Starting the Season Right
South Dakota might be best known for its pheasants, but dove season brings its own kind of excitement for dove hunters as a popular small game activity, especially for hunters eager to shake off the rust before the main upland opener. Early September in South Dakota is a mix of warm mornings, clear skies, and birds cutting low over sunflower fields and grain stubble. The terrain is wide and open, and the doves are plentiful if you know where to look. It’s a style of hunting that rewards preparation, good timing, and a sharp eye for movement.
Best Field Types and Locations
Doves flock to food and water, and South Dakota offers plenty of both. Grain fields are key locations for dove migration and feeding activities, making it easier for hunters to find birds. Sunflower plots are the gold standard, but recently harvested wheat or cornfields, disked strips, and native grasslands also attract birds in big numbers. Areas with seeds on the ground, such as bare soil or chopped corn, serve as ideal feeding grounds for attracting doves. Using decoys can enhance your hunting strategy, making it easier to lure doves into your setup. Areas with nearby water sources like ponds or small creeks see even more traffic. Barnyard grass patches can also attract doves, as well as other annual weeds like pigeon grass, providing another excellent location for hunters. The best fields usually sit at the edge of agricultural zones, bordered by trees or utility lines that give doves a place to land and survey before feeding. Scouting a few days before the opener can make all the difference.
Timing Your Hunt
Opening morning is where the action is, with birds flying at first light and continuing steady for the first couple of hours, especially in cooler, calm conditions. As the sun climbs, activity slows, with doves often sitting on fence wires and branches, until it picks up again later in the afternoon when doves head back to water and roosting spots. Evening hunts are productive, too, particularly near known flyways or water holes. Observing a few small groups of doves entering a waterhole can be an indicator of a good hunting location. Knowing where the birds are coming from and where they’re going helps set you up in the right place at the right time.
Public Opportunities
South Dakota has an excellent network of public hunting land. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks provides detailed information on hunting regulations and public land access. Game production areas and walk-in access lands open up large sections of private land to the public during dove season. ‘Private Land Open To Sportsmen’ acres are also a valuable resource for hunters. These fields are often planted with food crops or managed for habitat, and many receive less pressure than more well-known hunting areas. Maps and local insight help narrow the search. Arrive early, bring backup spots, and be respectful of others who are out enjoying the same land, always ensuring you have the necessary landowner permission where required.
Gear and Preparation
The early season heat means dressing light and staying hydrated, and don't forget water for your dog if you bring one along. Dove hunting doesn’t require fancy gear—just a comfortable seat, a shotgun you know well, and a pocket full of shells. A 12 or 20 gauge with an improved cylinder or modified choke is ideal for the kind of fast, mid-range shooting doves demand. Bring more shells than you think you’ll need. The action can be fast, and even skilled shooters miss more often than not. Additionally, using nontoxic shot is essential for compliance with hunting regulations and to ensure environmentally friendly practices while you shoot doves.
Flight Paths and Adjustments
Doves follow natural flight paths, usually dictated by landscape features, feeding areas, and roosting spots. Once you’ve spotted where the birds are moving, setting up along a flight line increases your chances dramatically, especially if you can position yourself on the other side of their usual path. Trees, fence lines, and slight rises in the field are all natural funnels. Being able to shift your position and adjust based on early movement can turn a slow sit into a productive shoot. Flexibility is key.
However, retrieving downed birds can be challenging, especially if they fall in dense corn stalks or other difficult terrains.
The South Dakota Difference
There’s a simplicity to dove hunting in South Dakota that draws hunters back year after year. It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or an expert; the thrill of the hunt is universally appealing. It’s the stillness of a warm field before first light. It’s the sudden rush of wings and the quick instinct to shoulder your shotgun. It’s missing clean, hitting true, and watching the sunrise while birds cut across the sky. For many, it’s the true beginning of the hunting season—a moment of focus before the rush of fall. In those first shots and long walks back to the truck, South Dakota offers something that sticks, a sense of accomplishment and personal insight that resonates deeply with every hunter.
FAQs
When does dove season start in South Dakota?
The dove opener in South Dakota typically starts on September first, with dates confirmed each year by state wildlife agencies.
What are the best field types for dove hunting?
Crop fields, including sunflower fields, harvested grain plots, and disked strips near water and trees, are ideal for scouting and setting up for dove hunting, especially in areas with oilseed crops. Crop fields, including sunflower fields, harvested grain plots, and disked strips near water and trees, are ideal for scouting and setting up for dove hunting, particularly in areas with unharvested cereal.
Does South Dakota have public land access for dove hunting?
Yes, the state offers access to both game production areas and walk-in lands that provide excellent public dove hunting opportunities. However, always ensure you have the necessary permission where required.
What time of day is best for dove hunting?
Early morning and late afternoon are most productive times to hunt doves, with steady flights at first light and again near sunset. Birds resting in day roosts or loafing areas between feeding times can also provide excellent hunting opportunities.
What kind of gear should I bring?
A lightweight shotgun, plenty of shells, water, sun protection, and a low-profile seat or bucket are all helpful for a successful hunt. Don't forget water for your dog if you bring one along.