Dove Hunting

[redhead77]

Soon we will be able to hunt mourning doves. Since I have never hunted them before I just don't know how to go about it. Should I walk, use dekoys, or what any advice would be good. It sounds like fun they are fast flyers.
Thanks

[adaylate]

I have never dove hunted and have been wondering the same.From what I've gathered so far scouting is a big key.Find where the birds like to feed,water and roost.Then try and pattern there flyway and then set up in the area.i.e. a field edge or fence line.

[Bryce]

Just what we need... more hunting pressure next to the water prior to duck hunting opener.

[fishin5]

I grew up hunting dove in Nebraska. They are pretty much a sit and wait bird. Some people use a few decoys, but I never have.
Typically you either hunt over water holes or feeding areas. In Nebraska there is much less standing water around so in dry years water is the place to hunt. But up north here there seems to be water everywhere so I don't think that would be the way to go.
Find a nice weedy thicket (they really like hemp patches), or a small grain field (wheat, millet, or sunflowers)and set up on a fenceline. Camo up, reduce your sillouette as much as possible, Keep your head on a swivel, and have some fun. Mornings and evenings are best.
Don't forget to bring plenty of water and shells. It can get really hot in that dark camo and shooting 4 or 5 sheels per bird is no uncommon!
Good Luck
Web

[Dano2]

I read another thing you can do is to get a large branch, stick it in the ground by a water source and put some decoys in it.
anyone ever try that one?

[BLACKJACK]

I think that I'll probably give dove hunting a try. I have a new pup and it will be good practice for her. And it will help me get into walking shape, carrying the gun. I'll probably walk a few field edges, soybeans and corn, jumpshooting the doves as they pop up. Or maybe if I can locate some small grain fields I'll set up a blind. It will be fun!

Bryce, theres so much water around that I don't think that many people will have luck setting up by water.

[Mayfly]

Phone lines and roof tops are a good place to start.........

[Ben1022]

I also grew up shooting doves, but in SD and AZ and it's a great way to bone up on the shooting and a tasty little bird, too. Hunting near water can be productive but I think the best shooting is getting between roost areas, and where they feed or water. I recommend decoys because as you continually shoot them as they're streaming toward you, the stream can/will shift over after a period of shooting. So, the decoys are a confidence builder so they pass over them rather than really land into them as is the case w/ducks or geese.
A couple thoughts to comments made above...I can agree that a lot of shooting near water may make the ducks/geese a little uneasy so I'd get near a grain field on the tree edges if possible. Also, I don't think doves generally use the same water spots as waterfowl typically do. Doves typically like the water holes that have few weeds around them. I don't particularly like sitting right on the water because you can kind of burn them and they'll water a diff't times. In AZ, you could only hunt until 10am or noon and if you burned them good, they wouldn't hit the water until right about quiting time. So, fields or pass shooting was much better. Plus, you're only likely to have a limit of 10 and that goes pretty quickly. My favorite spots are in a tree line next to a grain field of some sort, especially millet.
The other thought was about good training for the dogs. The only tough part about doves for me/my dog was the feathers. My lab had a tough time getting used to the doves. She really mouthed them because the feathers come out so easily.
Other than that, it's a super time to get out w/a youth and have some action and get the youth introduced to some good shooting.

[bucketmouth64]

I hunt doves down in Indiana every year at my moms. Right now I am at my dads useing his name. Down there I hunt next to a sunflower field. Here I would go to a some type of field like a bean field, sunflower, or a grass field.

They are really fun to hunt and can be exciting. You will know when they are coming because when they fly the wings make a whisleting noise.

They act like pheasants at times. U can walk up on them and they will take off right next to you.

I don't wear camo when I hunt doves. I wear just the normal blue jeans and a tannish green shirt. Bring alot of ammo. You will use more than u will expect. It would be great practice for a young pup or to get your hunting dog good practice before the hunting season for other game starts. Some times the bird will bury its self in thick grasses if the bird don't die right of way.

Good luck to all of you. Its very fun.

[jbdragon]

I hunted them down in Yuma Az while I was in the service there. It was real fun. We would bring our lawn chairs out and set up on a cut wheat field next to an orchard. The would fly back and forth all morning. Hell there were times im sure there were 50+hunters on the same large field. We still were close to the limit. Here I would try to find a similar situation like everyone has been saying. It is a very leasurly hunt. Good shooting practice. They are quick.

[TV BOY]

I always have them flying over us while early goose hunting. I was thinking of getting some #7.5 Steel for those doves and when the honking starts quick throw in the BB

[BLACKJACK]

I know I'm probably going to give it a try, I have a 8 month old pup, it will be excellent practice for her - sitting still in the blind and hunting up any birds that we've shot. Besides a blind, I may just do some walking of field edges, seems like I jump a lot of doves when I'm walking.

[Mark Christianson]

I'm all over this one too.

Early goose laying in a field in the hot sun or sit on a lawn chair in the shade somewhere?????

I like that lawnchair idea.

[riverrat56]

Does anyone know if jump shooting on feild edges is productive at all?

[Bushwacker]

Can anyone tell me when the season actually opens? I have a dog that is coming into her first hunting season and I think it would be good practice, but with early goose on Sept 4, Dove might open after the goose season.

[Fish'n guy]

Dove hunting opens sept 1st and the limit is 15 birds per day for anyone who is wondering. Should make for some great wing shooting!!Have fun and be safe!!!!!!!!!!!!

[say_der]

If I don't have a dog is it worth trying?

I have successfully grouse hunted without a dog. But I've given up on pheasants until I can afford the time and money for a mutt.

[kpj5br]

A dog is totally not necessary.

I hunted doves in AZ for 12 continuous years, only 2 of those with a dog and she really didn't provide anything, other than the fun of watching her have fun.

[schaapj]

I'll be in the Brainerd/Crosby area over the dove hunting opener. Is it even worth going out and trying my hand at it or will I be out of their natural range and just stick to fishing for a little while longer?

Thanks,
Schaap

[TBone1]

Like most other Minnesota hunters,I'm new to
dove hunting and I've got some questions. 1.If I shoot a power line and it comes down do I have to pay for it? 2.Do I have to remove the food from my birdfeeder 2 weeks prior to the dove season? I can't wait, my BB gun is ready to roll.

[BLACKJACK]

Thanks Tbone! My one leg was a little shorter than the other, you were able to get them both the same length with your post!

[First Ice-Mike]

I read you need to be certified for some survey or something like that to hunt doves. What is this and how do you go about doing it?

FI

[say_der]

HIP certification is required for dove hunting. It's easy & free. Just go to any place that sells MN hunting/fishing licenses and tell them you need to be HIP certified.

[BDR]

I will probably try a little Dove hunting. From what I have seen in the field even a good pointer will not be much help. These birds do not hold at all and may be better off without the dog, except when it comes to finding them.

------------------
Brian Rogers

Iceleaders
JR's Tackle
Catch-N Tackle and Bio-Bait

[email protected]

[Norsk Fisker]

DNR had a pretty good summary news release. www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/releases/index.html?id=1093370840