With the beginning of September comes that time of year when grownups act like little children on Christmas morning in pursuit of that elusive gray ghost.am speaking of the upcoming dove season which begins Sat., Sept. 7th at noon.
Here are some tips to get ready for and have a great season. Phillip Lumpkin of Worth County knows dove hunting. He has hunted them around Southwest Georgia and has made 15 trips to South and Central America.
Lumpkin said proper land preparation and planting the right crop is essential to having a successful first hunt. “Sunflowers are good in early season but nothing beats peanuts for attracting doves later in the fall.”
Lumpkin also stressed the need for good equipment when hunting. “Spend a few extra bucks and get a good, reliable gun. Those who shoot doves frequently get quickly frustrated with a gun that hangs up when the birds start flying.”
While hunting is a fun sport, there are also safety concerns. “Do not shoot low birds on a crowded field,” Lumpkin advised. He also discourages taking an inexperienced hunter on a morning shoot as birds tend to fly lower and good judgement seems to be forgotten in the heat of the moment.
Remember the first season runs from noon Sept. 7th through Sept. 21st. The bag limit is 15 per day.
