Late season dove hunting has never been particularly productive for me, most likely because I have never really tried. The first season is easy, find a stocktank and just get comfortable.
As a long time Lab owner, Ruby is my fifth, I really enjoy wing shooting over a tank and watching the dog do what they live to do. But hunting dove in December has it’s unique aspect; dove are just not as thirsty so sitting by the tank is boring and leaves me with a disgruntled puppy.
What I need to do is find fallow fields of some grain or even better, native sunflower, both lacking on my small place. The neighbor has a harvested field of wheat, and the dove were thick last week. Once over it with a plow, however, and this morning all it held were a few Killdeer, for some unknown reason. On the bright side, this is also quail season and Ruby and I were able to bring up a covey. Nothing in the bag, unfortunately, but several moments of excitement for both hunter and faithful dog.
My plan is to wrangle an invite to a client’s ranch at Pearsall where we disced strips for quail last year and of course will do so again this year. Discing in the red sandy soil promotes croton and my hope is it is also holding some dove as well. Admittedly, I am blessed to have this opportunity and Ruby the Wonder Dog will benefit as well.
No complaints now, just rambling. Time in the field is always enjoyable and time well spent. I see a lot of good bucks coming in this year and applaud those successful hunters. I’m no longer mad at deer, and have settled into “maturity” happy to be a bird hunter. Whatever your prey, good luck this season. In light of the poor to non-existent rainfall so far this year, we should all be grateful we have this great variety of game to hunt.
