08-25-2007, 04:10 AM
Dove season forecast indicates scouting is key
Dove season is just days away, and the verdict from biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is in: scouting is as important this year as always.<br />
"The best thing hunters can do right now is scout," said Johnny Herd, central region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department. He added that scouting for dove season can be just as fun as hunting.<br />
Craig Endicott, northeast region wildlife supervisor, said the same thing, adding that hunters should start with the areas that have been productive in the past.<br />
Recently harvested grain fields, such as milo, can be hot spots for dove hunters because of the concentrated numbers of doves using the fields, but with recent heavy rains making it too wet to use farm implements in some grain fields, hunters' biggest challenge may be finding areas where large numbers of doves are gathering.<br />
"There's always some good dove hunting to be found, but hunters need to scout out areas with recently harvested grain fields or otherwise high concentrations of doves, and ask for permission from landowners to hunt those areas," Endicott said.<br />
According to Mike O'Meilia, migratory game bird biologist for the Wildlife Department, the key is to scout "right up to the season and on through the season." O'Meilia said the dynamics of dove season can shift easily as the summer turns to fall and as food sources change. Sportsmen may have access to hunting locations that seem less productive during the early part of the season, but may be prime locations for finding high concentrations of doves as the season progresses. That is why O'Meilia said a diligent hunter willing to scout can enjoy great success this year.<br />
Dove season is one of the most highly anticipated hunting seasons in the state - and it is no wonder why. Dove hunting not only offers first class wingshooting and fine tablefare, but it is an easy sport to learn. A shotgun, an ample supply of shells and a place to go is all you really need to have a great day of dove hunting.<br />
September 1-2 marks Oklahoma's Free Hunting Days, and Oklahoma residents do not need a hunting license, fishing and hunting legacy permit or HIP permit to go afield.<br />
Dove can be found from one corner of the state to the next, but hunters do not have to travel far to find them. Excellent hunting can be found on some of the wildlife management areas managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Some areas of those properties have been managed specifically for doves.<br />
To find out more about where wildlife management areas are in the state, log onto wildlifedepartment.com and check out the free digital wildlife management area atlas. In addition to detailed maps, sportsmen can find additional information such as camping locations and contact information for local biologists.<br />
New to dove hunting this year is the state's Southwest Zone in southwest Oklahoma. The Southwest Zone starts on U.S. 62 from the Texas border west of Hollis, east to Interstate 44, Interstate 44 south to OK 7, OK 7 east to U.S. 81 and U.S. 81 south to the Texas border at the Red River. The zone will be open during the statewide dove season Sept. 1 - Oct. 30, but also Dec. 26 - Jan. 4.<br />
The daily limit on doves is 15, except in the Southwest Zone, where the daily limit is 12 doves. The limit may consist of any combination of mourning doves, white-winged doves and Eurasian collared doves.<br />
To hunt doves, sportsmen need a hunting license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, unless exempt. Additionally, all hunters, unless otherwise exempt, must carry a Harvest Information Permit (HIP) while afield. For complete hunting license information and dove hunting regulations, be sure to pick up a copy of the "2007-08 Oklahoma Hunting Guide" at a sporting goods retailer or at wildlifedepartment.com.
Dove season is just days away, and the verdict from biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is in: scouting is as important this year as always.<br />
"The best thing hunters can do right now is scout," said Johnny Herd, central region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department. He added that scouting for dove season can be just as fun as hunting.<br />
Craig Endicott, northeast region wildlife supervisor, said the same thing, adding that hunters should start with the areas that have been productive in the past.<br />
Recently harvested grain fields, such as milo, can be hot spots for dove hunters because of the concentrated numbers of doves using the fields, but with recent heavy rains making it too wet to use farm implements in some grain fields, hunters' biggest challenge may be finding areas where large numbers of doves are gathering.<br />
"There's always some good dove hunting to be found, but hunters need to scout out areas with recently harvested grain fields or otherwise high concentrations of doves, and ask for permission from landowners to hunt those areas," Endicott said.<br />
According to Mike O'Meilia, migratory game bird biologist for the Wildlife Department, the key is to scout "right up to the season and on through the season." O'Meilia said the dynamics of dove season can shift easily as the summer turns to fall and as food sources change. Sportsmen may have access to hunting locations that seem less productive during the early part of the season, but may be prime locations for finding high concentrations of doves as the season progresses. That is why O'Meilia said a diligent hunter willing to scout can enjoy great success this year.<br />
Dove season is one of the most highly anticipated hunting seasons in the state - and it is no wonder why. Dove hunting not only offers first class wingshooting and fine tablefare, but it is an easy sport to learn. A shotgun, an ample supply of shells and a place to go is all you really need to have a great day of dove hunting.<br />
September 1-2 marks Oklahoma's Free Hunting Days, and Oklahoma residents do not need a hunting license, fishing and hunting legacy permit or HIP permit to go afield.<br />
Dove can be found from one corner of the state to the next, but hunters do not have to travel far to find them. Excellent hunting can be found on some of the wildlife management areas managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Some areas of those properties have been managed specifically for doves.<br />
To find out more about where wildlife management areas are in the state, log onto wildlifedepartment.com and check out the free digital wildlife management area atlas. In addition to detailed maps, sportsmen can find additional information such as camping locations and contact information for local biologists.<br />
New to dove hunting this year is the state's Southwest Zone in southwest Oklahoma. The Southwest Zone starts on U.S. 62 from the Texas border west of Hollis, east to Interstate 44, Interstate 44 south to OK 7, OK 7 east to U.S. 81 and U.S. 81 south to the Texas border at the Red River. The zone will be open during the statewide dove season Sept. 1 - Oct. 30, but also Dec. 26 - Jan. 4.<br />
The daily limit on doves is 15, except in the Southwest Zone, where the daily limit is 12 doves. The limit may consist of any combination of mourning doves, white-winged doves and Eurasian collared doves.<br />
To hunt doves, sportsmen need a hunting license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, unless exempt. Additionally, all hunters, unless otherwise exempt, must carry a Harvest Information Permit (HIP) while afield. For complete hunting license information and dove hunting regulations, be sure to pick up a copy of the "2007-08 Oklahoma Hunting Guide" at a sporting goods retailer or at wildlifedepartment.com.