When leading a dove in flight for shooting, the general guidance is to aim several feet ahead of the bird to compensate for its speed and the time it takes for the shot to reach it. Here are key points on how far to lead a dove:

• Doves typically fly around 30 to 55 miles per hour. Based on this, the lead needed can range from about 2 feet to as much as 9 feet depending on the bird's speed and your shooting distance (usually 20 to 45 yards)

• A practical rule of thumb is to exaggerate your lead by about 6 feet or more, meaning your gun barrel should be roughly 6 inches in front of the dove when you shoot. One inch of barrel movement corresponds to about one foot of lead distance

• The lead depends on the distance to the bird and its speed. For example, at 20 yards, a slower dove (30 mph) might require around 2 feet of lead, while a faster dove (55 mph) at 45 yards might require up to 9 feet of lead

• The "pull-away" method is often recommended: start moving your gun from the dove's head, pick up its speed, aim ahead of it, and then fire. This method helps to match the bird's speed and trajectory effectively

• Practicing to assess distance and speed is crucial since the lead must be adjusted in real time based on these factors

• For beginners, it is advised to shoot at distances where you are confident (typically within 40 yards) and to practice leading the bird by aiming where it is flying to, not where it is at the moment of shooting

In summary, leading a dove generally involves aiming about 4 to 6 feet ahead of the bird at typical shooting distances, with adjustments based on the bird's speed and your distance from it. Consistent practice and learning to judge distance and speed are essential to improve accuracy in dove hunting