Brooksie,
I'll answer your questions first...Then give you some suggestions...I won't sugar coat how tough it is after the opener, but it can be done.....
The Heritage Fields historically are very crowded, but only opening day...Like John said, the doves move out fast...That does not mean there won't be some there...Birds move down the state...I can tell you that they do NOT plant the Heritage Fields like they used too...I haven't been out to look this summer...So, maybe it will be better this year...Wister W.A. is also available to hunt and they do have planted upland habitat.
You should be VERY mobile...Also, Doves have two roosts...Nighttime and daytime...Daytime roost are usually near where they feed (Morning & evening)...Finding a flight path between nighttime roost and feed can be good...They like mesquite, citrus, and even salt cedar for roosts...Shade is the key (100+ temps).
The desert edge to the east side of the IV has almost everything doves need...Roosts, water ( irrigation canals), and feed within flying distance...Going out blind, I would be darn close to that side to start.
Lots of feed lots in the IV...They're all popular these days with OnX, but again, the big crowds will not be in the valley...And, you'll probably have most places to yourself...E-scout and know where these lots are relative to where you start...You only have a small window to move...Your afternoon may be better than the morning.
As far as legal lands go...You're good on all BLM (there is no NF)...You're good on Wister and Finney-Ramer (Must sign in)...You are not good on Sonny Bono NWR, Hazard Unit, or Unit One...There is an UNWRITTEN rule in the IV that you can hunt any field as long is it's not posted or a row crop...Alfalfa, wheat, bermuda, sudan, all ok...There is one more WRITTEN law for the County of Imperial...You can't shoot within 50 yds of a named road...I've never seen or heard of this ever being enforced, but it is there.
Here's a couple of suggestions on gear...Have OnX, if you don't have it...E-Scout before heading out...There's a lot of dirt in the IV.
Make sure you bring binos...Doves like high wires, fences, and especially dead trees.
Invest in a spinning wing dove decoy or three...These things can be used in places where the doves may not want to go, but they see the flash and they will be attracted to where you're hiding.
Shoot #7's...Doves are small, fast, and have soft feathers...You're looking for density in your pattern.
Lastly, being a big game hunter, you know physical scouting is the key to all hunting...This trip may not be valued in the amount of birds you get, but it will give you a feel for what you're up against and make you successful in coming years.
Good luck,
Steve
ps...PM me for more detailed spots..........
View attachment 65028
