It is the start of the hunting season and every hunter is keen to go back into the field. Hunters are cleaning their guns, restocking their ammo and preparing for the season they have been waiting for. In my area, we start our hunts with the doves. And after the birds we move to pheasants and partridges.
Russian Doves:
Brown/dark brown -white Migratory/Russian doves belong to Serbia and Russia from where they migrate to areas of Pakistan. They visit twice in a year. There first visit is during pre-breeding season of April and May and the second visit is during June to August. Legally and ethically we only hunt Russian doves during September upon their return.
Russian Dove Hunting:
Usually the hunts take place when the farmers are done with the wheat crops. Ideal time of these hunts are dusk and dawn. Hunters use basically two patterns to hunt them.
- Field Walk
Hunters usually survey the fields for possible flocks of doves and shoot them on their way. This way suits those hunters who are fond of Site-seeing and try to mix hunting with exercise.
- Decoys
Some hunters (I am not one of them) takes this matter seriously and use decoys and calls to lure in flocks of doves to hunt at their place. These hunters usually sit behind camo blinds to conceal themselves.
I personally do not prefer the second method because doves are not tough competitors when it comes to hunting and their flight pattern is predictable so I do not find it necessary to use decoys and lure them in to hunt. Besides this, they are the first birds we usually hunt on the opening of season and it is always good to flex some muscles and have a little practice of flying shots before going for pheasants later on. Frankly speaking, I was never fond of using air gun to hunt these birds as I prefer to give the bird a fighting chance in the flight. But these are my views and everyone has their own comfort zones.
Some rules to be followed:
Every action of human is regulated by some rules. These rules are formulated to bring order. Same goes for hunting, we should follow some basic rules in dove hunting also; I will list a few of them here.
- Legal hunt:
Whatever you do, it should be according to the government policy. While going on dove hunt make sure that your hunting licenses are renewed for the season.
- Legal practices:
Always try to follow best practices while hunting. Netting, traps and other practices that are not legal should not be used while hunting. If your state laws do not allow auto or semi-auto guns then stick to it and use non prohibited bores and weapons.
- Bag limit:
Last but not the least, always remain within the bag limit. You are not the only one who likes to hunt. \keep it plain and simple. Hunt within the bag limit and preserve hunts for your fellow hunters and for future generations as well.
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