Introduction to Dove Season
Dove season is an exciting time for hunters, offering a chance to enjoy the outdoors and harvest birds in a variety of settings. The upcoming dove season in Georgia promises to be a great opportunity for hunters to bag more doves, with plenty of public and private land available for hunting. To make the most of the dove season, hunters should familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations, as well as the best practices for creating a productive dove field. A well-managed dove field can attract a large number of birds, providing hunters with a fun and challenging experience. Dove fields can be created on a few acres of land, making them accessible to hunters who don’t have a lot of space. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, the anticipation of the season opener in early September brings a sense of excitement and camaraderie that is hard to match.
Agricultural Fields and Flight Patterns
Dove hunting in Georgia has long been a tradition rooted in camaraderie, early fall mornings, and watching the skies over open fields. The most productive hunts usually take place over agricultural fields planted specifically to attract doves. Sunflower fields are among the most popular and successful, drawing in birds with ample seed and open visibility. These fields are often managed by the state or private landowners, who utilize surveys of bird numbers to time the fields to peak during the early season opener. Understanding flight paths, feeding behavior, and how doves use the landscape is key to planning a productive shoot. Having multiple dove fields in close proximity maximizes shooting opportunities and allows doves to utilize one field as a sanctuary where they can safely feed away from hunting pressure.
Sunflowers and Managed Fields
Georgia’s dove fields, especially those planted in sunflowers, provide reliable early season action. Cutting a swath in the middle of the field improves bird access and enhances hunting opportunities. Birds are attracted to the seed heads, and well-prepared fields with mowed strips offer both food and landing zones. Planting sunflowers strategically is crucial for attracting doves, involving site preparation, cultivation techniques, and choosing the right seeds. These managed areas are found across the state in wildlife management areas and on private lands enrolled in state programs. Returning nutrients to the soil through practices like tilling under sunflower fields and using fertilizers ensures successful sunflower growth. Fields in the Piedmont and southern coastal plain often produce the most consistent results. Hunters should arrive early to scout where birds are flying in and out, as positioning near well-used flight corridors can make the difference between steady shooting and long waits.
Creating a Productive Dove Field
Creating a productive dove field requires careful planning and management, including the selection of the right crops and the use of techniques such as pre-emergent herbicide to control weeds. Sunflowers are a popular choice for dove fields, as they provide a rich source of seeds for the birds to feed on. Other crops, such as millet, corn, and wheat, can also be effective in attracting doves to a hunting area. The key to creating a productive dove field is to provide a diverse range of food sources, including grass seeds and other crops that will attract birds throughout the season. Rolling terrain and open ground can also be beneficial in creating a productive dove field, as they provide a safe and attractive environment for the birds to feed and roost. Dead trees and other features can be used to create roosting sites, which can help to attract more birds to the area. Hunters should also consider the use of spinning wing decoys and other tactics to attract doves to their field. By putting in the hard work to create a productive dove field, hunters can enjoy a successful and enjoyable hunting experience. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources provides resources and guidance for hunters looking to create a productive dove field, including information on the best crops to plant and how to manage the field for maximum effectiveness. With the right planning and management, a dove field can be a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the outdoors and harvest birds, whether you have a few acres of private land or are hunting on public fields.
Public Access and WMAs
Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources manages numerous wildlife management areas that offer public dove hunting opportunities. These fields are planted with sunflowers, millet, corn, or a combination, and are often regulated through quotas or sign-in systems specific to each property. Some require hunters to enter drawings or check in before participating, especially during opening weekend. It is important to limit hunting to one or two times per week to avoid driving away birds. WMAs such as Clybel, Di-Lane, and Joe Kurz are well known for their dove fields and host hundreds of hunters on opening day. Checking maps, scouting in advance, and understanding the rules of each WMA are essential for success.
Private Land and Club Access
In addition to public options, many hunters in Georgia pursue doves on private land leased specifically for the season. Collaboration and resourcefulness among friends can be crucial when acquiring land for planting sunflowers. Networking with farmers to gain access to land for planting crops that attract doves is also essential. These club hunts often include access to managed fields, meals, and shade setups, providing a more relaxed environment. Landowners who plant sunflowers, corn, or millet may offer daily or seasonal access. Birds will often key in on freshly mowed or disked sections, and hunters who stay mobile and adjust based on bird movement tend to do best. Even on private land, scouting and timing are crucial.
