Dove, Dogs, and Shotguns

Early July, probably the most boring time for a sports fan and hunter like myself. No football, basketball, dove hunting, or anything else to entertain me on the weekends. I’ve even caught myself trying to get in to soccer, but it’s not working. The best sport on right now is politics, and I can only stand so much of that before I wanna puke. So what’s a person supposed to do? Here are a few tips to help make for a better opening day.

1. Get your dog in shape. Dogs are just like people, if they lay around for a few months, it’s difficult for them to get out and hunt all day. If you’ve ever had your dog lay down on you in the middle of a shoot, it can be frustrating to say the least. Break out the decoy and scent, and get to training. The small investment of time will pay great dividends come opening day.
2. Get yourself in shape. Whatever this means for you. It could mean shooting shape or physical shape, or both. Join a league, shoot, shoot, shoot. This way your dog is not the only one ready to hunt come September.
3. Get your gun in shape. Clean it, if it’s gas operated, soak it the gas cylinder in mineral spirits for 12 hours. Doing this will dramatically decrease the amount of problems you will have in the field.
4. Get your accessories in shape. Things get old,  wear out, or just need to be replenished. Go out and get that new chair, or camo you’ve been needing. Things like bug spray, flashlights, batteries, shells, and other accessories can be purchased ahead of time. By shopping early, you will be more thorough and you will spread the cost out over a period of time instead of one lump sum.
5. Scout. Early season scouting can pay off big time. It may save you some money by stopping you from buying the lease, save you time by not wasting it on opening day false alarming on dragonflies, or make you look like the hero to your hunting buddies.

Off season sucks, make it suck less by preparing for the on season.

• Migratory Bird Report North Zone Dove: Rain showers last week put a damper on the flight, however, between showers doves were good in corn, milo and along treelines. Fields near Paris enjoyed good shoots in harvested corn and soybeans. Amarillo fields of corn and milo hosted steady shoots. Abilene saw half-limits to near-limits......
• Bird dog training (part I) The following is the first article, written by my brother, in a series on how to train your bird dog. Darla. his lab, is an awesome bird dog. He has trained her since she was a puppy. Not only is she awesome hunting dove, she's great hunting quail also. If you've......
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• New Site Logo! I went website and logo design hunting today because I've been itching for a more professional feel to the blog for a while. By the end of the day after submitting quite a few queries for quotes I got inspired. As much as I am sure we all loved the......

Blistering heat, dead or failing crops, dead lawns, and burn bans pretty much describe this summer here in Texas. Most say this year’s almost fourteen inch shortfall of rain is a curse, but I say it’s great news for dove hunting. Before you call me crazy, let me explain.

“In my opinion for doves and most avian species, the drought doesn’t affect them,” said Jeff Makemson, a state biologist.

Makemson goes on to say that drought doesn’t necessarily help dove as much as rainy, stormy weather hurts them.

“A dove will typically build a nest in a pine tree about 12 feet off the ground,” Makemson said. “It is a fragile nest that will blow down easily. Storms, heavy rain and wind will affect their nesting success.”

Nesting is critical to hunting success. Especially early in the season, when the population of dove is local birds. Heavy rain and storms limits a dove’s ability to nest and reproduce, therefore populations decline. The later migration of northern dove happens later in the season as cooler northern air forces them south in search of food and shelter.

In short, a good opening day is dependent on local dove populations ability to nest and reproduce. In a drought the mortality rates in nesting dove goes down and the reproduction rates go up. Therefore, populations are higher in a dry season. All this leads to great dove hunting during these years, and this year has all the conditions in place and should be phenomenal.

Another note worthy point about the effect of drought is that the hunting around good watering holes is better. In a wet year the dove can water at any puddle around and will not be found concentrated around large bodies of water. When you take the puddles away it forces them to head to the stock tanks and ponds, playing right into a smart hunter’s sights.

