Late Season Doves

Late season dove hunting is one of the most under utilized seasons across the country.  Most states have September dove seasons that probably fall second to deer hunting only.  By the time late November rolls around many hunters are packing it in.  Deer season is winding down with the rut over in most areas.  The hunters that drift out for rabbits and quail hunt for the weeks leading into Thanksgiving and then vanish.  Duck hunters keep their hunts limited until after January 1st, although they are the toughest hunters.  Everyone is getting ready for the holidays and forgetting about some of the great hunting that we have left through the end of the year.  Dove season in many states re-opens for a few weeks towards the end of November or early December.  Doves are migratory birds that move with the weather changes.  Most of the country still has birds throughout the year though.  The best part about late season doves is often you find them in the same spots you found them in September, but in higher concentrations.  Many of the fields are completely cut down with the corn, sunflowers, and millet scattered.  The doves will focus on these areas and if you find them you will be in for a fun shoot.  Late season doves are also a good opportunity to take new or young hunters and dogs to get low pressure experience.  With the fields having so many fewer hunters, it is easier to teach and have fun.  One of my early hunts after passing the hunter education test was during late dove season.  My dad and his long time hunting partner took my self and his daughter to the back side of one of the farms they quail hunted and we shot (mostly at) all afternoon.  It was fast paced and exciting and gave the adults time to show us what we were doing wrong and right.  If you know someone who is thinking about getting into hunting, take the opportunity over the next few weeks to take them dove hunting.  Borrow a shotgun, buy a box of shells and share the gift of the outdoors with someone new this fall.