Gearing Up for Dove Season
Gearing Up for Dove Season
Dove season around Iowa is kind of the first kick-off for hunting season. It opens up around September 1st, near the Labor Day holiday, so what better way to celebrate than to go hunting? Dove hunting is hard, you’ll watch groups of men, excellent shooters, miss the doves as they dive into the fields. It’s a hunt filled with fast-paced action and a chance to test your wingshooting skills. Before you head out to the field, there are a few things that would be helpful. Any updates to hunting rules & regulations usually comes out in August. It will highlight any changes to the hunting laws that you might need to know. It’s a good idea to give this a glance before you head out. Make sure you know your limits too. Finally, if you don’t have a spot in mind, you can grab your Iowa Sportsman Atlas to look for public area available for hunting.
Camouflage
Dove hunting is all about staying hidden from these sharp-eyed birds. Wear your camo and try and tuck yourself into a field or field edge. Some hunters cover their face. However, the weather is usually pretty warm and most hunters will forego the face paint or mask. Look for lightweight, breathable face masks made from mesh or other ventilated materials. These masks come in camouflage patterns and offer complete facial coverage. Whether you choose to wear a facemask or paint, it’s up to you. Doves have exceptional eyesight, and spotting movement can send them scattering.
Decoy Doves
Dove decoys are incredibly effective tools to lure birds within shooting range. Doves are social creatures, and seeing decoys feeding on the ground can be a powerful invitation for them to join the party. You can for sure have success over a field without decoys. Decoys depict doves in various postures, including feeding, perched, and in flight. Choose a mix of postures to create a natural scene. You can even elect to use spinning decoys. They have wings that spin in the breeze, mimicking the fluttering of feeding doves and attracting birds from afar.
When setting up your decoys, scatter them on the ground in a feeding pattern, mimicking a natural flock. Experiment with placement. Sometimes doves will be drawn to a single decoy placed strategically near a water source or feeding area.
Comfort and Convenience
Dove hunting often involves sitting and waiting for extended periods, especially around the mornings. A lot of hunters will grab a 5-gallon bucket, it’s simple and an affordable option. Five-gallon buckets are readily available and lightweight. Portable chairs, like camping chairs or tripod chairs, can all provide better back support and comfort compared to buckets.
Doves are fast-flying birds, and having enough ammunition is crucial. Rule of thumb, take more than you think you need, and then keep some in the pick-up in case you need a few more shots. Always carry extra shells: It’s better to be over-prepared than run out of ammo in the field.
After the Hunt
You’ll also need a way to carry your harvest and other essentials. If you have your 5-gallon bucket, you’re set. But you can also use some other options too. For instance, you can pack around a game bag, a backpack, or a game vest. It doesn’t really matter, just as long as you’re comfortable.
Hopefully you limit out and are ready to process your doves. Make sure you have a sharp knife ready. From here, you just need to process and prepare for the grill.
