By By Mike Giles / outdoors writer
Aug. 30, 2002
Although it still feels like the middle of summer, the start of dove season is near. Traditionally dove season opens the first Saturday of the first weekend of September. Regulation prohibits an opening in August. This year, the first day of September falls on a Sunday. After much debate around the state, Sunday, Sept. 1, was designated opening day of dove season. However, as a compromise to many hunters who would be in church, the start of the season was delayed until 2 p.m. In theory this would give many people a chance to go to church and then to the dove fields for an afternoon hunt.
The opening day of dove season signals the coming of fall and the start of a new hunting season. This day is much anticipated by many hunters who are chomping at the bit to get outdoors. Not only is this a time to harvest a few doves, but it is a time when many hunters meet to renew old acquaintances and friendships. Many dove hunts have become an annual tradition where food, fellowship and camaraderie actually take precedence over the hunt.
Shooter's choice
When it comes to dove hunting you can just about pick your style. Some hunters have small dove fields where the emphasis is harvesting birds and having a quality hunt.
Other folks have still larger private hunts with many more friends and acquaintances being invited. Many of those hunts will have a midday or late afternoon meal planned with loads of barbecue and all of the trimmings to go with it.
Still other people will put on pay hunts or benefit hunts, where folks will have the opportunity to hunt for a small price or donation. Last year I participated in one such hunt over in the Delta. Although intermittent rainfall and soggy fields plagued our hunt, some doves were harvested.
The highlight of the day was the benefit fund-raising for the Will Wansley Memorial Scholarship fund and the fine meal that was barbecued while many of the hunters were in the field. Some of the finest barbecue that I have ever tasted was had that day. Barbecue pork, sausage and chicken were served along with all the trimmings and plenty of drinks to wash it down.
Although there will not be an early morning hunt on the opening day of dove season this year, early morning hunts are usually the best. It is during the first couple of hours when the action may get fast and furious with birds flying and diving in from all directions at the same time. Sometimes it gets so hectic that hunters don't know which way to look, or which bird to pick out. On one such hunt as this, I had my limit for the day in the first thirty minutes! I didn't even break a sweat as the birds were flying fast and furious just as soon as it got light.
Stay legal
A word of caution to all who may be participating in a dove hunt this weekend. It would be a good idea to make sure that you are going to hunt on a legal field before opening day. Although you may be at the mercy of someone else when it comes to hunting a pay field, there are some sure signs that things aren't legal. If there is even a shred of corn or chops on the field, and you're not in an agricultural cornfield, you can be sure that the field isn't legal. It might be a good idea to contact a local game warden or wildlife representative to find out just what makes a field legal or illegal.
If you're itching for some fast and furious action you just might find some in a local dove field. With Monday being a holiday for most people, there is sure to be a hunt or two somewhere nearby. Just remember to leave those low flying birds alone and watch where you're shooting. No bird is worth injuring another hunter when there are surely plenty more to be had.