Dove don’t like watering where there is a lot of brush or high grass. They prefer sandy, flat shores with shallow water. In a drought, water levels drop creating perfect watering holes, and perfect hunting spots. Set up a few decoys and have plenty of shells, because you will need them.

My dad loves to get out early in the afternoon hunts, but with record temperatures, you might want to take a little longer nap. Dove will typically enter a field to feed in the afternoon between 3:30 and 4:00 P.M., but when it’s extraordinarily hot they will wait until closer to 5:00 P.M..

Just another way that an effective hunter can maximize his time in the field, spending more time reloading instead of false alarming on dragonflies.

Here’s to good hunting this season!

Time to RELOAD!

Dove, Dogs, & Shotguns

• New Texas Dove Lease The Solana Ranch out of Austin has listed a very reasonable season lease. Feel free to leave a review if you've hunted there. Thanks for the listing. Below are the details:  NAME_OF_LEASE: Solana Ranch EMAIL: solanaranch@aol.com CONTACT_NAME: Peanut Campbell CONTACT_PHONE_NUMBER: 254-947-8331 PREFERRED_METHOD_OF_CONTACT: Phone LOCATION_INCLUDING_CLOSEST_CITY_OR_TOWN: Salado, TX TYPE_OF_LEASE: Season PRICE: $275.00......
• Extreme Dove Hunt If you've got the funds the you should check out LCHunting.com. They are offering some serious dove hunting for a serious dove hunter. Just check out what is included for the price: Ground transportation from McAllen Texas Beretta AL390 Shotgun Deluxe Accommodations** Delicious meals included Open bar daily Field transportation......
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When you think about it, there is a lot of items that need to be accumulated to have a successful dove hunt. I’ve made a checklist to help make sure you don’t forget anything before opening day. Print it, and check it off before you leave, you’ll be happy you did.

• Place to hunt
• Place to stay
• Shotgun
• Spare Shotgun (just in case)
• Ammo
• Gun oil
• Hunting license
• Dog
• Dog kennel
• Electric collar
• Leash
• Dog treats
• Dog’s water bottle & water
• Dog food
• Flashlight
• Camo clothes
• Hunting boots
• Shell bag
• Game bag
• Shooting glasses
• Ear plugs
• Extra clothes
• Snacks for the field
• Water bottle for the field
• Drinks
• Ice
• Cooler for birds
• Cooler for drinks and food
• Mosquito spray
• Suncreen

• Only in Texas .... Apparently some of the people moving out to the country are surprised during dove season. I came across this article from WFAA, and couldn't help but see some humor in it. Lori Castoldi awoke last week to the sound of gunshots near her Prosper home.      "It was all around......
• And the Season Begins Today, in central and north Texas, thousands of hopeful dove hunters seek to bag their 15 dove. Stores like Academy and Bass Pro have pallets of shells and dove decoys on the floor seeking to entice last minute buyers and me I'm stuck at work. A mild cool front set......
• Shooting Fundamentals Shooting Fundamentals        The fundamentals of shooting a shotgun are vital to becoming a successful dove hunter. There are many things that contribute to actually hitting the target. In our previous article about avoiding mental breakdowns we talked about how to keep your mind from getting in the way of......

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I can’t believe it is already July 21st. In a little over a month I will be waiting for the sun to come up over a field in North Texas. As my plans get finalized, I thought I would put together a checklist to get you ahead of the pack come opening day.

