Introduction to Dove Hunt
Dove hunting is a popular and exciting sport that requires skill, patience, and a keen understanding of the birds’ behavior. For beginners, grasping the basics is crucial. This includes knowing the best times to hunt, mastering effective techniques, and having the right equipment. Dove hunters typically start their day early, just before sunrise, setting up in locations with good visibility and proximity to productive dove fields.
The key to a successful hunt is to remain still and quiet, as doves have excellent eyesight and can spot even the slightest movement. Dove hunting is also a social activity, with many hunters enjoying the camaraderie and shared experiences with friends and family. In Kansas, the dove hunting season typically runs from September 1 to November 29, with a daily bag limit of 15 mourning and white-winged doves.
Hunters must be aware of regulations regarding non-toxic shot, as lead shot is prohibited in many areas. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provides a complete list of public lands available for dove hunting, including managed dove fields and wildlife areas. Scouting locations before the season and looking for areas with an abundance of native grass and natural vegetation can significantly increase the chances of a successful hunt. By following these tips and guidelines, dove hunters can enjoy a fun and rewarding experience in the great outdoors.
Wide Open Fields and Clear Skies
Kansas has long held a reputation for being one of the top states for upland bird hunting, and dove season is no exception. Crops like sunflowers and wheat stubble play a crucial role in attracting doves, enhancing hunting opportunities during the season. As early September rolls around, the sunflower fields and cut grain plots of the Sunflower State come alive with the fast, darting flight of mourning doves. It’s a season opener marked by cool mornings, blazing afternoons, and the steady rhythm of wings overhead. For hunters willing to scout and put in the work, Kansas offers plenty of action.
Finding Productive Ground
Doves in Kansas favor fields with leftover seed, freshly turned dirt, or recent burns. Sunflower fields are the classic draw, but wheat stubble, millet plots, and mowed native grasses also attract birds in big numbers. These crops are particularly effective in drawing doves. Additionally, ensuring there are enough birds in the area is crucial for a successful hunt. Fields near water sources or utility lines tend to see even more dove movement, giving hunters better shot angles as birds fly in and out of feeding areas. The best fields often have a mix of open space and scattered trees, which doves use as landing points and lookout posts.
Kansas Hunting Regulations
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks sets and enforces regulations for dove hunting in the state. Hunters must obtain a valid hunting license and adhere to all regulations, including bag limits, season dates, and equipment restrictions. The use of non-toxic shot is mandatory in many areas, so hunters should check with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for specific regulations.
Dove hunters are also required to wear blaze orange clothing to increase visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provides a comprehensive guide to hunting regulations, including a complete list of public lands and wildlife areas. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations and guidelines before heading out into the field is essential.
Additionally, hunters should be aware of the regulations regarding private land and obtain permission before hunting on private property. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks also enforces regulations regarding hunting pressure on public land, so hunters should be mindful of their impact on the environment. By following these regulations and guidelines, hunters can help conserve and protect the dove population, ensuring a sustainable hunting experience for future generations.
Public Access That Works
One of the standout features of Kansas dove hunting is the public land access. The importance of feed in attracting doves to these public hunting areas cannot be overstated. Through state programs like Walk-In Hunting Areas, thousands of acres of private land are opened to public use during hunting season. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plays a crucial role in managing these public hunting lands. These plots are scattered throughout the state, offering hunters a range of habitats and setups. Many are managed specifically for doves with food plots and mowing schedules that encourage bird activity. Early scouting, map-reading, and arriving ahead of sunrise can give you a leg up on opening day.
Flight Lines and Patterns
Understanding dove flight patterns is crucial. Spotting a flock of doves during the hunt can be particularly exciting and significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt. Doves are creatures of habit, often flying along the same lines each morning and evening. Watching the direction and altitude of early birds can help you adjust your position and set up for better shooting lanes. Birds generally move from roosting areas to feeding fields in the morning, then head back toward shade or water as the day warms. Being mobile and willing to shift spots throughout the hunt can turn a slow day into a successful one. Finding a good place to set up, especially where natural food sources abound, can significantly improve your hunting success.
