With early season doves, the predominant bird is this year's hatchling and the skull is still soft. I use a one hand hold, with head between forefinger and thumb. My thumb depresses the skull, killing the bird instantly. I learned this from an old snipe hunter and use it on snipe as well. With older dove, a neck wring or a rap across the stock does the job. With woodcock, chest compression prevents breathing and death results in under a few seconds. Gil