Dove opener.

[WestKyHunt]

Speculation... but likely so the birds have the morning to feed without getting hammered. The public dove fields get hammered pretty hard and after the first few days are usually shot up or birds move out.

This is my guess as well. The last couple years opening weekend was the only time worth hunting. There would be lines behind the people shooting, waiting to take their turn. Shoot a limit, leave and next in line steps up.
Go back next several weeks and never see more than 4 birds

 

[nettereo16]

This is my guess as well. The last couple years opening weekend was the only time worth hunting. There would be lines behind the people shooting, waiting to take their turn. Shoot a limit, leave and next in line steps up.
Go back next several weeks and never see more than 4 birds

In addition to never more than 4 birds, you'd also never see many hunters after the first week. Hopefully this spreads out the opportunity the fields can be hunted for. I'll stay tuned...

 

[WildWill]

Rain ran me off around 1. Shot 12 birds retrieved 11 the tall grass always seems to claim one.

 

[LuketheDog]

I wish...

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Missed 4 shots this am.
Hunting in the backyard with my Air-rifle, back at it this pm.
Roadrunners are hungry.

 

[Runnin_Chupacabra]

Not too much success in our usual spot. Was teased by some wild pigs so that temptation made it hard to stick it out this morning.

 

[Bigjay73]

I cant hunt in Colorado. Its too depressing after having hunted Az my whole life.

 

[stevejfarms]

Just got home from the evening hunt, my 11 year old got 13 today only missed his first limit by 2! He had a frustrating morning but got 11 this evening to finish strong.

 

[Nick87]

Just got home from the evening hunt, my 11 year old got 13 today only missed his first limit by 2! He had a frustrating morning but got 11 this evening to finish strong.

Awesome! Saturday will be my 12 year olds first dove hunt actually shooting.

 

[Hem]

Slash is 3mo and 20 days. Should be interesting this evening.

Our new pup is 3 months 15 days. Haven't shot over her so i guess she waits.
My bad.

 

[stevejfarms]

Awesome! Saturday will be my 12 year olds first dove hunt actually shooting.

Buy plenty of shells and let them shoot, they will be hooked for life. Last year was my youngest‘s first time shooting, when I walked into the kitchen at 4:15 this morning to make coffee he was fully dressed sitting in the living room. It’s his favorite day of the year.

 

[Pucky Freak]

Burnin shells and scaring birds in the rain good times.

 

[geetar]

Va season comes in Saturday and Ill be out. its going to be one coolest opener I remember with highs only being 79.

Same here in NC.

 

[come2elmo]

My boys and I got 15 between the three of us this evening Gotta shake off the rust so we can lower the shell to bird ratio. Pretty sure the 103 heat Index didn’t help either.

 

[Deleted member 38069]

Is the empty box included for a reason?

 

[mtmiller]

Proud dad. Slash did well and had 15 birds in his mouth.

 

[Sawtooth]

Made it out a little later than expected tonight, but my son had a hot hand and picked up eight dove in a couple of hours. I on the other hand only got a couple for the evening. Our spot usually does better in the morning, so hoping Saturday's morning hunt is more productive.

 

[tarheel]

Had a great quick three hours and back in the office now View attachment 152606

Do you have to figure the Eurasians in your bag limit? I know some states allow you to shoot all of them you want, some even have no closed season.

 

[WildWill]

Is the empty box included for a reason?

Don't be misled I actually killed 4 with that box.

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Az. is wide open on Eurasian Doves, no limit open season year-round.
They do not count in your Dove total.