8 replies to this topic

[foggysurf]

how important is it to scout out an area prior to the hunt? I found a farmer last year that let a bunch of us hunt his property and the dove shoot was hot, but in only one area! I waited till these guys got their limit and left for work and took over. One of the guys came back with his kids for the evening shoot (of which i promptly gave his spot back, of course he was cool and said there was plenty of room) but i swear he talked about cruising by days before checking out the property and flight patterns. In fact, i had rolled in the night before and slept in my truck and said he laughed when he saw me in the wrong area.

[ShooterJohn]

It is very important to scout a dove hunting spot. Otherwise there may not be any there. Check out places at the times you'll be hunting. After the first day the birds move around but it still doesn't hurt to look.

[bzzrd feedr]

I scout in early March for a good place to plant Safflower then irrigate it once in June. Mid Aug. Chop some of it down and put up the No Trespassing signs. Late Aug. chop some more down. Don't try it though the DFG only lets the refuges do this and it's called baiting on private ground. Scouting is a good idea but don't do it too early, a little cold snap just prior to the opener can move the birds out.

[foggysurf]

funny you should mention Safflower. After those guys left, i shot a bird, and when i went to go pick it up, i noticed plant seeds all over the place (dont know what kind). i know for a fact that the farmer had fed his cows the week prior right in this area, and one of the guys explained that increased the bird count here, but those seeds were not from hay or alfalfa. Does it work to "chum" for dove a few days prior? Is that legal?foggy

[ShooterJohn]

No it isn't legal to bait.

§257.5. Prohibition Against Taking Resident Game Birds and Mammals by the Aid of Bait.Except as otherwise provided in these regulations or in the Fish and Game Code, resident game birds and mammals may not be taken within 400 yards of any baited area.(a) Definition of Baited Area. As used in this regulation, "baited area" shall mean any area where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed whatsoever capable of luring, attracting, or enticing such birds or mammals is directly or indirectly placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, and such area shall remain a baited area for ten days following complete removal of all such corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed.

[1984cj7]

Down here in the Imperial Valley doves r everywhere, what we have to scout is the farmers and get there permission to hunt the land. the eurasian dove is taking over this valley, come down here and help clean up..lol.. but scouting is good, it never hurts..

[beniflas]

Hey rick, my buddy knows of a shooting gallery down by the caca river that we're planning on hitting up.....still gonna scout around a bit though. You're more than welcomed to come along....

[1984cj7]

when are you guys going?, sorry just saw this post.. i've been looking for them yotes but no luck yet.. now that i'm looking to kill them i dont see any.. this sunday i might go west of seeley ..

[beniflas]

that place by the river is full of dove...looking for coyotes too, but haven't been lucky yet. saw 2 over by jacumba today. let me know if you go out sunday and i'll tag along