Starting Labor Day weekend, thousands of dove hunters, both serious and passive, assemble around the sunflower fields and stock tanks of much of the American landscape. Whether successful or not, the September heat, sweat-drenched camo and pesky mosquitos and chiggers are afterthoughts. After all, there are so many other aspects of this tradition-rich activity to embrace.
Here are ten things about dove season that we hold dear.
An American Outdoor Tradition
Though dove hunting is enjoyed in many states, it’s most prominent in the South where the early northern cool fronts push birds southward. Dove season is no larger anywhere than my home state of Texas, where it has long since been a huge outdoor tradition. The anticipation leading up to the first hunt is great, as it kicks off the fall. For many (myself included) it’s the final thing that will tide them over until deer season.
A Revival of Sorts
The traditional dove hunting scenario includes a group of hunters – often many. This is particularly true on opening day. As such, camaraderie is at a high level, as the fall has finally arrived (not so much based on the temperature). This is a time for like-minded sportsmen is revel in it.
Hunting Roots
Many a hunter has fond memories of being introduced to dove hunting as a youngster and will admit that it continues to be a rite of passage. In fact, it often represents one’s first taste of hunting. Hence, it’s part of their outdoor story.
The Sights
There are many common things seen on a dove hunt. Distant groups of doves are like specks on the horizon, while others are on top of you in no time flat. Meanwhile, a hunting dog intently works through the stalks and weeds in search of downed birds. Finally, a group of deer migrates out of a distant brush line, reminding us of cooler temperatures and the approaching deer season.
The Sounds
As we plop down onto our carefully positioned bucket chair and feed the shotgun with shells, we hear the distant popping of shots. Legal shooting has begun and, just like that, it’s Christmas in September. It doesn’t take long before we hear expletives, laughter, and ribbing over missed shots. “Behind you!”, “to your right!”, “$#1@$*&!”. For good measure, you hear the clicking of pop tops from those that never left the camp or truck. Obviously, silence is not required for dove hunting success.
The Smells
It’s hard to tell what is more intoxicating; the aroma of the shell smoke filtering out of the barrel or the smoked wood and flame from the smoker or grill – not a bad problem to have. Throw in the smell of cut sunflowers and other vegetation and the sensory stage has been set.
The Therapy
If you’re lucky enough to have a good amount of dove, there is nothing more restorative than “lighting up the sky”. If you aren’t, it’s still therapeutic to be outdoors with a crew of fellow sportsmen embracing nature and enjoying fellowship. If you have both, you’ve temporarily hit the lottery.
Not a Physically Taxing Gig
Except for the die-hard or ultra-competitive, dove hunting doesn’t demand much physical activity or endurance. Other than braving the inherent September heat in many states, all you really need to do is decide on a spot and place your butt on a stool or chair – hopefully, in the shade. You don’t have to go out particularly early either. Decent shooting typically doesn’t start before 4:00 anyway.
College Football
Distant college football commentary and play by play is a fixture in the September dove camp. In my neck of the woods, it’s typically Texas or Texas A&M, but the teams don’t matter. For the record, this also sometimes results in expletives. Along with smack talk, it’s part of the ambiance.
Wrapping it Up in Communion
Whether mourning, white-winged or collared dove, the day winds down with breasting them out amid laughter, jokes, and story-telling. Spent hulls, far outnumbering killed birds, are gathered. Bacon-wrapped dove breasts are introduced to the fire, as friends, both new and old, retire to tailgates and camp chairs. With favorite cold libations in hand, the tired hunters notice a few gray ghosts coming in to roost in nearby trees as if to tease them. It’s okay though. It’s been a good day.
