Sunflowers aren’t the only dove food

Sunflowers aren’t the only planting that attracts doves, but they should be considered for every field that’s targeted for a dove hunt.

Although sunflowers reign supreme as a dove attractant, there are plenty of other dove foods that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Ron Fleming, who owns Wings & Antlers Wildlife Services in Anderson, advises most of his clients to offer variety if they’re serious about luring and keeping doves on their field throughout the season.

“The reason I put diversity out there is because I want to provide a smorgasbord,” said Fleming (864-261-6079). “I don’t want those doves to go anywhere else.”

Here then are some of Fleming’s favorite offerings, including of course, the all-important sunflower, in order of planting:

• Wheat. Fleming plants his wheat in November, and favors the grain not only because it’s economical to grow, but also because it provides a security blanket. “If you have a terribly dry season and the sunflowers don’t make, you still have a food source,” Fleming said. “But you want all the wheat down by the first of the season, so you’ll have bare strips where the wheat was.”

• Corn. Corn is typically planted around the first of April. “I plant less corn than anything else, but it’s good to have some,” Fleming said. Doves will focus on sunflowers and millet early, but corn becomes a more important part of the dove’s diet in winter.

• Sunflowers. Fleming plants sunflowers around the first of May and recommends the Clearfield variety, which is herbicide resistant and allows for clean ground between rows and plants. But watch the cost; at $200 per bag, you’re probably going to want to limit your sunflower acreage.

• Dove proso millet. This planting should be done around June 1, ensuring maturity around the opening day of the dove season. A warm-season grass, proso millet grows four to six feet tall and produces large oat-like seed heads. The shiny seeds are mold and mildew resistant, which makes them a great dove food throughout the season.

Editor’s note: This article is part of the For the Love of the Dove feature in the September issue of South Carolina Sportsman. Digital editions can be downloaded right to your computer or smartphone.

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