As the unofficial start to hunting season across the country, opening day of dove season is a day that we all look forward to each year. The weather has been excellent for Georgia dove hunters and reports across north and central Georgia have been great. Many good opening days on both public and private land.
Unfortunately, we were not as lucky. We experienced the worst opening day shoot of our lives. Looking for a shoot with less than a month to go, we opted for the South Fork Hunting Preserve dove shoot. They offered according to the ad, 4 fields totaling 100 acres planted in pearl millet. It was $100 for opening day or $200 for a season pass. When many other hunts were offering for $85-125 for just opening day, this seemed like a good deal.
Once arriving at the shoot, the concerns began. Someone asked at the check in if there were a lot of birds. Defensively, the person checking in shooters stated, “We had about 350 birds a week ago, but they left with the weather. We have $10,000 in seed out there. I will show you the receipts.” Well for starters, across 100 acres and selling 140 spots, one would expect more than 350 birds. Choosing spots on the map was efficient, but did not show where things were planted. Upon entering the field, we found many of the areas were not planted other than in a few strips. Also over 90% of the field was still standing with only a few strips mowed. The field was not prepared for doves and many of the 140 spots were no where near a planted area or any other attraction to doves.
In almost 8 hours of hunting, we saw less than 20 doves and only got to shoot at 1 bird that was in marginal range. Many hunters left before 4:30, which tends to be when it gets good. In a survey of the hunters we talked to, over 75% of the shooters shot less than 5 times. Most hunters went home with no birds if they were even fortunate it enough to fire a shot. It was an extremely disappointing hunt.
Along with a complete lack of birds, the pole barn was told to have football on TV. A small TV was at the barn in the far corner. It really wasn’t worth mentioning. Also, we were told to cover up ATV’s with a tarp and not drive our trucks in the field during shooting hours. Neither were enforced. A small group of shooters near the power line took up shooting song birds throughout the day and shot them until the end of legal. Once again, nothing was done regarding this. We were also told that there was no drinking alcohol prior to or during the shoot (which we agree with), yet the staff seemed to be knocking down quite a few while preparing the lunch. The lunch was excellent, but regardless of if this is staff of South Fork or an outside group hired, the perception was very poor of this. Throughout the day, we watched many hunters leave angry and upset.
With this being the first year of a dove shoot, the staff had one opportunity to win over the dove shooters. They failed. If they believe that they had to leave millet standing for the season pass holders, they were wrong. You do everything possible to have as many birds as possible for opening day. Hunters that come later in the season expect to have hit or miss days. Opening day should be great. For 100 acres and selling 140 spots, one would expect there to be no less than 5000 birds utilizing the fields. Either plant far less of the fields and sell less spots or plant all of the fields and mow it. There is no shortage of people to discuss how to plant a successful dove field, including the biologists for the state that are more than helpful
The property as whole has great potential, but the dove hunt seemed to be a way to attract more people to their quail hunting operation. The property itself is beautiful. The partnership with Valley View Clays seems to go along with the theme. The pole barn has the set up to do large events and create a fun atmosphere. Burning bridges with such a large audience was a swing and miss though. We did purchase season passes and hope to report back soon, that there were more birds later. Regardless though, what should be a great and fun day (which getting out with friends to hike with guns is always fun any time of the season!), turned out to be an expensive disappointment.
Dirt Road Dispatch 