1. Determine where you are going to hunt. It may be that you go to the same place every year, but if not, make this choice within the next two weeks.
2. Scout, scout, scout. Did I mention scout? Probably the most important item on the list. By beginning early you will allow yourself time to find another lease if your first choice turns out to be a dud. For more tips on scouting go here.
3. Practice. If it has been a while since you shot anything but a coral snake in the front yard (took me three rounds), it would be wise to squeeze in a few rounds of skeet. Shooting skeet works out the bugs that can develop after a few months of inactivity. I might also mention that shooting skeet really gets your engines revving for opening day. For some tips on shotgunning go here.
4. Make the necessary purchases. Things like a hunting license, public land permit, your lease, shells, mosquito spray, shooting glasses, ear plugs, and any new accessories you would like to add to your arsenal. By starting early, you can spread the expenses out over a few pay checks, instead of postponing September’s mortgage payment.
5. Lodging arrangements. Don’t wait to the last minute on this one or else you might be crashing in your pickup. If you are hunting with a dog, make sure where you stay allows them. It can get expensive if they don’t.
6. Exercise fido. If your dog has laid around for eight or ten months, you probably want to break out the old decoy and get him a little exercise before you ask him to go retrieve in the 100 degree weather.
7. Clean your shotgun. For me this is a night before ritual, but it definitely needs to be done. A cleaned and oiled shotgun performs much better than one that hasn’t been taken care of.

If you knock these things out early, all you will have to think about the night before is who is going to get their limit first.

My friends at Impact guns can help you with all your preparations.

Time to RELOAD!

Dove, Dogs, & Shotguns

• Only in Texas .... Apparently some of the people moving out to the country are surprised during dove season. I came across this article from WFAA, and couldn't help but see some humor in it. Lori Castoldi awoke last week to the sound of gunshots near her Prosper home.      "It was all around......
• Skeet Shooting is Best Practice for Dove Hunters According to Phil Bourjaily of Field & Stream. Phil is a well known writer/gun expert and has some really good points on improving your kill ratio. I've always felt that skeet was a great warm up for dove season. I always start with my shotgun a little lower than most shooters to......
• Getting Started (part II) WHAT TO DO? Okay, you've acquired everything you need to begin dove hunting, NOW WHAT!?!? There isn't too much to it, but if you take a few steps prior to taking the field, you'll have a lot more fun and a lot less stress. Let's begin. Get familiar with your......

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I came across this video from TexasHuntFish, a hunting forum. So check it out…

Click HERE to watch

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• 6 New Texas Dove Leases If anyone has hunted these leases, feel free to leave a review on them. Thanks for posting them, and keep them coming. Below are the details: NAME OF LEASE: Carol Knutson EMAIL: info@muysecoranch.com CONTACT NAME: Carol CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 830-363-4281 PREFERRED METHOD OF CONTACT: Either LOCATION INCLUDING CLOSEST CITY OR......

Every year I see hunters placing decoys around the dove fields. I’ve always wondered if they were worth their salt. Let’s find out…

Ducks, Geese, Turkeys are all susceptible to decoys. With ducks being the most social of the game birds. These flock oriented birds find safety when they spot others of their own kind. But are these things true when comes to dove?

Dove do respond to decoys. They just respond in a little different manner. Unlike ducks and geese, decoys don’t cause dove to come out of flight, but they can make them alter their flight pattern. When they see the decoy, they typically make a fly-by to check them out. Dove see the decoys as a safe zone, and if you put yourself in a good position you can be there to spoil that thought.

The decoys will not eliminate your need to pick a good spot. A decoy will not change a major flight path for dove. They can alter it enough to bring more dove in range. Do your homework and pick the right spot before placing the decoys.

Place your decoys in pairs on the ground. Dove usually fly in pairs and by placing the decoys in pairs, you make them look more natural. Don’t go overboard though, a dozen decoys is plenty.  The decoys should be 20 to 30 yards out from your spot.

Another good strategy with decoys is to place them in elevated position, e.g. tree limbs or fence lines. This also makes the use of decoys appear more natural. Avoid putting the elevated decoys too close to your position. Keep them in range(20-30 yards) but away from your immediate position, by doing this you will keep the attention away from you and avoid spooking the dove.

If you are hunting by a body of water there are a few different techniques. Dove usually land in an elevated position before going to drink. Therefore, the key is to have more decoys elevated than not. Put a single pair on the ground and several elevated. When placing the decoys on the ground place them in at a spot on the bank with little to no vegetation. Position yourself in shotgun range from the decoys and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Decoys are not essential when dove hunting, but by using them wisely, they can bring more dove into your sights than there would have been otherwise.

