1. If you're hunting with a buddy
then get a set of FRS radios. These are the 'two-mile' ones. They
really come in handy when you need to warn your friend about the bird
coming behind him. It's also neat for talking with your friend in
between birds.
2. If no one else is on the field then have your buddy drop you off on
one end of the field. Give your friend time to park the truck at the
other end and then start walking the field towards him. This usually
spooks up a couple of feeding birds towards him.
3. Camo, camo, camo. Face and arms, too. The camo head nets that only
expose the face are the best.
4. If a bird is approaching then don't make a move until you're ready
to shoot. It's been my experience that it's better to stop and stand
still than it is to suddenly crouch.
5. Keep at least a three gallon jug of water in the back of the truck.
In most southern states you'll be rewarded with surprisingly warm
water, at the end of the hunt for cleaning the birds and hands..
6. Use a gun sling. I tried one out this year and it really helped.
Often I would have to tote the gun across 20 acres to get to my spot.
Normally the gun gets heavier every ten feet or so. With the sling it
was much, much easier.
7. Decoys! My friend had them and I didn't. He would put them all
around his location. I'm not sure that it attracted the dove, but they
seemed much less likely to spook or veer off when they saw him.
Consequently, he got closer shots than I did.
8. Get a satellite view of your favorite
hunting location at www.terraserver.com/advfind.asp.
They also have Topo maps ...all are free for downloading or printing.
See an example at
terraserver.microsoft.com...0&Z=14&W=2
or
http://www.mapquest.com
9.
Use a set of kitchen shears for seperating the breast from the wings
when cleaning doves.
10.
Typically dove sitting on a wire will face the direction they intend to
fly. Consequently, if they are facing away from a feeding field then
they are getting ready to leave the field.
11.
Dove feed from early morning to late afternoon. Normally after feeding
they will try to find water before going to roost (around 4:00 p.m. to
8:00 p.m. central). Try to position yourself around a pond, creek or
mud hole about this time.
12.
Dove prefer clean open banks on a pond.
13.
Dove will fly with flocks of other bird types, so check any flock of
birds for doves.
14.
When selecting cover or constructing a blind consider the angle of
flight by the doves. Remember that they will be looking down from a
slightly elevated angle.
15.
Doves love to roost in cedar trees. Try to position yourself around
large cedar trees shortly before dusk.
Essential Dove Gear
1.
Hunting License
2. FRS radio's
3. 5-gallon bucket stool (kind that spins)*
4. Two quart canteen of water
5. Camo and mesh hunting vest or belt
6. Heavy duty shears (for cleaning the birds)
7. Ziploc bags (place the cleaned breasts in these)
8. 5 gallons of water (again for cleaning the birds)
9. A hat (ideally that covers the neck too)
10. Sunglasses
11. Shotgun AND No. 7 1/2 shells (very important)
*(Look at the bucket at the this link
fishingmn.com/fishbuddy/c...ystem.html
It has a ball bearing seat that spins 360 degrees.
Academy Sports has them for $17.99
It's got styrofoam insulated insert for keeping your drinks cold and
another styrofoam insert on top of that for dry stuff. Plus it has a
camo canvas wraparound that has extra pockets. When I hit the dove
field everything goes into the bucket except for the gun. Neatest thing
since sliced bread.)
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1. Camo, Camo, Camo
2.
Don't over call.
3.
Hevi-Shot...it's worth the price.
Essential Duck Gear
1. Hevi-Shot
2. Burlap camo blind
3. Rubber gloves for retrieving decoys.
4. Flashlight that mounts on your head.
(great for early morning trips to the
blinds)
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