Caribou Dreamer2
08-16-2006, 07:27 AM
Dove hunting hours on public hunting areas are sunrise to sunset except at the following areas- Paint Creek, Fallsville, Fallsville South Unit, Spring Valley, Caesar Creek, Indian Creek, Bott, East Fork, Rush Run, Pater, and Darke. Dove hunting hours on these areas are noon to sunset during the first 10 days of the 2005 season, and sunrise to sunset for the remainder of the season (Link to Dove Hunting Regulations).
Controlled dove hunts will be held at Fallsville, Rush Run, Indian Creek, Bott, and Spring Valley Wildlife Areas from September 1-3; hunting hours are noon to sunset each day.
Each dove field contains wheat, millet, and sunflowers. The quality of each component depends upon favorable weather conditions. Planting of the dove fields starts with wheat in October, sunflowers in late April or early May, and millet in June. We begin management of the dove fields by mowing and disking the wheat in mid-July to start attracting doves. The millet is mowed and then disked during August. Sunflowers are mowed and then disked in late August. Each of these components are mowed/disked ¼ to ½ a time at two to three week intervals.
Ranging from Mexico to Canada, and from coast to coast, the mourning dove is the most popular, abundant, and widespread game bird in North America. Its adaptable life-style and high reproductive rate have allowed its population to flourish in both agricultural and urban areas, making it one of the most common birds in Ohio. Biologists estimate that at least four million doves are found in Ohio each fall. Many of these doves are migrants from northern states and move through Ohio during the fall hunting season.
The mourning dove's fast flight, quick changes in direction, and alert nature make it one of the most challenging game birds to hunt. The most successful dove hunters begin their season by scouting possible hunting areas in late August or early September. Likely hot spots include recently harvested soybean, corn, hay, or wheat fields. If the summer has been dry, a water source nearby will make the area more attractive to doves. As with other hunting, mourning dove hunters will find public land very productive; however, private areas will provide most hunting opportunities.
Once a hunting area is located, hunters should set up along a fence row or other cover. Small blinds may be used to hunt the middle of a field; brush piles, small bushes, or even camouflage clothing may be equally effective. Dove hunters often hunt in teams, with individuals distributed around the edge of a field to keep the birds moving. Groups of hunters, however, should always be considerate of other parties and allow at least 100 yards between hunters.
A minimal amount of equipment is needed for dove hunting. Appropriate clothing for the weather, a shotgun, and a couple of boxes of 7 1/2, 8, or 9 size shot shells are all that is needed for a successful day of dove hunting. Twelve- or 20-gauge shotguns with improved cylinder or modified chokes are the most popular combinations. Smaller shotguns such as .410 and 28 gauge are also suitable, but beginning dove hunters may find these smaller gauges discouraging since they carry fewer shot for harvesting fast-moving doves.
Regardless of which gauge is chosen, hunters should always pattern their guns before the season begins and limit their shots to 40 yards or less. More distant shots make proper game identification difficult and increase the chances of missing or crippling a bird. Remember that doves fly faster than most other game birds and even the most seasoned hunters may need to practice on clay targets in order to successfully harvest mourning doves.
While not necessary, the use of dove decoys and calls may improve hunting success late in the season when fewer doves are moving through the state or as doves become more wary. Since doves will usually remain in an area until they are frightened away, hunters should try to hunt an area only every other day or so. Hunting more often may cause doves to move out of an area and not return.
Identifying mourning doves at close range is easy, and all Ohioans have had the opportunity to see one of the sleek tan and gray birds flying or roosting throughout the state. In flight, mourning doves can be identified by their small heads, long pointed tails and wings, and steady wingbeats. Similar-sized birds, such as American kestrels (sparrow hawks), killdeers, woodpeckers, and bluejays, have different color patterns than doves and glide for short distances during breaks in their wingbeats. These are all protected birds, and dove hunters must be able to distinguish mourning doves from these and other species before the season begins. Hunters who are in doubt of a shot should let the bird pass and wait for a clearly identifiable and legal target.
Once a dove is shot, the hunter should quickly recover the bird. The use of a retrieving dog is recommended, but hunters without dogs can effectively retrieve birds by hunting in open areas, limiting shots to one bird, and watching for exactly where the bird falls after the shot. Once retrieved, doves should be cooled as quickly as possible by placing them in the shade with their wings spread open, or in a cooler with ice. If possible, some feathers should be plucked and the entrails removed through a small slit near the underside of the tail. Once home, the birds can easily be plucked by dipping them in hot (not boiling) water with a drop or two of detergent added. Another option is to skin-out the breast and discard the skin, feathers, head, and entrails.
Doves are excellent table fare and are most often grilled, broiled, or roasted, with each hunter having a favorite recipe. Plan to have two to four birds per person and be sure to remove all shot pellets before cooking. Beginning dove hunters can ask veteran hunters or refer to any number of game cookbooks for proven dove recipes.
