Outdoors

By STEVE KNIGHT
Outdoor Writer

Not all dove fields are created equal.

One spot may look like any other around the perimeter of a field, but anyone who has spent much time sweating and waiting for the birds to fly their way while their hunting partners are melting down the end of a shotgun barrel can attest it is not.

Fortunately, dove hunting is a social event, and getting to know your neighbor who is getting all of the shooting is generally encouraged.

Texas Best Outfitters' Roy Wilson has been putting dove hunters out in fields north of Albany for years. When he sets hunters out the first thing he takes into consideration is safety. Pellets from a 12-gauge, No. 8 shell can break the skin at 130 yards. They can travel about 250 yards, and while the damage at that distance is seldom more than a sting it could result in someone losing an eye.

After taking that into account, Wilson surveys a field looking for topography or landmarks that might attract birds.

"I am looking at flight patterns. Dove tend to go down fence lines, tree lines, a power line, a draw or even a rise. Any topography change," Wilson said.

As the birds begin to fly into a field, Wilson said hunters need to watch and see what they are doing. If a field is extremely good the birds may come and go anywhere, but there are usually a few spots better than others. Those spots may be a single tree on a ridge or in the next field, a depression through the field or any number of things.

Dove hunting used to be the simplest form of hunting, but in recent years products have been introduced to enhance hunters' success. The product with the biggest impact has been motorized or spinning wing decoys.

"We have noticed decoys over the last several years have become popular and they do work well," Wilson said.

The outfitter said they seem to work best early in the season when hunters are seeking younger birds, but have proven successful if used properly.

"A lot just stick them out in front of them and they don't get any height. Getting them up higher works best," Wilson explained.

He added he especially likes using the decoys with hunters who lack experience because they tend to bring the birds in closer.

Wilson said those who don't want to spend $40 on a motorized decoy can sometimes get attention from doves using the stagnant decoys that sell for about $10 for six.

Another tip is the use of camouflage.

"Camo is important and movement is important. If you are behind a bush or in the shade you can move a little bit more. If you are in the open and make any kind of movement, especially after the first two or three days, they will start flaring on you," Wilson said.

The 2008-09 dove season opens Monday in Texas' North and Central zones. The North Zone will remain open through Oct. 30. Hunters in the North Zone are limited to 15 birds per day with a two-day possession limit.

The first season in the Central Zone also closes Oct. 30, but the season reopens Dec. 26-Jan. 4. The daily bag limit is 12.

The South Zone is open Sept. 20-Nov. 9 and Dec. 26-Jan. 13. The daily bag limit is 12 birds.

Legal shooting hours in all three zones is 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

The states Special Whitewing Area is open Sept. 6-7 and 13-14.

IN THE RIGHT SPOT: Hunters need to watch to determine what flyway the doves are taking in and out of a field.
(Staff Photo By Steve Knight)