Creating a Dove Field
Creating a dove field can be a fun and rewarding experience for both hunters and landowners. The key to a successful dove field is providing a habitat that attracts doves, including native grass, natural vegetation, and a reliable water source. Sunflowers are a popular choice for dove fields, as they offer both food and shelter for the birds.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provides resources and information on creating a dove field, including tips and techniques for planting and managing the habitat. Landowners should also be aware of the regulations regarding dove fields and obtain any necessary permits or licenses. Creating a dove field can help conserve and protect the dove population by providing a sustainable source of food and habitat.
Hunters and landowners should work together to create dove fields that benefit both the birds and the hunters. The use of non-toxic shot and stationary decoys can also help reduce the environmental impact and conserve the dove population. By creating a dove field, hunters and landowners can enjoy a fun and rewarding experience while contributing to the conservation of the dove population. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks encourages landowners to create dove fields and provides resources and information to help them get started.
Morning and Evening Action
Opening morning is usually the best window for dove hunting in Kansas. The last five minutes of legal shooting light can be particularly productive, as a high volume of doves can be seen just before sunset. Birds fly early and steady, especially when the weather is calm and skies are clear. After mid-morning, the action tends to taper off, only to return again in the late afternoon as doves move toward water and roost sites. Evening hunts can be just as productive, particularly in areas where birds pass over open terrain on their way back to shelter. Hunters need to wait for the right moments during the hunt to maximize their success.
Comfort in the Heat
Kansas dove season starts hot. The sun rises fast and so does the temperature. Selecting the right gun for dove hunting is crucial, as the gauge of the shotgun is less important than the shooter's comfort and familiarity with the weapon. Hunters need to be prepared for heat, sun exposure, and long hours in the field. Wingshooting is a key aspect of dove hunting, emphasizing its popularity as a foundational sport for beginners in bird hunting. Lightweight clothing, hydration packs, and shaded seating make the experience more comfortable. A wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are smart additions to any dove hunter’s kit. Staying sharp and safe in the heat means being prepared before the first shots ring out.
A Shotgun and Shells
Dove hunting is fast-paced and unpredictable. Pairing the right shotgun gauge with the appropriate load types is crucial for optimal performance. A reliable 12 or 20 gauge shotgun with a modified or improved cylinder choke is ideal for the quick passing shots that are common in Kansas fields. Bring plenty of shells. Even the best shooters go through more rounds than they expect. Camouflage or earth-toned gear helps reduce movement visibility, and a vest or bucket with storage makes it easy to keep birds and gear organized. Shooting birds requires practice and the right equipment.
Why It Matters
There’s more to dove hunting in Kansas than just limits and trigger pulls. Understanding different species is crucial for a successful hunt. It’s the sound of birds cutting the air, the glow of sunrise on a cut field, and the shared grins when a buddy finally hits that high flyer. It’s a gathering of friends, a place to start the fall season, and a chance to step into the rhythm of the land. Finding a good place to hunt can enhance the overall experience. Every bird is a small reward, and every empty hull tells part of the story.
FAQs
When does dove season open in Kansas?
Dove season in Kansas typically opens on September first and runs through late October, with specific dates confirmed each year by state wildlife officials. Understanding hunting seasons and their variations is crucial, as it helps hunters plan their activities and take advantage of year-round hunting opportunities.
Are there public lands for dove hunting in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas offers a large network of Walk-In Hunting Areas that provide free public access to private land, including managed dove fields. For comprehensive details on hunting seasons, species, and regulations, visit specific websites dedicated to Kansas hunting information.
What kind of fields attract doves in Kansas?
Sunflowers, wheat stubble, milo, millet, and freshly tilled or burned fields all attract doves, especially when paired with nearby water and trees. Specific crops like sunflowers and wheat stubble are particularly effective in drawing doves for hunting.
What time of day is best to hunt doves?
Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times, as birds move between feeding areas and roosting or water sites. The last five minutes of legal shooting light are particularly crucial, as a high volume of doves can be seen just before sunset, making it an ideal time for strategic hunting decisions.
Hunters need to wait for the right moments during the hunt, as successful dove hunting requires both technique and patience.
What’s the best shotgun setup for dove hunting?
A 12 or 20 gauge shotgun with a modified or improved cylinder choke is ideal for the fast and erratic flight patterns of doves in open fields. Selecting the right gun for dove hunting is crucial, as the gauge of the shotgun is less important than the shooter's comfort and familiarity with the weapon. Wingshooting is a key aspect of dove hunting, emphasizing its popularity as a foundational sport for beginners in bird hunting.