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Concierge Insight

April 22, 2026

Q: for high volume dove is there any reason we should lean towards renting 20ga vs 12ga from u guys considering the amount of shooting we'll be doing

AWS EXPERT REPLY
That's an excellent question, and it's something many of our guests consider for high-volume dove shooting!

For the incredible volume of doves you'll experience with us, many hunters do lean towards a 20-gauge shotgun due to its significantly lighter recoil and often lighter overall weight. When you're shooting hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds per day, the reduced fatigue from a 20-gauge can make a big difference in your comfort and enjoyment, allowing you to shoot longer and more accurately without tiring out.

While a 12-gauge certainly offers more stopping power, it's often considered overkill for doves given their size, and the increased recoil can become quite noticeable over an extended period of shooting. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preference and comfort level, but the 20-gauge is a very popular and practical option for high-volume dove hunting. We have both available for rent, and our professional guides are there to assist you in selecting the perfect gun for your experience.

Unless you are booking a 1-day trip, our multi-day packages are completely all-inclusive. This covers luxury lodging, gourmet meals, open bar, and professional guides. We handle all the logistics for you, including arranging gun rentals and hunting licenses, which are added to your final itinerary so you don't have to worry about the details.

AWS Lodge Note: These insights cover recurring topics raised by hunters and travelers and are informed by AWS Lodge’s operational experience. Questions may be edited or modeled for clarity and are not necessarily verbatim guest submissions. While we strive for accuracy, seasons, regulations, field conditions, weather, and specific logistics may vary. Always confirm final details through your written quotation and itinerary. Contact Staff »

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