Introduction to Hunting
Hunting is more than just a pastime; it’s a cherished tradition and a significant part of the American cultural fabric. Millions of hunters across the United States eagerly await the start of hunting seasons each year, ready to engage in the pursuit and capture of wild game. Among the various forms of hunting, dove hunting stands out for its unique blend of challenge and enjoyment.
Why New Mexico Offers Unique Early Season Action
New Mexico’s wide-open skies and arid landscapes provide a one-of-a-kind setting for early season dove hunting. With a mix of agricultural plots, desert scrub, and managed habitat, this state offers excellent chances to connect with both mourning and white-winged doves. Warm September mornings, sunflowers in bloom, and the distinctive sound of wings cutting through the dry air make dove hunting in New Mexico an experience that stands apart from traditional farmland shoots.
The proximity to the New Mexico border, especially near remote areas like the Cornudas Mountains, adds to the allure for outdoor enthusiasts seeking secluded desert experiences. However, hunters should be aware that cold weather can significantly affect dove migration patterns, as Mourning doves are sensitive to dropping temperatures and may quickly leave areas when cold fronts arrive.
While Franklin Mountains State Park does not typically allow public hunting, adjacent areas and private lands offer opportunities for varmint and predator control hunts under specific regulations.
The Terrain and Cover That Holds Birds
Doves in New Mexico seek out food, grit, water, and shade. Agricultural areas with sunflowers, milo, and harvested wheat provide primary feeding grounds. Birds also rely on sandy patches and gravel bars for grit, and they’ll roost in mesquite, cottonwoods, and brushy arroyos nearby. Dead trees serve as essential perching locations for doves before they head to feeding grounds in the evenings. The best hunting often happens near irrigated fields with a clear view of the horizon. Birds tend to fly low and direct, often in a straight line, traveling from roost to feed early in the day and again near sunset.
Hunters can enhance their success by using decoy strategies to attract doves. Hanging decoys in trees can mimic the natural behavior of doves, which often stage in high perches before feeding.
Public and Private Access
New Mexico offers both private leases and public land access through state wildlife areas and the Open Gate program. Many managed fields are planted specifically for dove season and are open for walk-in access. These fields often see the most consistent bird movement early in the season. Private land can also be productive, especially around small farms and irrigated tracts in the southern and eastern parts of the state. As always, scout before opening day to find where birds are flying and feeding.
A license is needed to hunt Mourning Doves in New Mexico, while Eurasian Collared Doves can be hunted year-round without a license. Dove hunting is a beloved tradition in Texas, particularly in East Texas, where many people grow up participating in the sport as part of their family's outdoor activities and seasonal celebrations. Additionally, dove banding programs extend to other states, contributing to collaborative research and a broader understanding of dove movements and hunting dynamics across the region.
Timing Your Hunts and Reading Movement
Opening day usually brings the best volume, especially just after sunrise. Doves tend to fly out of roosting cover and into fields in the first hour of light, then taper off until a second flight before dusk. During midday, doves often rest near water or in shaded brush. Pay attention to wind and temperature—calm mornings with mild temps offer the most consistent shooting. Birds in the desert often fly in straighter lines, so setting up along a travel corridor with good visibility is key. Doves often stage within a quarter mile of food sources before taking flight to feed. Hunters have observed more doves in recent seasons, indicating a favorable change in dove populations. Utilizing pass shot techniques during early morning flights can significantly enhance your success.
Sharpening Shot Placement and Success
Desert doves don’t give second chances. Fast flyers and open landscapes mean clean, precise shooting is necessary. Focus on leading the bird slightly, especially when they fly straight across or with the wind. Try to break the wing rather than hitting behind. Shooting high or late often results in cripples. With the dry, open terrain, birds that go down can be hard to recover if not hit cleanly, so aim with intention and follow through on every shot.
Precise shots are crucial for successful hunting. Hunters can figure out the best shooting angles by observing bird behavior. Additionally, using dead doves as decoys can attract live birds, increasing the chances of a successful hunt.
