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Post by joebuck on Jul 30, 2024 4:25:14 GMT -5
Alright, my friends time for me to put my ignorance on display yet again. Really want to try for doves this year, but my only option is a draw hunt on public land. Precisely how does that work? Can anyone tell me their experience, and what i can expect? Thanks in advance!
Joe buckmaster
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Post by drfleck on Jul 30, 2024 11:09:51 GMT -5
Not sure which property you plan to hunt but the FWAs that I hunt are only reserve draw the first weekend. First come first serve after that. You can go to the DNR website and go to the property specific site to get more info. You probably need a HIP number and hunting licence to apply. Also, non toxic shot is required.
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Post by joebuck on Jul 30, 2024 16:18:02 GMT -5
All good info, but i seeing as how this would be my first time in the field with other hunters i dont know, whats the etiquette? Common sense dictates we'd spread ourselves out some, but how do you determine who shoots at what bird? What if 2 hunters fire at the same dove? In the dove field what constitutes "bad form"? Sorry if this sounds ridiculous to the older and wiser here, but i just dont want to step on any toes.
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Post by bowonlykindofguy1 on Jul 30, 2024 18:25:22 GMT -5
When I have been they pretty much go over the etiquette for the hunt. Everyone sits on the same side of the field and leave a 50-75 yard buffer between hunters. Should be no really shared birds unless it is you and your plus one if available. Recommend ball cap and sunglasses. Plenty of water. Can be hit or miss on birds. Have been and only pulled the trigger a couple of times. Have been and burned through 2 boxes. Good luck on the draw!
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Post by ms660 on Jul 30, 2024 20:04:27 GMT -5
I can't really help you out with your question, but I bet a cheeseburger that you will miss more than you hit. They are hard-to-hit little suckers. When I used to hunt private ground over bush hogged sunflowers I was lucky to kill five or six birds per box of shells, but had a blast trying.
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Post by joebuck on Jul 31, 2024 4:03:03 GMT -5
Alright! Thanks to all for the good advice! Guess i better start at the trap range!
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Post by esshup on Jul 31, 2024 6:31:48 GMT -5
Alright! Thanks to all for the good advice! Guess i better start at the trap range! The trap range won't help much - that is going away clay targets. Go practice shooting skeet. That will get you to give the birds more lead - you are shooting a lot more crossing shots in skeet than trap. Station 4 you might need as much as 2-3 feet of lead depending on your gun speed and how fast the shells are moving that you are shooting. I shoot 1 oz @ 1310 fps and I have to give the "bird" 18"-24" lead at station 4. |
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Post by duff on Aug 1, 2024 3:23:11 GMT -5
Don't shoot over or at other hunters.
Look for your birds, don't wait for several. They are hard to find in open areas much less weeds or crop residue.
Don't bring an inexperienced dog or one that won't listen to a full field.
Wear ear plugs and glasses.
Expect to have shot rained onto you.
Expect to have dogs of every caliber.
Expect CO to check everyone on opening weekend.
Expect to use a lot of shells per bird.
Don't shoot past your range, aka sky bust.
It is fun, after 1st weekend most spots are not as crowded but crowds are not a bad thing with dove hunting...except for raining shot and ocassional unruly dog.
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Post by duff on Aug 1, 2024 14:09:33 GMT -5
Rivers are good options. Gravel and water is important to doves.
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Post by esshup on Aug 4, 2024 21:50:12 GMT -5
We would go to the Colorado River (Blythe, Ca) for the dove opener in Ca. Spend a week there. Hunt morning and evening. Just morning the first day because we'd limit out. We ate doves nearly every day.
I found out that I had to put my Springer Spaniel on a leash when walking out of the lemon grove or she'd constantly be bringing me birds that I didn't shoot. I'd get in trouble if I kept any because I already had my limit. She couldn't understand why I was telling her "No - Leave it" when I took the bird from her and tossed it behind us.
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