Teen dove hunters give shooting safety tips

A group of San Diego teen hunters under the watchful eye of grandpa came to Imperial Valley looking for dove.

17-year-old Caeden Schlosser said the area is a favorite for them, and they come year after year.

“Lots of people come out here regularly. Some will come back this evening. We’re just out here for the morning. We got here at daybreak,” Schlosser said.

15-year-old Carl Zeunges said shooting and hunting is a passion for them.

“I’m really interested in guns. We go to the range a lot and we shoot targets, but it’s more exciting to shoot a dove and then bring it home to eat.”

“I started shooting with my grandpa and then, just kind of next step was hunting, and I really like it. It’s kind of like fishing but it’s about the patience and about spending the time out here. And getting the birds is just the bonus,” Schlosser said.

The teen hunters shared some goodwill hunting tips.

“Keep the safety on at all times you never know when you can just pull the trigger accidentally, don’t want an accident while you’re out here,” Schlosser said.

“Keep the muzzle pointed down in a safe direction. Know what’s behind your target. Pick up your shells after you shoot and don’t go on posted property that you can’t shoot on,” Zeunges said.

“Stay hydrated, because it gets really hot, like right now,” Schlosser said.

It was just over a hundred degrees around 10 a.m., very hot weather for San Diego kids.

13-year-old Paul Zeunges said shooting was fun for him and that a gun should never be pointed at someone while hunting.

Grandpa Bot Oneil said there’s lots to learn and gain from sport shooting.

“Respect for nature and the hunting sport and try to pass that on to the next generation. I think it’ll do a lot for them. I wish all kids could grow up and have this kind of experience. It’s a growing experience. It can teach them respect for gun handling,” Oneil said.

Dove hunting locally runs September 1 st through the 15 th .

Please watch our newscast for more details.