Gear Suited for the Southwest
Early season heat calls for lightweight, breathable clothing and plenty of water. A mesh vest or shell bag, shooting glasses, and ear protection are standard. A twelve or twenty gauge shotgun with an improved cylinder or modified choke loaded with number seven or eight shot works well for typical shot distances. A folding stool, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen help during long morning sits. Binoculars can also be helpful for spotting flyways in the wide-open desert terrain.
When comparing gear, duck hunting often requires heavier clothing and waterproof gear, whereas dove hunting focuses on lighter, more breathable options. Decoys can effectively mimic natural cues, similar to how fish react to visual stimuli, enhancing the hunting experience. Additionally, hunting doves shares similarities with hunting pigeons, particularly in terms of identification and behavior strategies.
Hunting Solo or With a Group
Many hunters in New Mexico hunt in small groups, spreading out across managed fields or along fencelines and tree lines. Keeping distance between shooters and rotating through flight paths ensures safety and continued movement. Solo hunters can be just as successful by finding a quiet corner of a field or a gap between roosting cover and food. Knowing where the birds want to be—and getting there early—is often the deciding factor.
Hunting with a friend can make the experience even more enjoyable, as you share tips and stories. Often, guys will guess the best spots to set up, adding a bit of unpredictability and fun to the hunt.
Following the Law and Respecting the Land
All dove hunters in New Mexico need a valid license, HIP certification, and must follow federal migratory bird laws. Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells, and hunting over baited fields is illegal. Only hunt fields that have been legally prepared. Pick up your hulls, stay off private land without permission, and leave no trace. Ethical hunting not only preserves landowner relationships—it keeps public access available for the future.
Don't forget to check for leg bands on harvested birds, as this is an important practice. Remember, hunting regulations vary across the country, so always stay informed about local laws. For many, dove hunting is more than a sport; it's a cherished tradition, almost like a religion, especially in the South where it's akin to a god-like experience.
A Distinctive Southwest Start to Fall
Dove hunting in New Mexico blends the stark beauty of the desert with fast-paced shooting and open-air camaraderie. Whether you’re watching the sun rise over a sunflower field or waiting in the shadow of a mesquite stand, each shot is a chance to connect with a bird that’s earned its reputation as one of the trickiest in flight. Doves are plentiful in New Mexico during the early season, providing ample opportunities for hunters. The life cycles and behaviors of doves in the desert add to the richness of the hunting experience, as hunters can observe their habits and interactions with the environment. For those who love the mix of scenery, challenge, and tradition, New Mexico’s dove season offers an unforgettable way to launch into the fall. Additionally, the desert terrains surrounding the Cornudas Mountains and Otero Mesa are home to various sheep species, appealing to hunters looking for diverse game.
FAQs
When does dove season start in New Mexico?
Dove season typically begins on September first, with additional splits later in the fall depending on the zone. In New Mexico, the hunting season for doves starts on September first and includes splits that extend into the fall, providing ample opportunities for hunters.
Where should I hunt doves in New Mexico?
Look for managed sunflower fields, irrigated farmland, and roosting cover near open ground in the southern and eastern parts of the state. Additionally, areas just north of Dell City in Texas provide excellent hunting opportunities for various game, including mule deer and javelina. After significant rainfall, a river flowing through hunting areas can dramatically impact the experience, as seen during a dove hunting trip in the desert where an unexpected storm caused a river to flow across the meadow where they camped.
What kind of gear is recommended?
A twelve or twenty gauge with number seven or eight shot, breathable clothing, hydration, and basic safety gear like eye and ear protection are essential.
Do I need a permit to hunt doves?
Yes. A hunting license, HIP certification, and compliance with federal migratory bird laws are required.
Are public lands available for dove hunting?
Yes. State wildlife areas and Open Gate properties provide quality access to managed dove fields with good early season bird numbers. Additionally, while public hunting is generally limited in Franklin Mountains State Park, New Mexico offers various opportunities for public hunting in adjacent areas and private lands under specific regulations.
How can I improve shot success?
Lead birds slightly, avoid snap shooting, and aim to break the wing rather than tail-chasing. Follow through on each shot for better accuracy. Precise shots are crucial for successful dove hunting, as they ensure clean kills and reduce the chances of wounding the birds.