Retrievers at WMA Dove Hunt?

[Peace]

Hey all,

I grew up hunting our own property every dove season. I haven't hunted dove in years, and I have not hunted dove on a WMA. Two questions about Forks of the River (or any WMA):

1) Are we allowed to use retrievers (dogs) on WMAs? (if so, does anyone do it?) - might be a bit hot yet.

2) Do we setup blinds the morning of?

3) Is there any other Forks of the River or WMA specific code or etiquette I should know?

I have great memories of opening weekend with friends, family, and friends of family - great fields to hunt, and not many yahoos at all. . . . I'm guessing public land hunts will be a bit different.

all right, let err rip. . . . and thanks to all.

[quietguy]

Even if it is allowed, I wouldn't work a new or questionable dog on a public hunt. We had one a few years back that kept picking up our birds and taking them back to his owner. There have been times that wouldn't bother me, but this was a slow hunt.

[Peace]

Great point. She's not what a would call new @ 9yrs. She has mad retrieving skills, and in this heat, she thinks twice about picking up her left front paw - much less picking up other folks birds. . Still, I'd rather be present & not annoying in a new field with new folks.

[whiskey]

Dogs may or may not be allowed depending on the WMA. The safest bet is to contact the WMA manager.

Usually we try to get on the field early if on a WMA hunt. Usually we set up as early as 8 or 9 am if allowed. The later you wait the more crowed it will be and the less prime spots will be left. I have never used a blind on a dove hunt. We just sit along a field edge or under a tree or in some small amount of cover if available.

I haven't been on any terrible public hunts. They are sometimes a little crowded or a little slow, but I like a lot of shooters to keep the birds moving.