How to Make Dove Season Opener More Successful

Dove season is the big kickoff for most autumn hunting seasons, despite a few early whitetail openers. Early goose and teal seasons open about the same time that dove hunters get into the field, too. But dove hunters, mostly those in the South, celebrate the annual start as the big shebang for everything else that goes on until thoughts of spring chase the winter blues.

The typical Southern dove hunt involves a few weeks of looking for a field to hunt or prepping an existing field. It means getting out the shotgun and finding or buying shells, dusting off the game bag, figuring out whether the pre-hunt lunch will be a big deal (usually, yes) or low-key tailgate affair (maybe), making sure licenses and permits are updated, grabbing snacks, ice and drinks for the cooler, maybe getting a stool or comfortable chair, arriving early to see old friends and pick a spot, and then waiting.

Opening day doves don’t always darken the skies like they do in Argentina or their cinematic feathered friends from “The Birds.” Many states have noon or 1 p.m. starting times. Midday birds? Ehh, they’re usually on the roost, out of the heat, with a few flying here and there. That’s not always the case. Sometimes the migration has been perfect for opening day, and they’re buzzing around. Other times, they’re zipping around because the field is spiked with scattered happy seeds that could get you a citation from Mr. Green Jeans. Arriving early enough to perhaps walk about and see what’s up, and also quiz the host about planting and preparation, could save you from a bad situation.

PLAN AHEAD

If you have time before your dove season opens, or other upland or waterfowl seasons, too, think about a checklist to tick off so you don’t forget anything in the field. It’s easy to do and definitely makes things go more smoothly.

Make sure you have the required licenses and permits for where you’re hunting. That includes filling out the free federal Harvest Information Permit, typically online or at your sales agent if you still buy a paper license. Don’t forget to also get any written permission from the landowner or leaseholder if you’re on private land. I’ve been on big paid party hunts with dozens of hunters on several hundred acres, and our receipt was our permission. State or federal lands may require a permit, too.

If you think the action will be fast and furious, take a box or two of shells, your gun, sunglasses, hat, vest and go forth. Years ago, I hunted in South Carolina on opening day in a field of planted sunflowers. Our host said we didn’t need anything other than a box of shells and a vest. We stood amid the sunflowers with no attempt to hide or even be still. It was insane. Seven of us limited out in less than 30 minutes. It got to the point that we were choosing shots: crossers, overheads, straight-on, whatever.

And I’ve been on hunts like many of you that by 3:30 or 4 o’clock, I was sunburned, tired, hungry and thinking about getting home for supper. That’s when the birds started flying, of course, because they were feeding a bit before heading to the roost. If your day might be like this, take a comfortable chair or stool, cooler with bag of ice and enough water or sodas, a radio to listen to your football team, towel, Wet-Ones wipes (to clean hands or your bum), game bag for the birds in the cooler on ice (so they won't spoil), and enough ammo. Make a day of it and have fun.

If you have a youngster with you, remember they’re not going to be Peter Perfect Hunter all day. Be patient, enjoy the time with them and make sure they’re involved. Telling them to sit still, don’t move, don’t do this, don’t do that ad nauseam, will just make them dislike going with you. If they have a BB gun, for sure, let them take it so they can practice and hunt.

HUNTING TIPS

Adrenaline typically courses as legal shooting time draws near. Will the birds fly well? Is this a good spot? Dang ol’ Jimmy is over there by the power line again! Hope I brought enough shells!

Word of advice: watch things transpire for a little bit after everyone starts shooting and see what the birds are doing. If you get a chip shot, take it. But don’t sweat the streakers out in “is that close enough?” range or the weird angle shots. Just chill out and see what’s going on. You may be in a perfect spot where birds are flying near. If so, pick your shots and enjoy. If not, and things don’t look copacetic, make a move to a new spot if you can do so.

If you have a chance to scout your hunting area before going, look for key things that doves love. One is water, whether it’s a pond or creek. They need grit for their craw to break up seeds, so being near a road might be a plus. Doves love to perch and watch, sort of like you on the ground, so watch to see if they’re using specific trees or power lines.

I’ve hunted doves off and on for more than 45 years with 12-, 20-, 28-gauge and .410 shotguns. My preference is the 20-gauge, which has enough oomph to get the job done without rattling my jowls like the 12 gauge. I typically stick with Federal Game Loads, which are available just about anywhere at this time of year. If they’re not, I may reach for a clay target load. If they’re good enough to smash clay targets at the range, they’ll bring down a dove if I do my part with the scattergun.

MENTAL REBOUND

Frustrations build after you’ve missed three or four birds, and that final gray rocket that escaped your three shots leaves you fuming. You’re starting to spit and sputter words that got Ralphie hooked up with a bar of soap in “A Christmas Story.”

Chill out, man. Seriously, take a breath and relax. Our big manly ego can't take too much of a battering before we start whining, so snap out of it. Unload the gun and put it aside for a little bit. Crack open a soda and eat a sandwich or snack. Watch some birds fly around without shooting. Watch the other hunters miss a few. Enjoy your soda and clear the cobwebs.

Missing doves is part of it. Unless you’re a champion shooter or have been going to the clays range all summer, the hit-and-miss situation shouldn’t be a shock. You just don’t want it to become a miss-miss-miss-hit-miss-miss-hit kind of deal. While you’re chilling out, think about relaxing and getting a reset to your shooting and hunting basics.

If you’re standing to shoot, which is better to do, be sure your stance is good. Make sure you can move laterally with ease. Keep your head on the stock. Keep your eyes on the target, even if it’s dipping and darting like a little F-14 jet. If you’re seeing crossing birds, don’t punch the gun at them or swing your shoulders, but not your hips. Move through the bird by moving your body at the waist, combining the movement of your shoulders and waist. If you shoot skeet, think about stations 3, 4 or 5 and moving through the high birds.

HUNT ALL SEASON

If you can’t find a place to hunt on opening weekend, just wait a week or two and make your calls again. Many hunters go on opening day or maybe the first two Saturdays, and then they’re done for the year. They believe the birds are gone, the fields have been harvested, there’s nothing else to hunt, or they’re turning their thoughts to deer or waterfowl seasons.

That’s when landowners may not mind if you hunt, and the birds that “aren’t here anymore” still are here. They’re just moving around a bit more. They may be moving around to different fields for the best food sources or a new roost. With daylight hours getting shorter, they’ll shift evening feeding times accordingly before going to roost. Whether it’s public or private land, figure out these travel routes and times, just like before the season, and you’ll have more success with this great Southern tradition.

• Check out other tips to shooting a limit of dove here.

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