by Tracy Wever

Created on: February 18, 2010   Last Updated: March 23, 2010

The long hot summer is finally winding down. Bird hunters everywhere wait with anticipation for the first bird season of the year. It was January when most of these hunters last aimed their trusted smooth bores at live feathered targets. Dogs wait for the coming season squirming in their pens, they to have endured a long time away from the hunting fields. What you might ask has man and beast in such a state? Bird hunting season is about to start, and to be specific the time for hunting doves is almost here.

The earliest bird season, starting in September in the Midwest, dove season marks the start of another hunting season for the avid bird hunter. It is a chance for them to hone their shooting skills and go to the field with their four legged hunting companions. Hunting doves sets the stage for other seasons to come. For many bird hunters it is training camp for pursing their passions such as quail, pheasant and other upland bird hunting. Many waterfowl hunters also join in this annual kickoff to the bird hunting season. How do you get started  dove hunting? Let’s look at some of the basics and see if it might be something you would enjoy.

Dove hunting is not a very expensive pursuit to undertake. You need a shotgun, some shells, a hunting vest, and something to set on. The shotgun you use is a personal choice there is no right or wrong. Many hunters use their favorite quail or duck gun. This gives them the opportunity to practice with the gun they will be using in later seasons. Take plenty of shells along you are going to need them. Most dove hunters use low brass, low velocity, number eight shot shells. A good hunting vest is a handy thing to the dove hunter. Vests give you a place to store shells, put your downed birds and have large pockets to carry water bottles and snacks. The last item needed to round out your dove hunting equipment is something to set on. There are many options; a good one legged sport stool will work. The lawn chair has been seen in many a dove field. Last but not least the five gallon bucket turned upside down works great.

You have all your equipment, now where can a person go to hunt doves. The best dove hunting can be found over harvested farm fields. Doves will flock by the hundreds to a cut silage or wheat field. To hunt farm fields observe the pattern the doves are using to come into the field. Setting up at the edge of the field under this flight pattern usually produces good results. It helps to have several hunters around a large field to keep the doves up and moving. Early morning and evenings seem to be the prime times. You do not own a farm and can not find a local farmer to give you permission to hunt, now what? Relax all is not lost. Check your local conservation areas, they provide excellent opportunities for dove hunters.

Hunting conservation areas for dove can be a bit more challenging than hunting in farm fields. Here again you have to look for a pattern,  just on a smaller scale. Small ponds or lakes are a great place to start. Doves coming off feeding fields will always need water. Conservation areas are usually dotted with small grain fields; although they may not be cut, doves can be found using them. Check late in the day for doves going to roost; they love dead trees around water. Conservation areas may not have a large number of birds; they can however provide some great shooting. 

Dust off your favorite shotgun and give dove hunting a try. Doves offer some of the most challenging pass shooting that can be found. Take along your four legged hunting companion and let them brush up on their retrieving skills as well. Hunting doves is not very expensive and will make you a better shot when other bird seasons arrive.

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