Dove Hunting

Dove Hunting can be one of most simplistic ways to get started in wing-shooting. For dove hunting, one must have a current hunting license and migratory bird permit.

There are over 300 species of Dove. Doves lay eggs about every 18 hours. There are usually 3 eggs in each nest. They hatch in about 14 days and are able to fly in 10. These amazing birds live to be an incredible 15 years of age or older.

Doves are seed eaters. They like to eat all kinds of small seeds. They often water shortly after dawn. They tend to feed in areas of bare ground because their legs aren’t strong enough to scratch through the brush. Dove hunting successfully depends on how well you understand the feeding and nesting habits of the dove.

It is essential that you scout out your hunting area prior to your hunt in order to make sure that Dove are present and plentiful. During your scout you can also determine the behavior and habit patterns of the birds in that area.

These birds are typically on the move before 9:00 in the morning and after 3:00 in the afternoon. This is the best time to observe the behavior of the area Dove. Many hunters like to hunt in recently harvested grain fields. The birds like this because it is usually open and food is plentiful.

Once you have scouted the area and determined where you want to hunt, you will want to decide your hunting position. Since a Dove has such keen eye sight it is a good idea to position yourself near fences, tree lines, and/or tall trees.

Doves like to drink out of muddy ponds, along stream banks and in water holes with open areas so they have a better view of approaching danger.

When you are Dove hunting, don’t forget to check out gravelling sites. The birds frequent these areas in order to eat gravel and keep their gizzards in good working order so they can digest the seeds they eat.

The dove has a keen eye and can see from very high so a hunter must be good at concealing himself. You should wear camouflage clothes that have the same design as the vegetation around you. Use the surrounding brush to create a blind. Some hunters even prefer to put camouflage tape on their shotguns. You might also consider using a camo face-mask or grease paint on your face. These things will make you much harder to spot from the bird’s eye view.

Once you are in your stand allow the birds to come in as close as 25 -30 yards before shooting. Remain motionless until you are ready to take your shot.

There are many forms of guns and loads that one can use for dove hunting. These birds are quite fast when flying and can be difficult to hit. Many hunters prefer autoloaders and smaller shot sizes. With heavier loads one may be able to take a longer shot distance.