Decoys can be extremely helpful later in the season when the shooting is a little slower.

Time to RELOAD! 

Dove, Dogs, & Shotguns

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• Effects of Drought on Dove Hunting Blistering heat, dead or failing crops, dead lawns, and burn bans pretty much describe this summer here in Texas. Most say this year's almost fourteen inch shortfall of rain is a curse, but I say it's great news for dove hunting. Before you call me crazy, let me explain. “In......

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Perhaps my favorite way to hunt dove is to walk the field for those dove that  have lighted in the field. Of course, if you are in a big shoot with many other shotguns, you can’t do this for obvious safety reasons.  However, later in the season this method can be highly productive and allow you to bag many more dove.

In a perfect world, all you would have to do would be, pick a good spot and wait. Sometimes this works, but it is my experience, if you get off the chair and walk with a purpose, you will be much more successful.

A couple of years ago in Donna about the third weekend into the season  I implemented this strategy and had great success. We were hunting on about 200 acres and the dove were flying but I knew we were missing a lot of them.  With  so much area and only three hunters  the dove had too many places to escape. After watching the the patterns the dove were flying my brother and I went for a calculated walk. The field had goat weed and old corn stalks for food. There were cut-outs or strips mowed out about 20 yards wide the width of the field. We noticed that the dove were landing in these cut-outs. My brother started about 50 yards in and headed down the field and I did the same from the other side. This way we covered as much of the field with two shotguns as possible ( Dad was on the other end ready to take out all the dove we pushed his way). The results for all three of us were fabulous. Almost everytime I crossed from the taller brush into the cut-outs two to three white-wings flew from the ground up. For those that don’t know, a dove makes a distinct but short, low pitched, burst of whistles as they take flight (music to my ears). Sometimes this is  the  best  alarm to locate the dove, mount your shotgun and shoot a dove , who is rapidly approaching MACH 1.  As we crossed the field, the dove that we didn’t get a shot on were heading right into Dad’s Beretta. We effectively covered 200 acres with three shotguns, and everyone limited out. By getting up and walking, we kept the dove stirred up, had a blast, and got shots on dove that would have otherwise never been seen. It’s like a combination of quail and dove hunting. The main difference is dove will take flight earlier than quail but a little slower. However, once they get going, they are gone.  Let’s look at some things to remember before you take off walking for dove.

1. Observe and make a plan: Pick your initial spot to hunt and stay there until the morning flights begin to slow, Pay close attention (when not shooting) to where you see dove leaving flight to eat. Make sure you will not be walking into any one’s gun range, this is a common courtesy as well as a safety issue. Once you’ve observed these things, then establish where you will walk and how you can cover the area you will be walking most effectively. If I’m by myself, diagonals are my choice. If I have a partner, parallels are the way to go. Don’t detour from your path (unless looking for downed birds) , as you will feel better about covering the area if you are not walking randomly.
2. Load properly: For me there are two types of walks; test walks, and full blown walks. On a test walk, you are seeking to learn if it’s worth your while to go on a full blown walk. Usually a test walk is straight line out and back. On these walks there is no need to carry a lot of extra weight, just some shells in case you hit pay dirt. Full blown walks are when you’ve decided it is going to be productive, and will be gone awhile. These walks require almost a full load. Bring plenty of shells, it sucks to have to head back early for lack of shells. Also, bring your water bottle and your dog’s water bottle (if there is a difference between the two). In South Texas, lack of water can cripple a good hunt. Mosquito spray may also be a necessity, depending on your location.
3. Be ready: There is a big difference between walking, and hunting while walking. Dove will fly early and if you are not ready you won’t even get a shot worth taking. Keep you finger on the safety and off hand on the forearm of your shotgun. Stay focused and don’t let your dog get very far in front of you as she will spook the dove up out of your gun range. 

