Dogless dove hunting

[say_der]

Is it worth trying dove hunting without a dog? How do you hunt them? I'm assuming you don't need a dog to try to flush them?

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

The DNR recommends a dog? That's funny because it's none of their dam business. I can't believe they would put confusing **** like that out. Some people don't have dogs and some people don't want dogs. That shouldn't stop them from hunting. There isn't a animal out there you NEED a dog to hunt. I would put pheasant hunting on top of the list because they are so hard to flush on foot but you will eventually flush one if you keep at it in an area they live. Also wounded ones are tough to find. We never used dogs for duck when I was a kid either. You either waded out or used a small boat or canoe to retrieve the dead ones. People still do that. If you love to hunt don't let something like lack of a dog stand in your way. Hunting can be as simple as you against your quarry. That's it.

ps-I'm an avid hunter and have never depended on a dog. The only exception is pheasant. I won't go unless someone has a decent dog. It's pointless around here. I'm a grouse hunter and prefer not to hunt with dog.

[This message has been edited by Suzuki (edited 08-13-2004).]

[Norsk Fisker]

I love to hunt with dogs, it adds a lot to the experience, but I would agree that doves are the easiest bird to hunt without a dog. I can't remember cripples being a problem.

I hunted them years ago in Texas. We watched their behavior for established flyways and then sat and waited. As a kid I remember doves would frequent pasture water holes. They like sparse cover such as grazed areas or stubble fields. The secret to hunting them is keeping your eyes open and setting up in a pass that gets frequent use. Then let them come.

You will need to find a few places because they get burned off a spot pretty fast if they get too much pressure. A couple days of shooting may shy them away for a week.

I know the DNR is concerned about recovery of wounded birds, but I would not worry about not having a dog. I think the DNR sees this hunt as a great opportunity for recruiting more people into the ranks of hunters. This is a game bird that all you need is a shotgun and a box of shells. (OK, many boxes of shells) Lets hope that there are droves of high school kids who run out after school and try their hand at dove hunting.

I am worried about the image we project to non hunters who are nuetral about hunting. This is one game bird that could raise controversy and sway some of those people in the middle the wrong way. I will bet my best shotgun that there are people just waiting for some negative stories or scenes of dead doves to make an issue of this hunt. This is an opportunity that I have waited all my life for, I hope it all goes well.

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

Why would someone need a dog? More times than not you shoot them from blinds and they flush easy under foot. The only reason I can think of is retrievel and that certainly isn't necessary. I would think doves are the most dogless of any game bird we have.
Am I missing something??

[say_der]

That's pretty much what I figured, but the DNR's regulations recommends a dog for retreiving.

I have successfully hunted grouse for years without a dog and haven't had a problem finding the downed birds. I think if I can find those darn things I can probably find almost any downed bird.

Just wanted another opinion. Thanks.

[Swamp Scooter]

Say der,

Dogs might be nice but a young child is just as good. If you watch allt he hunting shows they never use dogs for the doves. Always just go out with a sack and pick them up. Maybe a good way tot get a kid to the outdoors. If you do not have one I am sure one of your friends will rent you one for the afternoon!