Dove hunting

[gomer pyle]

I'm looking for a spot to dove hunt in the Murfreesboro area. I have a tractor, disc, bush hog, etc. and would be happy to help build a field for rights to hunt.

Also, I wanted to see if anyone wanted to get together and shoot skeet to "get ready"?

[shotgunshooter]

Heck I might want to shoot some skeet. Shoot me a PM and we can try to work out some details.

[Sidewinder]

I'm looking for a spot to dove hunt in the Murfreesboro area. I have a tractor, disc, bush hog, etc. and would be happy to help build a field for rights to hunt.
Also, I wanted to see if anyone wanted to get together and shoot skeet to "get ready"?

Gomer, I'm in Murfreesboro and have a couple of throwers and a few cases of clay pigeons. Would like to bust a few birds. Do you have some place we can shoot? I'm inside the city limits.

[gomer pyle]

Yeah, I live in the county. We should have enough room behind my house. If not, my parents have a couple hundred acres in Woodbury. PM me your number and we'll get together.

[Luke E.]

It's awful tough to find a dove field to hunt these days. Me and Sidewinder searched high and low last year and ended up in a Tera field with 3 birds and 30 people. We did better the next week hunting on a flat rock behind a buddy's shed.

[gomer pyle]

Unfortunately, that's about what happened to me last year. I was hoping to help a landowner put a field together but I've had no luck finding anyone. I may put something out in my front yard. LOL. That'll make the neighbors happy.

[Luke E.]

Lol that'll work!

I was planning on putting a sunflower field in but had a death in the family and work stuff that kept me tied up until it was to late to plant. I was really just wanting to put it in so that I would have a place for some folks like you and a few others that weren't in the good ol' boy dove hunt circle. I might can find you a place if your just looking to work up a spot and broadcast wheat (legally). When do you need to have the ground worked up by?

[mike243]

2 weeks at least to get some birds staying in the area, a plowed field will bring in all kinds of birds. with season opening on a tuesday it might be a low hunter day. my son and I and at least 1 buddy will be out there,

[CJDore]

I would sure like to find a good dove field this year. Let me know if anyone knows of one that would welcome me. :usa:

[Sidewinder]

Lol that'll work!
I was planning on putting a sunflower field in but had a death in the family and work stuff that kept me tied up until it was to late to plant. I was really just wanting to put it in so that I would have a place for some folks like you and a few others that weren't in the good ol' boy dove hunt circle. I might can find you a place if your just looking to work up a spot and broadcast wheat (legally). When do you need to have the ground worked up by?

Haven't been on here too much lately Luke. I sure appreciate the invites last year, and enjoyed it a lot... even the one field where a lone dove could out maneuver 30 hunters blasting away...and nary a feather fell! The sound of anti-aircraft fire all around the field was exciting.

I found a Case skinning knife, almost like the one that got lifted from me in a military household shipment. It's buckhorn handle and stainless. Now, if I can just figure out how to get a sharp edge on it with my stone. I like an edge that will shave the hair on my arm.First time I've tried to sharpen a stainless knife. Any suggestions? It's an older knife...model 523-5 SSP .XX.

[Luke E.]

Haven't been on here too much lately Luke. I sure appreciate the invites last year, and enjoyed it a lot... even the one field where a lone dove could out maneuver 30 hunters blasting away...and nary a feather fell! The sound of anti-aircraft fire all around the field was exciting.

I found a Case skinning knife, almost like the one that got lifted from me in a military household shipment. It's buckhorn handle and stainless. Now, if I can just figure out how to get a sharp edge on it with my stone. I like an edge that will shave the hair on my arm.First time I've tried to sharpen a stainless knife. Any suggestions? It's an older knife...model 523-5 SSP .XX.

I had intentions of inviting you out for opening day at the 2nd place we hunted last year but I wasn't thinking when I planned a work trip to Oklahoma and won't be back until the 7th.
As for sharpening options, I use one of the Smith sets that you clamp the blade in a guide and the stones have a rod that slides through the guide at a consistent angle. They have them at Academy Sports in Symrna but if you have any questions just give me a call.
I gave a guy some .22 ammo several months back so that his kid could shoot and he insisted on giving me something in return. He had a box of Hornady 35gr Vmax .22 Hornet so I grabbed those for you. Maybe we can get together the 2nd week of season to shoot birds and I can get them to you then.

[Fourtyfive]

Best hunting ever , yup , hard to find a good hunt.