Even though sitting in the back of the truck is more comfortable, walking the field is more productive. If you get out in the field you will find a whole new aspect to dove hunting. Walking up dove presents a challenge to even the most expert shotgunner, but it can make for a better dove hunt, even on days when the  hunting is a little slow.

Time to RELOAD!

• Safeties On! "Safeties On!" That is what Dad says every time we get out into the field to go hunting. Leaving my gun on safety is a habit. It is part of my routine as I begin to take aim and fire, it's automatic. I've heard people saying safety causes them to......
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Who hasn’t done it, shown up for a big dove hunt and put yourself in a bad spot. It is simply miserable to listen to all the blasting around you as you contemplate everything from moving spots to what you did to deserve this. The best bullets, most expensive shotgun, and best trained dog cannot make up for picking a bad spot when dove hunting. Let’s look at how we can prevent singing the ‘no dove blues’.

First we will look at the three basic ways to get a good spot when dove hunting and then we’ll breakdown what to look for when scouting.

1. Scout the field: If you don’t have a sixth sense like my dad does, then it will pay to do a little scouting before you show up for the hunt. You can learn a lot about the dove in just one afternoon. Pay attention to their flight patterns, the sun, and the time they start to fly. Pick a few spots that look promising, just in case someone beats you to your first choice.
2. Early bird gets the worm: And the early hunter gets the spot and the birds. It’s really not a good plan to scout out your spot and come driving up too late to get it. Surely, if you’ve picked a decent spot it won’t last long. Whether you are hunting the morning hunt or afternoon, don’t dally, get to the field, take your spot and prepare to be the one making everyone else jealous.
3. Be still: If your new to dove hunting, then you probably haven’t witnessed a pair of incoming dove break into evasive maneuvers on the slightest movement by you. After a dove has been shot at a couple of times or, as Tim Lilley from Game & Fish calls it, educated, they become very jumpy and will change course on any ground movement. This can be devastating to even the best spot. Expert dove hunter, Will Jester, thinks that being still and keeping your dog still is more important than the fanciest camo you can buy. Sure, you’ll want to wear some camo but if you are jumping up to shoot way to early the camo won’t help.

Those are the basic steps to getting a good spot to hunt. Now let’s look at what actually look for when scouting or looking at a field for the first time.

1. The sun: Get your bearings and figure out east from west and then position yourself with the sun at your back. The sun can really hinder your ability to spot dove much less shoot dove. If having it at your back is not possible try to face where it is not directly in your eyes.
2. Structure:  Dove structure is basically something other than food or water that attracts birds. These structures effect the dove’s flight patterns in a field. It could be anything from a group of trees to an old barn in the field. These structures will be a staging area for the dove to hold at until they leave to feed or water. Finding a position within range of these structures can make for some prime real estate in the field.
3. Bare Spots: A bare spot in the field can be a great place to find holding dove. Dove need to have a certain amount of gravel and sand in there diet. Will Jester says, “These areas can be ideal, food on the ground all over the field will obviously scatter and disperse the doves. A hunter sitting near a visible patch of grit will often get a concentration of birds headed for one place that offers more than one of the things they need.” Of course you don’t want to sit in the bare spot, just in shotgun range of the spot.
4. Watering Holes: Dove  usually go to water after they eat. Keep this in mind if your considering setting up near water. If there are many hunters set up where the food is, they will get the first crack at the dove. Don’t get me wrong there can be some fantastic shoots by water, but if it is a large field with many hunters, I wouldn’t reccommend it as your primary spot.

If you take these points into consideration when scouting, or heaven forbid, just showing up to hunt, your chances of a successful hunt will improve greatly.

Time to RELOAD!

• Mimosa Farms Public Dove Hunting #2378 Review Located about 60 miles south of  San Antonio in Dilley, TX, Mimosa Farms public land is one of the best public dove leases I've been on. The property is about 1450 acres and was well maintained. The land consisted of about 900-950 acres of croton that had been shred into rows......
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