Filler Up

Intro
I have had the privilege of going on three very good dove shoots this year. All of the fields had something in common that seemed to really attract the birds and no it was not bait. All of the fields were extremely clean. I have observed through my hunting trips that birds like clean feeding areas, so I am going to tell you how to have a clean field.

Burn Baby Burn
Before the season starts you should burn off the fields you plan to hunt. It is always wise the harrow around the fields before burning them off. After you burn off the field you should keep it mowed until the season starts.

I Spy With My Little Eye
You should always scout out you fields before hunting to see what time the birds are coming and how many are coming. When you have found out their pattern is it is time to shoot them.

tag: dove hunting, fields, preparation of fields, dove

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.

The Laws for Dove Season

Dove season in Georgia is one of the best times of year. You get your shotgun, about four boxes of shells, a hunting seat, and a snack and drink and wait for the dove to come. A good dove shoot is one of the most adrenaline rushing, action packed hunts you will ever experience. There is one thing that gets in the way of a good dove shoot, the laws that come with it. I understand that some of the laws need to be there, but there are two that need to be changed.

The Limit Law is Lame

The first law that needs to be changed is the limit law. In Georgia, you can only kill twelve birds on every hunt. When your at a really good shoot and your right on target, twelve is a puny number. The limit in most other states is fifteen birds a hunter. That should be the limit in Georgia. Hunters in Georgia need to get together and get this law changed.

The Season Law is Nonsense

The second and most important law that should be changed is the season law. One of my Dad's friends had a dove shoot a couple of weeks ago. It was one of the best dove shoots I have ever been to in my life. He told us last week that he had more birds now than he did in the previous shoot, but we can't shoot them for about three weeks because the season went out again. What happens if the birds go away or they just don't come back. That would not be good for us hunters.

A sport for all

Dove hunting is a hobby shared by kids, teenagers, and adults. It would be an amazing hobby if the limit law and the season law would be changed. Together, hunters around the United States can join and get these laws changed. Even if you have to obey all of the laws, hunting with friends and family is something everyone needs to enjoy.

tag: birds, dove, georgia, hobby, hunt, hunting, laws, limit, season, shooting, shotgun, teenagers