When Doves Cry in Florida
One of the favorite small game bird to hunt in Florida is the dove. Doves can be found in an area that covers Mexico, across the United States and into Canada. This small game bird is the most abundant in the continent and is also the most widespread.
Protected Game Birds
While the Mourning dove (Zenaida Macroura) is perhaps the easiest game bird and the most hunted in North America, it just also happens to be the most protected. The Mourning dove is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. So before shooting any dove that can be seen in the area, it is best to be informed regarding the legalities of dove hunting in Florida.
Florida Dove Hunting Fields
Dove hunting fields are specially marked areas on which the hunting of the Mourning dove is allowed. Marking and selection of the dove hunting fields is a special effort by the FWC in order to deliver great dove hunting opportunities throughout the state. These fields also have a social atmosphere which makes it perfect for bringing along families and friends, and go hunting together. These dove hunting fields are scattered throughout the state. Access to these fields is usually done on a membership and payment basis.
Free and legal hunting fields can also be established as long as it follows the rules and regulations of dove hunting set forth by the state and its legal bodies.
Tips for Successful Dove Hunting
The increased demand for dove hunting has caused an increase in the number of hunters and hence a greater number of competition. The most common scenario some hunters end up with is that they can hardly bag a dove without someone getting to it first.
All it takes to bag that dove effectively is to follow a few, useful tips below
- It is essential that a hunter arrive early to the hunting field. This will enable the hunter to familiarize him/herself with the field.
- Another tip is to manage the light once on a dove field. The sun should be to the back of the hunter as much as possible so that hunting will not be affected by the glare of the morning or afternoon sun.
- A third tip is to know which geographical or topographical areas a dove is usually attracted to and settle there for the hunt.
- Fourth tip, aside from wearing camouflage, it is important to sit still. A camouflage won’t do a hunter any good if he or she keeps fidgeting in place.
- Fifth, while bringing along a dog may seem like a good idea when out on a dove hunt, if the dog can’t sit still, it will continue to attract the notice of the dove.
- Sixth, look for water holes as these are areas that doves usually flock to at times of the day.
- Lastly, take into consideration the terrain. If hunting from a raised position, the hunter will stand out, not unless he or she uses a screen in order not to give away his or her location.
With these basic tips, a hunter will have an even more successful rate of shooting and bagging doves.
