Success!

Opening day of dove season in Iowa was a success! Mitch and I filled our limits within an hour of legal shooting time and about 30 minutes after we saw our first birds. The birds were relentless and it seem they did not mind us standing right next to our mojo dove decoys.

If you have never dove hunted I highly suggest you look in to it. In Iowa, the Department of Natural Resources has planted sunflowers and other inviting feeds in order to attract doves in 58 of the 99 counties. From the sounds of shots ringing out from some of the plots planted near where we hunted, it sounds like hunters were having quite a bit of success on these public food plots. Information regarding the location of these DNR planted food plots can be found here.

Dove hunting is an inexpensive way to get warmed up for other bird seasons in Iowa and is quite the thrill to boot. Doves swoop and dive and it seems they know exactly when you are going to shoot. Countless times I swore I was leading the bird the right distance, following with the right speed, only to have the dove swoop down below wad as my shot rang out.

This little lady to the left is my soon to be 4 year old lab Kenna. She is a rescue, I adopted her in the summer of 2009. While I did not get the opportunity to raise her from a pup, she still took to training like a champ. She will never be a field trial winning upland bird hunter, but she is great in a duck blind and doves are a great warmup for her.

If you are looking for a new dog, be it a family pet, or a hunting companion, I encourage every to look into what is available at shelters in your area. There are many great dogs (and I am sure some OK cats) that are just looking for another chance.

As this blog picks up readers I encourage you to share your stories of success with us. With dove season being the main focus until duck and deer season open I hope you are able to get out there and learn and enjoy this fantastic wingshooting experience.