With dove season opening all across the country this week and on Saturday September 7th for Georgia, it’s time put together our supply lists and get going!  As stated many times before, most people consider opening day of dove season as the kick off to hunting season.  It’s easy to forget things on the first hunt of the year and we are here to try to help you remember those items.

Some items that you have to have:  Hunting licenses including migratory permits as required by your state, shotgun plugged to hold no more than three total shells, shotgun shells, camo clothing including a hat, comfortable shoes or boots, and something to carry your birds out in.

Some items that you should have: Sunscreen, bug spray (ticks are bad again this year), ear/eye protection, plenty of water and/or sports drinks, cooler of ice (to keep your birds cool throughout the day), chair or bucket to sit on.

Some items that you might want to have: Change of clothes to travel in, snacks (it can be a long day trying to fill your limit), decoys, face mask or face paint.

If you are hunting with a dog, don’t forget to take supplies for him as well.  You will need water, shade, and a lead for your dog.

We recommend using size 7 1/2, 8, or 9 shot for dove hunting.  Larger loads are unnecessary for doves and carry significantly less pellets per shell.  Heavy powder loads are not necessary either since most hunters will need to shoot quite a few shots to reach their limit of birds.  You won’t want to be flinching from a sore shoulder late in the day.

Also, always be safe in the field.  Make sure to stay hydrated on these long hot days.  Often we are sitting in the sun for a lot of hours during dove shoots and can quickly succumb to dehydration and sun burns.  Eye protection is important since hunters are normally in all directions.  You will be sprayed with shot at some point during the shoot and protecting your eyes is very important.  On that same note, be respectful of the hunters around you and avoid shooting at low birds or birds out of range.  Most birds are killed under 30 yards, so there is no reason to take that 50 yard shot.  Most likely you won’t hit a bird at that range and you will ruin someone else’s shot.

Dove shoots are great opportunities to introduce beginners or youth to hunting.  It is a social atmosphere and they will almost always see birds which makes it exciting for beginners.  Stay close to your “apprentice” and coach them through the shots and make it fun for them.  These kind of shoots can make someone a hunter for a lifetime!

The season is almost here so get ready, have fun, and be safe!!!  See you in the field!!!