Dove Hunting 101

Preparing to hunt

Dove hunting is one of the most unpredictable types of hunting there is so you need to be prepared. During winter in south Georgia, it can be anywhere from 50 to 80 degrees in the afternoon, so I always bring a jacket. There is no telling how many birds you will see. Every time I go into the field I take at least four or five boxes of shells. If you have a really big appetite like me, bring a snack and some water into the field with you. There is nothing worse than being thirsty in a dove field. Decoys help bring a lot of dove in so don't forget one when going on a dove hunt. Always bring the appropriate camflauge depending on what kind of field you are in. Oh yeah, it is a good idea to bring a gun too.

The hunt

Dove hunting is one of the most exciting things I have ever done in my life. If you prepared properly then it can be exciting for you too. When it is cloudy, the dove come in constantly throughout the afternoon. If it is a good shoot, you will get action all day long. My personal favorite is a sunny day. Usually the birds come in at anytime from 3:00 to 4:30 and come in heavily until nightfall. I might have to wait an hour or so but it is worth the wait. On days like this I like to bring a portable radio out and listen to the Georgia Bulldogs play football.

Tips for hunting dove

1. If you think you know where the birds are going to come in, try to get to that spot before anyone else

2. Never try to aim at the birds, looking back and forth from the bead to the bird causes you to miss. Put your cheek firmly on the stock and see the shot before you shoot it.

3. If you have a bird down while a lot of other birds are coming in, use surroundings to mark the bird and get it later.

4. If two birds come over you at the same time, shoot the bird farthest back so you do not have to stop your swing to shoot the next bird.

5. If more than three birds come to you at the same time, just pick one out and shoot it. From personal experience, shooting in the middle of them never works.

6. If you want to keep your money, don't break the law. Just follow the rules.

7. A person's life is way more important than a bird. Be safe when you go hunting.

8. If you know a child who wants to go hunting, take them out and introduce them to the outdoors.

9. When a bird is coming to you, stay still, dove are color blind and see motion a whole lot better than most other animals.

10. No matter how the outcome of the hunt is, always have fun.