve shirt, T-Shirt and 3/8” of flesh at 30-35 yds!

Yes! It burns (and stings simultaneously).

Yes! There is NOTHING you can do about it (cursing and writhing provide no relief).

Yes! It will end your dove hunt.

Yes! You will have to go to the doctor (where more fun is experienced).

Yes! Most of that shot is still in me.

Yes! I didn’t speak to my Brother for about a week after that.

Yes! I still bring it up (once in awhile) some 40 years after the incident.

Yes! He got the second bird too (a double).