Dove hunts start across America very soon! The first hunt is often a social gathering as much as it is a hunt, as camo-clad hunters line the edges of fields and hedgerows watching the skies for those acrobatic, migratory, feathered jets. With all the frenzy and fun going on, it is important to keep safety at the forefront of our hunts. Here are some tips and reminders to do just that!
Arrive early
One of the things I like to do is arrive early. While arriving early allows you to choose a great spot, it also lets you see where hunters are set up and where arriving hunters are going to set up so you can avoid shooting in those directions. Plus, arriving early might give insight as to where the doves are flying or their flight paths.
Space and fields of fire 
When you arrive at a dove field, be sure to allow enough space between you and the next hunter, but more importantly, figure out your fields of fire. Hunters can technically be set up 50 yards apart, as long as they have figured out safe fields of fire.
This means knowing where everyone (hunters, game wardens, and people on bottled-water duty) is located. It is obviously prudent to also know where structures are so that you do not rain shot on them. That would include vehicles.
Equally important is to know where trails, such as entry and exit pathways, are located. That’s because those arriving late are going to be coming in, and those who are limiting out may be leaving. Keep in mind where entry and exit areas are in case someone suddenly pops into view. Better yet, keep those areas completely out of your field of fire!
One other area to watch is hills. Sometimes if you are in an area where there is hilly terrain, hunters can suddenly appear from below and into view.
Dog safety
Many of us are excited to see our dogs work after months of not hunting with them. Dogs should be well trained and mind their owners, but in reality, no dog obeys all the time. Sometimes they break and leap for birds or run across fields with all the excitement to grab a bird without warning. Keep your eye on any dogs in the field while hunting.
As an owner, be SURE to keep your dog within your control, and also keep them hydrated. At the first sign of them overheating, please remove them from the hunt and cool them off. There are plenty of portable fan options on the market that can be used in the shade. Of course you can also put the dog in an air-conditioned vehicle if necessary. Make sure they have plenty of cool water to drink before, during, and after the hunt. The weather can be hot during dove season, particularly if the dog is retrieving birds in thick cover like tall sunflowers. Hunters need plenty of hydration too. Take all the water you can carry into the field and have some in the vehicle as well.
Picking up doves in cover
When we are able to drop a dove, it does not always fall in the open field. Often, they sail, and unfortunately that sometimes means into dense cover along the edges of the field. It is so important to mark where the bird falls with any landmarks you can, so you can get the dove picked up while you are in view of other hunters. A person who disappears into thick cover out of sight makes for an unsafe situation when lots of hunters are using the same area and we are all in camo.
This applies double to young children retrieving doves and dogs as well. Be extra careful when entering cover and exiting cover and make sure everyone sees where you are going. While in the cover, be on the lookout for snakes. This is the time of year that copperheads and other venomous snakes are out and about. Check yourself for ticks very thoroughly when the hunt is over too!
Ground level shooting
This is a huge “No No.” As a hunter who was the recipient of a load of shot on a dove hunt from someone who swung on a dipping dove and pulled the trigger, I can tell you that it is not only nerve-wracking and obviously dangerous, but it is infuriating to think someone could be so dumb to not pay attention to what was behind their target. The best rule when dove hunting is to never, ever shoot at a dove that is below head level and always know what is behind the bird before pulling the trigger.
This season, have a great time in the dove field and enjoy the company of others with the same passion as we have. Keep our safety tips in mind before and during the hunt. It is a good idea to hold a safety brief with your group to go over these tips and others you may have before entering the dove field. Remember to hydrate well, carry your license and HIP number, and practice gun safety while afield.
Happy hunting!
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