Early Season vs. Late Season
Georgia’s dove season is divided into multiple segments, with the opener in early September being the most anticipated. The first week often attracts significant crowds to public fields, which can lead to a less enjoyable experience for those looking for a more solitary hunt. Early hunts tend to be more productive, especially in the afternoon when temperatures cool and birds return to feed. As the season progresses and pressure increases, doves become more wary and may shift to less pressured fields or fly higher. Later segments of the season can still offer good shooting, particularly after cold fronts push new birds into the area. Late season success often hinges on access to freshly prepared fields or less hunted areas, with optimal management actions taken in early-to-mid August to ensure sunflowers mature adequately to attract doves.
Hunting Strategy and Setup
The best shooting comes from understanding the flight paths doves use between roosting, feeding, and watering areas. Birds often fly in from the same direction each day, and they prefer open areas with good visibility and escape routes. Hunters should sit with the sun at their back and look for natural funnels such as treelines, power lines, or low spots between fields. Providing natural cover for hunters and ensuring doves feel safe while feeding is crucial. Decoys can help pull birds closer, but being concealed and still is more important than gear. Once shooting begins, birds may change routes, so being flexible and adjusting position can extend a good hunt.
Gear and Shooting Tips
Dove hunting doesn’t require much gear, but a few essentials make a big difference. A comfortable stool, camouflage clothing, and a lightweight shotgun with an improved cylinder or modified choke are standard. During an active dove hunt, pellets can rain down from shooters across the field, so using hearing and eye protection is crucial for safety. Plenty of shells are a must, as doves are fast and unpredictable in flight. A small cooler with water and snacks can keep you comfortable during long afternoons. Bringing a game vest or bucket with storage helps manage birds and gear efficiently. The excitement of accumulating doves at your feet during a successful hunt adds to the thrill. Pattern your shotgun in advance and take high percentage shots rather than rushing.
Conservation and Ethics
Dove fields are often shared with dozens of hunters, especially on opening day. Using controlled burns (fire) for weed management in dove fields is an effective and cost-efficient method, but it is crucial to follow local regulations and prioritize safety. Safety, respect, and communication are key. Keep muzzles pointed in a safe direction, maintain proper spacing, and avoid shooting low birds. The timing of harvesting crops like silage corn and hemp can create optimal conditions for dove hunting, as these processes leave behind food sources that attract doves. Picking up empty shells and trash helps preserve access and keeps the area clean for others. Obeying limits and checking regulations before hunting ensure the future of managed dove fields across Georgia. Supporting conservation groups and landowner programs contributes to the ongoing health of the resource.
Conclusion
Dove hunting in Georgia is as much about tradition and fellowship as it is about filling a limit. Whether you're sitting on a shaded stool in a managed sunflower field or tucked into a hedgerow along a flight path, the experience blends challenge and simplicity. With a bit of scouting, a steady hand, and an understanding of how doves use the landscape, hunters can enjoy reliable action across the state’s farmland and wildlife areas. It’s a fall ritual that continues to bring hunters together across generations.
FAQs
Where are the best places to dove hunt in Georgia?
Wildlife management areas like Clybel, Di-Lane, and Joe Kurz offer public access, while private fields with sunflowers or millet can be very productive. Even a small area, often around one acre, can be sufficient for establishing a productive dove field.
When does dove season open in Georgia?
The season typically opens in early September and is divided into three segments, with the early season being the most popular and productive. It is crucial to prepare dove fields by early August to ensure the vegetation is mature, allowing for necessary mowing to provide open cover and drop seeds to the ground, which helps attract mourning doves just before the season opens.
Do I need special permits to hunt doves on public land?
Yes, most WMAs require a hunting license, HIP certification, and sometimes a quota or sign-in depending on the field and date. Dove hunting regulations can vary across different regions of the country, so it's important to check local guidelines before planning your hunt.
What is the best time of day to hunt doves?
Afternoons are usually best, as doves return to feed after roosting or watering. Hunting hours begin one-half hour before sunrise and extend to sunset. Evening flights near sunset can produce steady action.
What crops attract doves in Georgia?
Sunflowers are the most popular crop, but millet, corn, wheat, and harvested fields with bare ground also attract feeding birds effectively. Properly managing soil by tilling, applying fertilizers, and ensuring adequate drainage is crucial for successful crop growth and attracting mourning doves.