9 replies to this topic

[HOG]

I went out to Larry's last week just to scout for dove. He and Allen have just 2 fields in millet. There were fair numbers of dove. Sam and I spent two mornings at the skeet range at the Waterloo Gun and Bocci Club. I have a hard time shooting the 4th station on skeet field #5. There is a plaque there dedicating the field to Glen Mirts. Glen and I were team mates and room mates at UOP. He passed away 2 yrs ago. A GREAT skeet shooter. The dove hunt: Got to the "spot" at 5:30 figured I would have the area and use my flashlight to let incoming people I was there. Rather than deter people it was like the flashlight was attracting the moths. At 6:05 I had 7 trucks in sight. My thoughts were at least I have a local place to shoot and can live with the shooters. In the 1st 20 min I had no birds within range but plenty of shooting all around me. By 7:30 I had limited on dove and managed 3 pigeons. The time spent on the skeet range was time well spent. I shot 34 rounds of 1 1/8 oz. #8's. Please don't turn your nose up to pigeons. They are excellent table fare as a fillet with a wrap of bacon and on the BBQ. I do the dove the same way. Hope all had a decent opener.

[Air Rifle Hunter]

Nice job HOG. It looks like a very successful opening hunt! Those will be a tasty meal indeed.

[Rimrock]

Looks like you had a good morning.

[Air Rifle Hunter]

In the 1st 20 min I had no birds within range but plenty of shooting all around me. By 7:30 I had limited on dove and managed 3 pigeons. The time spent on the skeet range was time well spent. I shot 34 rounds of 1 1/8 oz. #8's. Please don't turn your nose up to pigeons. They are excellent table fare as a fillet with a wrap of bacon and on the BBQ. I do the dove the same way.

A quick question for you HOG: It looks like the doves you harvested were all Mourning Doves, is that correct? I couldn't be sure since the photo came in a little small. I was wondering about the species and whether you happened to get any white winged or eurasian doves on your outing today or if you happened to see any other hunters take any of those species where you were at?

[HOG]

all mourning dove. No white bands on the leading edge of the wing, no band on the neck. I did see some birds I thought were eurasians. Mainly based on size.

[Air Rifle Hunter]

Well Hog, your photo has inspired me! I also just learned (with much thanks to ShooterJohn) that Eurasian Collared-Doves are legal to hunt/take with an Air Rifle (per CCR Title 14, section 257). I have my Hunting License and Upland Game Bird permit, so immediately called a buddy to inquire about the possibility of doing some hunting. I'm going to go out to a friends place in the country where he said he's seen a few around. Hopefully right after work I'll get to head over there (East County) and we'll see if I can get a few of those Eurasian Collared- Doves with my Benjamin Marauder .22 PCP. If I do, I'll post the photo of whatever I get (if I even do get anything).

[clampdaddy]

Way to go! I got schooled by those little suckers today. They made sure to fly over the corn where I couldn't shoot at them. Its not much fun watching birds fly by that would normally be an easy shot. I ended up shooting five but I lost one in the corn.

[HOG]

I think it's all about getting out. Having to drop them in a specific spot just makes you an better shot. Going to give it another try on Tuesday.

[mac]

We went to Colusa and set-up just outside the almond orchards - at daylight they we were flying! Unfortunately they were more heavy near a channel between the orchard and the fields...we got 7 between us while the other 3 folks maxed out...oh well, still had a great time

[sportyg]

way to go guys !!