The 5-acre dove field

When it comes to dove fields, bigger is not always better

Few things are as timeless as opening day of dove season in the Carolinas. 

Generations gather to usher in a new hunting season. If ever there was a time for old men and youth hunters to spend time together, it is in a dove field. 

A good dove hunt is about as much fun as anyone can have afield. Hordes of mourning doves pouring into a field followed by the distinct Bang! Bang! of shooters puts a smile on many faces. 

Over the years, dove hunting has found its place in circles of hunters. Some live for it. Some can take it or leave it. For many others, it is mandatory! 

Labor Day weekend is the traditional opening of dove season in the Carolinas. But preparation for that opening begins months before. And when it comes to dove hunting, bigger is not always better. Sure, some 300-acre fields have thousands of birds. But some of the best hunting and shooting often occurs on smaller fields with a few family members and friends. 

John Fitzgerald of Piedmont, SC has a tremendous hunt every fall on his small field. 

“I only have about 5 acres I can plant for doves. So I decided to give it a try, and we have found great success with it,” he said. 

Small but effective

Fitzgerald describes his situation as small but effective. By partnering with a local farmer, he gets the seed and fertilizer and barters for the farmer to plant the field for him each May.

“It starts with sunflowers,” Fitzgerald said. “If you don’t have sunflowers, you are really pushing your luck.” 

Fitzgerald lays out his field in such a way that allows for maximum hunters to cover the field. 

“We plant five rows, skip three rows, plant five rows, skip three, etc,” he said.

This allows for mowing and plowing in those strips to make the doves more comfortable. Some years Fitzgerald will mix in millet, planting five rows of sunflowers, skipping three, planting five rows of millet, skipping three, and repeating that across the field. The variety seems to help, but he has no hard data to suggest that it does. 

He insists that timing is critical for having the best dove field.

According to Fitzgerald, “You want your sunflowers to be fully ripe about two weeks before opening day.”  

This gives the doves time to find them and to begin a regular feeding into the fields. Most sunflowers get ripe within 70-100 days. So plan accordingly to make sure you have food for them.

Natural camo helps 

A 5-acre field may seem small, but Fitzgerald is able to place seven or so shooters around the field safely. He will leave some tall weeds along the tree line for cover. He will also haul in round hay bales to use for blinds. Using the natural vegetation of trees, fence lines and a few round hay bales makes for a great shoot. 

Fitzgerald said that for the last seven years, he and the other hunters have had their limit of birds within an hour to hour and a half. Some of the poor shooters take longer to get the limit. But it’s not due to a lack of birds.

Having a smaller field makes for better shooting a lot of times because large fields are so hard to cover. If enough shooters aren’t present, the doves find the open areas and pour into those areas, preventing them from flying within any shooter’s range. Fitzgerald and his friends agree that the smaller field is something that is worth the expense and time to have a good shoot. 

Give the birds a break

“For the entire first season, we will have great shooting. It helps that we only shoot on Saturdays, allowing new birds time to find the field between shoots,” he said.

Having small parcels is not a hindrance to producing excellent dove hunting. Fitzgerald says it costs him a little over two thousand dollars to prep and plant his field. This includes paying the farmer for his time and equipment. But for the fun and family time spent around the dove field, it is money well spent. Not having a large piece of land should not deter you from having a great shoot. Use what you have and plan well. Hopefully, the doves will cooperate. 

“One thing is for certain,” Fitzgerald stresses. “All I can do is plant the field and ensure it grows. I cannot make the doves find it. But they usually do,” he said.

Simplicity is the beauty of dove hunting

The equipment for a dove hunt is as simple as it gets. But hunters need to keep some things in mind. First and foremost, make sure your shotgun is limited to three shells. If you are shooting a pump action or semi-auto, double check to make sure a plug is in the gun to prevent loading more than two in the magazine. 

All gauges are used on the dove field, the 12-gauge being the most popular. However, some hunters find this to be a bit much for the diminutive dove. Sub gauges are just as efficient but will require more skill. A personal favorite is the 28-gauge. A classic side-by-side or even an over-and-under are sufficient for doves. 

Many smaller-framed shooters opt for the 20-gauge, and this is an excellent choice. I would stay away from the .410 except for the most skilled shooters. This small gauge lacks recoil, but also requires excellent marksmanship to be successful. 

Camouflage is important also, but not a deal breaker. Most wear a short sleeve T-shirt in some camo pattern and short pants. But stay away from any brightly colored clothing. 

Another thing to consider when going to a dove field includes a small cooler with plenty of water. Triple digit temperatures are the norm. And sitting in the sweltering sun waiting for doves will dehydrate you quickly. A good cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some type of bug repellant, like a ThermaCell or some spray to keep the gnats and mosquitos away, are a must. Lastly is a good seat. Many dove hunters prefer a bucket or stool. But age has taught me a chair like those used in ground blinds works well and makes the hunt more comfortable.