As a migratory bird, the mourning dove is regulated by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as are snipe, ducks, geese, swans, and other migratory birds. Each year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the number of mourning doves in the U.S. and establishes dove hunting guidelines accordingly. States, such as Ohio, then establish hunting seasons based on these federal guidelines. Federal regulations for dove hunters prohibit shot guns that hold more than three shells, live decoys, or baiting. In addition, Ohio regulations prohibit shooting doves from wires, utility poles, or buildings. Refer to the federal regulations published annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the annual Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information. As with all hunting in Ohio, dove hunters must obtain written permission from the landowner before hunting on private land.
Along with the proper hunting license, dove hunters must be responsible and safe in the field. Obtaining the landowner's permission, properly identifying their target, following established regulations, and making use of harvested birds are all ways that dove hunters can preserve their sport. All hunters should follow basic gun handling rules and obey simple safety guidelines, including not hunting too close to livestock or occupied build ings, not shooting across roads, and not shooting at low-flying birds.
Federal regulations state that "No person shall take migratory game birds by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area." Hunters should be aware of these regulations and how they differ for mourning doves and waterfowl.
Baiting is defined as "the placing, exposing, de positing, distributing, or scattering of shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat, or other grain, salt, or other feed so as to constitute for such birds a lure, attraction, or enticement to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them..." Areas where these activities have occurred are considered baited and remain so for 10 days following the complete removal of the bait source.
Both doves and waterfowl can be hunted over standing crops, flooded standing crops, flooded harvested croplands, and in areas where grain is found scattered solely as the result of normal agriculture planting and harvesting. Normal agriculture planting and harvesting includes many factors such as the timing of planting or harvest, seeding rates and methods, harvest methods, weather conditions, and equipment used. Questions about what constitutes normal agricultural planting or harvesting practices should be addressed to your local county extension agent or the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Doves and other migratory game birds, except waterfowl, can be hunted on or over lands where grains, salt, or other feed have been distributed or scattered as the result of bona fide agriculture operations or procedures (these include more than just planting and harvesting). They also can be hunted on or over lands where a crop was grown and manipulated for wildlife management purposes. Crop manipulation, in this case, does not include distributing or scattering grain or feed after it has been removed from or stored on the field where grown. Manipulation for wildlife management purposes, such as hunting, includes techniques like mowing, discing, burning, and dragging down standing crops. Natural vegetation can also be manipulated in this manner.
Hunters -- remember it is your responsibility to understand these regulations and know whether or not an area is baited.
As with all forms of hunting, a safe, responsible, and enjoyable dove hunt is a successful hunt. Hunt fairly, honestly, and safely, and help preserve the future of dove hunting in Ohio.
© 2005 ODNR, Division of Wildlife
^Top|Ohio.gov|OhioDNR.com|Privacy/Copyright Info|Feedback
Controlled dove hunts will be held at Fallsville, Rush Run, Indian Creek, Bott, and Spring Valley Wildlife Areas from September 1-3; hunting hours are noon to sunset each day.
Each dove field contains wheat, millet, and sunflowers. The quality of each component depends upon favorable weather conditions. Planting of the dove fields starts with wheat in October, sunflowers in late April or early May, and millet in June. We begin management of the dove fields by mowing and disking the wheat in mid-July to start attracting doves. The millet is mowed and then disked during August. Sunflowers are mowed and then disked in late August. Each of these components are mowed/disked ¼ to ½ a time at two to three week intervals.
Ranging from Mexico to Canada, and from coast to coast, the mourning dove is the most popular, abundant, and widespread game bird in North America. Its adaptable life-style and high reproductive rate have allowed its population to flourish in both agricultural and urban areas, making it one of the most common birds in Ohio. Biologists estimate that at least four million doves are found in Ohio each fall. Many of these doves are migrants from northern states and move through Ohio during the fall hunting season.
The mourning dove's fast flight, quick changes in direction, and alert nature make it one of the most challenging game birds to hunt. The most successful dove hunters begin their season by scouting possible hunting areas in late August or early September. Likely hot spots include recently harvested soybean, corn, hay, or wheat fields. If the summer has been dry, a water source nearby will make the area more attractive to doves. As with other hunting, mourning dove hunters will find public land very productive; however, private areas will provide most hunting opportunities.
Once a hunting area is located, hunters should set up along a fence row or other cover. Small blinds may be used to hunt the middle of a field; brush piles, small bushes, or even camouflage clothing may be equally effective. Dove hunters often hunt in teams, with individuals distributed around the edge of a field to keep the birds moving. Groups of hunters, however, should always be considerate of other parties and allow at least 100 yards between hunters.
A minimal amount of equipment is needed for dove hunting. Appropriate clothing for the weather, a shotgun, and a couple of boxes of 7 1/2, 8, or 9 size shot shells are all that is needed for a successful day of dove hunting. Twelve- or 20-gauge shotguns with improved cylinder or modified chokes are the most popular combinations. Smaller shotguns such as .410 and 28 gauge are also suitable, but beginning dove hunters may find these smaller gauges discouraging since they carry fewer shot for harvesting fast-moving doves.
