Dependable Dove Tactics

For some, dove hunting is a social "event" in that signals the unofficial beginning of hunting season. On a serious side, having success afield is always high on the list. These tips will help you take more doves this season.

dove Look for isolated trees to find doves. Doves always seem to land in lone trees around fields, water, roosting areas or flyways to rest. If you'll set up near these trees, you'll bag more doves.

Search for water in the first part of dove season, since temperatures and humidity are both high during the late summer. Take a stand by creeks, lakes or even small water puddles where doves will come to drink, particularly later on in the mornings.

Use dove decoys. Often, a dove passing high and fast over a field will drop down and come into range if the bird sees a decoy.

Don't move when you hunt doves. Doves have very good eyesight. If you move before the bird comes into range, more than likely, you'll make it flare, and the dove will present a more difficult shot.