First Year Dove Hunting

[Brooksie]

First year Upland Bird hunting. I am an avid big game hunter so usually I'm out in the woods during dove season. I am going too head out Sept 6th to Imperial County game fields. I was just wondering how crowded it is? Should I be mobile? I don't want spots just some simple tips so i can come home successful!

Thanks

 

[GUNDOGLOVER49]

It's amazing how fast the dove disappear after the opener. But you'll be in an area where there are euros and they they tend to stick around agriculture areas, so you should do okay. I don't hunt Ca. But there are guys here who do, they will have better information. Steve is the man for that.

 

[Brooksie]

It's amazing how fast the dove disappear after the opener. But you'll be in an area where there are euros and they they tend to stick around agriculture areas, so you should do okay. I don't hunt Ca. But there are guys here who do, they will have better information. Steve is the man for that.

Thanks! I just cant make it opener or through the week this year so Saturday will have to do. Plan to get there early in the AM. Im wondering if all state land on my mapping service is huntable out there?

 

[ilovesprig]

First year Upland Bird hunting. I am an avid big game hunter so usually I'm out in the woods during dove season. I am going too head out Sept 6th to Imperial County game fields. I was just wondering how crowded it is? Should I be mobile? I don't want spots just some simple tips so i can come home successful!

Thanks

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..........

 

[HATCHET1]

Now were talking!!!!

 

[Brooksie]

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

Wow Steve this is an amazing amount of info.

If the field is labeled state land is it huntable?

I will DM you with some questions. #7 have been secured!

 

[GUNDOGLOVER49]

Let the count down begin. Actually it started last Sept 2nd.

 

[ilovesprig]

Wow Steve this is an amazing amount of info.

If the field is labeled state land is it huntable?

I will DM you with some questions. #7 have been secured!

Depends on the state lands, what it's designation is, and where it's location... If it's not posted, then I'd probably hunt it.

A lot of BLM backs right up to private residences...Remember, there's a 150 yd rule from any dwelling, outbuilding, or barn...That will be enforced...I always carry a range finder with me.

Look forward to talking to you.

 

[raybasster]

I would also apply for special hunts opportunities through the CDFW. Here's a link to some dove hunts.

Dove Hunts

The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.

wildlife.ca.gov

Apply for the Sep 6 dove hunt at the Canada de San Vicente in Ramona, CA. I was lucky enough to draw this hunt a couple of times before, and I limited out in about an hour both times. Good luck!

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

 

[RustyH]

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.


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

First post here, want to avoid hi-jacking the thread but would rather help the OP get some more questions possibly answered as me and my son are rookie dove hunters as well.

We have binos, have ON X and hunted Yuma last dove season. Looking to try our hand close to home in the valley this year.

Question - How would one go about identifying a feed lot on the On-X?

Looking forward to getting out there with my son next month.

PS Steve I listened to a podcast you were on a few years back which I really enjoyed and helped me discover this site. Finally registered as a member yesterday as I plan on becoming an active member in our hunting community now that my son is showing interest

 

[ilovesprig]

First post here, want to avoid hi-jacking the thread but would rather help the OP get some more questions possibly answered as me and my son are rookie dove hunters as well.

We have binos, have ON X and hunted Yuma last dove season. Looking to try our hand close to home in the valley this year.

Question - How would one go about identifying a feed lot on the On-X?

Looking forward to getting out there with my son next month.

PS Steve I listened to a podcast you were on a few years back which I really enjoyed and helped me discover this site. Finally registered as a member yesterday as I plan on becoming an active member in our hunting community now that my son is showing interest

Hi Rusty,

If you live in San Diego Co...Try attending our August NWTF monthly meeting...We really have some cool stuff for kids.

As far as feed lots go...Just Google them in the IV...They're very distinctive to see on OnX...I'll try screen shotting one....

 

[RustyH]

Hi Rusty,

If you live in San Diego Co...Try attending our August NWTF monthly meeting...We really have some cool stuff for kids.

As far as feed lots go...Just Google them in the IV...They're very distinctive to see on OnX...I'll try screen shotting one....

Thank you sir I’ll definitely try to make this one I. August

 

[Ahidog]

Well, Feed, lots can be good. Many of them are posted. Very few allow hunters inside the fence anymore Best to get permission prior to the sixth if you’re gonna try and hunt inside of a Feed Lot # the attached photo is of cattle on Brant Road. It has been hunted on the opener inside with the owners and special invites from what I understand but not allowed to hunt near it. Good luck.

 

[Ofdscooby]

I can only hunt the opener this year and then have to leave since its on a Monday and the kids have school on Tuesday. We may do the same thing and come back the following weekend. I think the potential is there for it to stay good fairly all week. Only the old retired farts will be out there Tuesday. I cant wait to be one of those guys...

 

[ilovesprig]

Only the old retired farts will be out there Tuesday. I cant wait to be one of those guys...

Hey Mike,

I resemble that remark...............................

ps...I've many great shoots after opening day and the following week-end in the IV...In fact, it's more like hunting, not just shooting.........

 

[willlerd]

Hey Mike,

I resemble that remark...............................

ps...I've many great shoots after opening day and the following week-end in the IV...In fact, it's more like hunting, not just shooting.........


View attachment 65064View attachment 65065View attachment 65066View attachment 65067

those look like Euros on the canal bank correct? Hard to tell in the photo but I think I see the band on their neck

 

[ilovesprig]

those look like Euros on the canal bank correct? Hard to tell in the photo but I think I see the band on their neck

Correct, those are euros...Real easy to tell the difference from mourning doves...In flight, white wings can look a lot like them...Starting Sept 1, it doesn't matter....

 

[willlerd]

Hoping to make it down this year since I don't think I'll be going to Yuma. I look forward to Euro hunting in the off season also. I have a friend of a friend going out that I hope to tag along with but we'll see if that plan doesn't fall through. I will most likely even go out by myself if that happens but being in North County its a long drive to scout so fingers crossed.

 

[ilovesprig]

Hoping to make it down this year since I don't think I'll be going to Yuma. I look forward to Euro hunting in the off season also. I have a friend of a friend going out that I hope to tag along with but we'll see if that plan doesn't fall through. I will most likely even go out by myself if that happens but being in North County its a long drive to scout so fingers crossed.

It would be advantageous to attend tomorrow nights NWTF monthly meeting in Poway (Hamburger factory, 6:30 pm).................

 

[SurfNHuntSD]

Taking a drive around the IV to scout is fun in itself. Things change.. crops change, access changes. If you're scouting for doves, you may also find good quail and rabbit spots. Bring a rod, drop a line in a canal. Maybe even run into some euros flying and shoot some. Good times!