Regardless of which gauge is chosen, hunters should always pattern their guns before the season begins and limit their shots to 40 yards or less. More distant shots make proper game identification difficult and increase the chances of missing or crippling a bird. Remember that doves fly faster than most other game birds and even the most seasoned hunters may need to practice on clay targets in order to successfully harvest mourning doves.
While not necessary, the use of dove decoys and calls may improve hunting success late in the season when fewer doves are moving through the state or as doves become more wary. Since doves will usually remain in an area until they are frightened away, hunters should try to hunt an area only every other day or so. Hunting more often may cause doves to move out of an area and not return.
Identifying mourning doves at close range is easy, and all Ohioans have had the opportunity to see one of the sleek tan and gray birds flying or roosting throughout the state. In flight, mourning doves can be identified by their small heads, long pointed tails and wings, and steady wingbeats. Similar-sized birds, such as American kestrels (sparrow hawks), killdeers, woodpeckers, and bluejays, have different color patterns than doves and glide for short distances during breaks in their wingbeats. These are all protected birds, and dove hunters must be able to distinguish mourning doves from these and other species before the season begins. Hunters who are in doubt of a shot should let the bird pass and wait for a clearly identifiable and legal target.
Once a dove is shot, the hunter should quickly recover the bird. The use of a retrieving dog is recommended, but hunters without dogs can effectively retrieve birds by hunting in open areas, limiting shots to one bird, and watching for exactly where the bird falls after the shot. Once retrieved, doves should be cooled as quickly as possible by placing them in the shade with their wings spread open, or in a cooler with ice. If possible, some feathers should be plucked and the entrails removed through a small slit near the underside of the tail. Once home, the birds can easily be plucked by dipping them in hot (not boiling) water with a drop or two of detergent added. Another option is to skin-out the breast and discard the skin, feathers, head, and entrails.
Doves are excellent table fare and are most often grilled, broiled, or roasted, with each hunter having a favorite recipe. Plan to have two to four birds per person and be sure to remove all shot pellets before cooking. Beginning dove hunters can ask veteran hunters or refer to any number of game cookbooks for proven dove recipes.
As a migratory bird, the mourning dove is regulated by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as are snipe, ducks, geese, swans, and other migratory birds. Each year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the number of mourning doves in the U.S. and establishes dove hunting guidelines accordingly. States, such as Ohio, then establish hunting seasons based on these federal guidelines. Federal regulations for dove hunters prohibit shot guns that hold more than three shells, live decoys, or baiting. In addition, Ohio regulations prohibit shooting doves from wires, utility poles, or buildings. Refer to the federal regulations published annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the annual Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information. As with all hunting in Ohio, dove hunters must obtain written permission from the landowner before hunting on private land.
Along with the proper hunting license, dove hunters must be responsible and safe in the field. Obtaining the landowner's permission, properly identifying their target, following established regulations, and making use of harvested birds are all ways that dove hunters can preserve their sport. All hunters should follow basic gun handling rules and obey simple safety guidelines, including not hunting too close to livestock or occupied build ings, not shooting across roads, and not shooting at low-flying birds.
Federal regulations state that "No person shall take migratory game birds by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area." Hunters should be aware of these regulations and how they differ for mourning doves and waterfowl.
Baiting is defined as "the placing, exposing, de positing, distributing, or scattering of shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat, or other grain, salt, or other feed so as to constitute for such birds a lure, attraction, or enticement to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them..." Areas where these activities have occurred are considered baited and remain so for 10 days following the complete removal of the bait source.
Both doves and waterfowl can be hunted over standing crops, flooded standing crops, flooded harvested croplands, and in areas where grain is found scattered solely as the result of normal agriculture planting and harvesting. Normal agriculture planting and harvesting includes many factors such as the timing of planting or harvest, seeding rates and methods, harvest methods, weather conditions, and equipment used. Questions about what constitutes normal agricultural planting or harvesting practices should be addressed to your local county extension agent or the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Doves and other migratory game birds, except waterfowl, can be hunted on or over lands where grains, salt, or other feed have been distributed or scattered as the result of bona fide agriculture operations or procedures (these include more than just planting and harvesting). They also can be hunted on or over lands where a crop was grown and manipulated for wildlife management purposes. Crop manipulation, in this case, does not include distributing or scattering grain or feed after it has been removed from or stored on the field where grown. Manipulation for wildlife management purposes, such as hunting, includes techniques like mowing, discing, burning, and dragging down standing crops. Natural vegetation can also be manipulated in this manner.
Hunters -- remember it is your responsibility to understand these regulations and know whether or not an area is baited.
As with all forms of hunting, a safe, responsible, and enjoyable dove hunt is a successful hunt. Hunt fairly, honestly, and safely, and help preserve the future of dove hunting in Ohio.
© 2005 ODNR, Division of Wildlife
^Top|Ohio.gov|OhioDNR.com|Privacy/Copyright Info|Feedback