Bye bye doves...

[Shanghai McCoy]

Well, with 3 days to the opener the cool(ish) weather arrives and with it, the departure of every danged dove that was around my area.
Been waking up all Summer to the sounds of the doves in the trees, on the fence or perched on the power line. This morning, Nada. Drove up to town to get some diesel and, where they had been lining up around the corn and bean fields, not a single dove.
I guess they all flew down to Oklahoma?

 

[guyfromohio]

Hopefully they all flew my way!!!

 

[troy fairweather]

There all here in New York where we can't hunt them. Hope they return for you, I am looking for someone in New Jersey or Pennsylvania to go dove hunting with.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

There all here in New York where we can't hunt them. Hope they return for you, I am looking for someone in New Jersey or Pennsylvania to go dove hunting with.

That's right, you guys are a "sanctuary" state for doves...

 

[Bull Nutria]

don't despair doves north of you may move in, be patient. Dove migrate with cool fronts so there are some north of you heading your wAY HOPE THEY STOP IN YOUR AREA.

bULL

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

don't despair doves north of you may move in, be patient. Dove migrate with cool fronts so there are some north of you heading your wAY HOPE THEY STOP IN YOUR AREA.

bULL

Oh I know bull, but these "local" birds were so fat,dumb and here. I even have fresh jalapenos in the garden to stuff them with...
Those migrant birds are going to be wary and thin when/if they show up.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I guess they all flew down to Oklahoma?

I hope so. I wouldn't mind eating some dove.
It's a bit early to be migrating...

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Oh I don't know if they are migrating, they may have just left...?
Sure is quiet in the early morning when I go out to feed the barn cats.

 

[MCgunner]

Hell, I still have some in the freezer from last year. Leaving for Elm Mott (north of Waco) Saturday. Central Zone opener is Sunday morning. The church knows not to schedule me for "lay leader" or diacenate (plate passer) on opening day of dove season. In my poor physical condition, they're about the only birds I can hunt anymore. I don't get around good enough to duck hunt the marsh. I had to give that up. Bummer.

 

[LOLBELL]

I have the same situation here in NW Alabama. Many, many birds, then a cold front comes through and now no birds. I guess opening day we can break out the skeets. I’ll have to see if I can come up with a recipe for clay pigeons.

 

[Axis II]

Hunted public this morning with 20 guys on one field. Of course you had the usual this is my spot guys and the ones who sit super close to you until someone’s kid shot a guy in the face. Wardens everywhere and they shut the place down. Last year 10 guys took 15bird limits and this year 1-2 birds a person.

 

[MCgunner]

It was great hunting yesterday in Elm Mott if I weren't so wobbly on my feet and even on my bucket. I just couldn't get steady, still managed to shoot 5. Dog was a lifesaver and, truth be told, I go as much for her as myself anymore. I finally figured out a way to swing on 'em and at the end of the day, we had a flurry I've not seen in a while, great fun. I shot 10 in the afternoon, so managed a 15 bird limit anyway. And, Molly, the dog, loved it. I think she got a little tired of watching me miss that morning. I sat in a different chair in the afternoon, a folding hunting chair, and would swivel it around as I leaned back. It did the trick!

I have balance problems with my chemo drug and when you're handicapped, you just have to adapt or quit. The dog wouldn't let me quit. She's my field buddy.

 

[MCgunner]

I'd be up there hunting today, but I'm so sore today, I just came on home. Sad when you get so old DOVE hunting wears you out.

 

[troy fairweather]

It was great hunting yesterday in Elm Mott if I weren't so wobbly on my feet and even on my bucket. I just couldn't get steady, still managed to shoot 5. Dog was a lifesaver and, truth be told, I go as much for her as myself anymore. I finally figured out a way to swing on 'em and at the end of the day, we had a flurry I've not seen in a while, great fun. I shot 10 in the afternoon, so managed a 15 bird limit anyway. And, Molly, the dog, loved it. I think she got a little tired of watching me miss that morning. I sat in a different chair in the afternoon, a folding hunting chair, and would swivel it around as I leaned back. It did the trick!
Sounds like you had good fun and got some birds to.
I have balance problems with my chemo drug and when you're handicapped, you just have to adapt or quit. The dog wouldn't let me quit. She's my field buddy.

 

[FL-NC]

Our season opens up in a month, 1st Sat in Oct. This year, just like last year and the year before, there are doves everywhere.during the labor day timeframe, but on opening day they are few and far between.

 

[Grayrock]

Sad when you get so old DOVE hunting wears you out.

I hear you. Hips not as strong- hiking around the field of stickers took its toll