Dove Hunting: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes
Whether you’re hitting the fields for dove season right now or trying to decide if you want to add a hunting season to your whitetail habit, we’re here to help.
Whether you’re hitting the fields for dove season right now or trying to decide if you want to add a hunting season to your whitetail habit, we’re here to help.
When I show up to a public-land hunt area, even if the location seems to be void of other hunters, I treat the dirt and the birds on it like they’ve been hounded to death. I’ve used what I learned to harvest pressured public-land birds with my stick-and-string. Here’s what you need to know.
There are so many possibilities and rigging your decoys should provide you years of service with little or no frustration. Time should be spent hunting not untangling decoy lines.
You likely have read about every possible scenario for waterfowl and specifically duck decoy spreads. The J-hook or “J” spread, the “U” spread, the “L” spread, and finally the “X” spread. Add to this the “C” spread or total chaos spread and that should about cover the possibilities. I have used them all and what I have learned over the years is if the ducks want in, they will come in, regardless of the wind direction, exposed hunters, poor sets, or movement.
Recently at a Midwest waterfowl show, I saw the new Lucky Duck 4 Slot Motion Backpack and I was amazed at the attention it drew. Hardly a single person walked by without handling, exploring, commenting, and eventually buying one of three versions.
If you are willing to expand your definition of the word “game” there is one critter that will allow you to keep your wing shooting on point and keep your dog retrieving during this drought, the Rock Dove or more commonly known as the street pigeon.
It just so happens that the same wetlands that are frequented by ducks are also inhabited by another small, but fun water-bound species, the Snipe.
One of the updated models is the Upland Ultralight All-Terrain, which I’ve been using in 20 gauge. It’s lightweight, it’s beautifully constructed, and it comes up on-target every time game flushes. Read on for a close look at all the features as well as a few things that could be better.
The take away from this hunt was to always be flexible. I had my mind set on taking a nice deer with my muzzleloader, but because we took advantage of an opportunity that does not always get offered, I was able to have a new and unique experience that still put a lot of meat in the freezer and made for some awesome wing shooting.
The new Flambeau Gunning Series is an appreciated differentiation to any decoy spread. Give yourself the advantage of decoys that look great, ride with attitude on the water and provide excellent action in light and heavy wind, wave, and current.
Next time I am in Texas for a fall or winter deer or hog hunt? I’m bringing along my Remington 870 20-gauge. Grilled Dove Poppers are excellent!
Hunting the early season for any animal is always exciting. You can often take advantage of animals that have not been hunted since last fall and this can lead them to make mistakes that they are not known to do as the season wears on. On this hunt, I was able to exploit the behavior of early-season geese.
I think, without a doubt, almost all American hunters would agree that dove season is the unofficial start of fall and the official start to the fall hunting season. I don’t care which state you live in or what coast your closest to, all hunters are excited for the start of dove season.
Upland game seasons are opening in August and September around the country. For those of us in the West who seek punishment and frustration, that means chukar season.
It can be hard to find hunting opportunities during the dog days of summer. The typical game animals are off limits due to the season structure that we have in the US, but with a little research, some opportunities are out there.
The first time I hefted Browning’s new Cynergy, it left me feeling pleasantly surprised and excited to take it afield in pursuit of gobblers. The shotgun is lightweight, well balanced, carries pleasantly, and comes to the shoulder nicely.
How can you get your dog to be more attentive to you without getting pushed to your limits when it’s time to enjoy the moment you’ve been waiting for?