In Between Doves: Finding Dove Hotspots

As summer’s heat holds its grip, a new season brings the opportunity to take to the field with scattergun in hand. Each year, in 40 of the lower 48 states, 750,000 dove hunters harvest about 12 million doves, the most abundant and widely distributed game birds in the country, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

- Ron Peach

Typically, hunters station themselves around cut grain fields, along woodlots or around ponds for the best opportunities. But what if you don’t have access to such places? There are still plenty of other prime spots for spending a morning, afternoon or evening tracking those gray and brown-feathered rockets with your favorite shotgun, and taking some home for dinner.

Gear

First, let’s take a quick look at equipment. Though dove hunting isn’t nearly as gear intensive as many other forms of hunting, there are some essentials, and some items that can make the hunt more comfortable.

A shotgun is most important. Many dove hunters prefer lightweight, sub-gauge shotguns that swing easily, such as a 20 gauge autoloader. But that’s a matter of personal preference.

I use the same 12-gauge pump that accompanies me to the duck marsh, goose fields, upland bird cover, even the turkey woods. It’s comfortable in my hands, I’m used to it, and it lines up well on targets – usually. Doves can offer just about every type of shot imaginable, making them great warm-ups for upland bird and waterfowl seasons to come. Swinging this gun on doves adds to that familiarity.

For dove loads, it’s also a matter of personal preference and patterning your gun. The usual lead fodder is No. 7-1/2 or 8 field loads. If you hunt an area that requires non-toxic shot, steel No. 7s are a good choice.

A 5-gallon bucket with a padded lid, or a folding chair allows some comfort while sitting out on location. Some buckets come with a built-in Styrofoam cooler, handy for cold drinks during those hot days afield, snacks, or to cool downed birds. Better field care always improves table quality.