Dove Season

It's September again and with its arrival, comes the beginning of cooler temperatures, but more importantly dove season. An American tradition like no other, dove hunting gives family and friends just one more reason to get together for a good time. I like to think of dove season as a warm-up for Thanksgiving.


Dove season is an early test for the hunting skills that have been forgotten over the long cold winter. Though the long cold part is not as applicable for those of us living in Texas. That first shot at a live bird always seems to be a bit of a surprise for me. Usually I miss, and I'm sure some of you can relate. The surprise comes from a combination of three simple facts. Dove are fast, I am not, and no matter what you do to practice, nothing can replicate the nervous, energy filled thrill of the hunt.

Dove season also brings back memories of past hunts with friends and family who are not with us anymore. The field can be a good place to reflect on things. I sometimes find myself drifting back to times past spent in the field with my grandfather. I expect many of you can relate to these feelings.

I'm ready to get out there and start hunting and I'm sure the rest of you are too. So I want to wish everyone a successful and safe dove season. Get out there and make some memories.