How to Prepare a Field for a Dove Shoot

Preparing a field for dove hunting can be both challenging and rewarding. A properly prepared field should attract many doves, giving hunters ample opportunity. The field should also be large enough to accommodate the desired number of hunters. Over-crowded dove fields are both frustrating and dangerous. To prepare a dove field takes a significant amount of effort, as well as literally weeks of preparation. The two most important factors to preparing a dove hunting field are a proper food source, and plenty of room for the dove to walk.

Things You'll Need

  • Seed
  • Herbicide
  • Fertilizer
  • Mower
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a plot of land that will adequately accommodate the intended number of hunters. A good rule is that there should be at least one acre of land for every hunter. Plots of land with relatively high elevation, surrounded by trees or power lines, are ideal for attracting flyovers.

    • 2

      Check local, state, and federal regulations regarding the use of bait fields in dove hunting. Some states (such as Tennessee) have restrictions as to which crops you can grow for wildlife management (including hunting) purposes, and which crops must be grown primarily for the sake of harvesting as an actual crop.

    • 3

      Choose a bait crop based on the plants that are known to grow well in your area, as well as the time of year which you are hoping to attract the dove. Popular selections include sunflower, sesame and millet. Corn is one of the most popular selections, as it is considered to be one of the most successful late-season bait crops, but it may not be legal to grow solely for wildlife management purposes in some states. A diversity of crops is usually the best if you want to continue attracting dove throughout the season.

    • 4

      Prepare the ground properly before planting. The preparations you will need to make may vary widely based on the type of bait crop you have chosen. Good preparation should include researching your bait crop's soil needs and then comparing them against an analysis of the soil in your field. A soil analysis can be obtained by sending a soil sample to your local Agricultural Extension agent. Proper preparation may also include fertilizing to ensure a thriving crop.

    • 5

      Plant your bait crops. Dove season in most states begins in early September each year, so you should plant crops far enough in advance for them to grow and produce seed by then. For instance, sunflowers take 120 days to mature, so they should be planted in late April or early May. Keep in mind that Federal law prohibits the planting of bait crops during dove season.

    • 6

      Clear the ground before the start of dove season. Dove have weak legs and prefer ground that is relatively free from stubble for feeding. Clearing can be done by a variety of methods, including mowing, burning or the use of herbicides. If mowing, mow a few strips each time to gradually attract dove. You should have at least half of your field cleared by the opening day of dove season.

    • 7

      Continue to clear the field gradually until dove season ends. This will ensure that the field has fresh seed throughout the season.