[Sidewinder]

I had intentions of inviting you out for opening day at the 2nd place we hunted last year but I wasn't thinking when I planned a work trip to Oklahoma and won't be back until the 7th.
As for sharpening options, I use one of the Smith sets that you clamp the blade in a guide and the stones have a rod that slides through the guide at a consistent angle. They have them at Academy Sports in Symrna but if you have any questions just give me a call.
I gave a guy some .22 ammo several months back so that his kid could shoot and he insisted on giving me something in return. He had a box of Hornady 35gr Vmax .22 Hornet so I grabbed those for you. Maybe we can get together the 2nd week of season to shoot birds and I can get them to you then.

I had intentions of inviting you out for opening day at the 2nd place we hunted last year but I wasn't thinking when I planned a work trip to Oklahoma and won't be back until the 7th.
As for sharpening options, I use one of the Smith sets that you clamp the blade in a guide and the stones have a rod that slides through the guide at a consistent angle. They have them at Academy Sports in Symrna but if you have any questions just give me a call.
I gave a guy some .22 ammo several months back so that his kid could shoot and he insisted on giving me something in return. He had a box of Hornady 35gr Vmax .22 Hornet so I grabbed those for you. Maybe we can get together the 2nd week of season to shoot birds and I can get them to you then.

That sounds great to me Luke. I'll be looking forward to it. By that time, they should have perfected their dodging and darting maneuvers... just right for us "sharp shooters", huh? LOL

Thanks for grabbing the Hornet ammo for me. I'll pay you for it when i see you. I'll be sure to bring my knife to show you too. I think I'll try to pick up that sharpening devise you mentioned. You said it was a Smith, but can you give me the model and cost for it, please? Have you sharpened any stainless knives with it, and if so, did it do a good job?

Have a good trip out to Oklahoma. I was stationed in Norman Oklahoma, when I was 17 years old! The people were the friendlist and very kind to us homesick sailors. Good people.

[Sidewinder]

Thanks to Luke E., for taking me on a dove shoot Sunday afternoon. We hit some and missed some, but had a great time. I want everyone to know that Luke E. is a good and kind man. He went out of his way to make sure I got to go dove hunting, put me on the best shooting spot, deflected birds my way, and gave me a box of hard to find rifle ammo. It was like Christmas in September!

I've got to stop here and add that the thing that makes all of this special to me, is the big difference in our age groups. Luke is much younger than me, but made sure I had an enjoyable time and wouldn't take any pay for the ammo. He could have just gone hunting with friends in his own age group, but invited me. Being a city dweller, but having been raised on a farm, I miss taking my gun and going hunting in the field or woods.

I also have to mention that the first we met, he gave me a couple of Weaver scope bases for a Ruger 1022... and wouldn't take any pay for them either! Luke puts others before himself, and that is refreshing, given the selfish...all for/about me... world we live in these days.

Luke, thank you for your kindness to an old codger that misses more dove than he hits...but I absolutely enjoyed the hunt and comradery. Thank you for a fun hunt and the ammo.

[CJDore]

Thanks to Luke E., for taking me on a dove shoot Sunday afternoon. We hit some and missed some, but had a great time. I want everyone to know that Luke E. is a good and kind man. He went out of his way to make sure I got to go dove hunting, put me on the best shooting spot, deflected birds my way, and gave me a box of hard to find rifle ammo. It was like Christmas in September!

I've got to stop here and add that the thing that makes all of this special to me, is the big difference in our age groups. Luke is much younger than me, but made sure I had an enjoyable time and wouldn't take any pay for the ammo. He could have just gone hunting with friends in his own age group, but invited me. Being a city dweller, but having been raised on a farm, I miss taking my gun and going hunting in the field or woods.

I also have to mention that the first we met, he gave me a couple of Weaver scope bases for a Ruger 1022... and wouldn't take any pay for them either! Luke puts others before himself, and that is refreshing, given the selfish...all for/about me... world we live in these days.

Luke, thank you for your kindness to an old codger that misses more dove than he hits...but I absolutely enjoyed the hunt and comradery. Thank you for a fun hunt and the ammo.

Posts like this actually give me hope for the great country we live in.....

[bersaguy]

Gosh I miss Dove Hunting along with all other hunting I can no longer do but enjoy reading about the great folks here that can still get out and bag some game for the dinner table. I have been giving some thought to trying to do a little hunting once I have my eyes fixed and my Son In law owns just enough land I could maybe do some Tree rat hunting with my 22 rifle. It's about the only long gun I can still shoot that does not make my shoulders hurt like hot pokers being shoved in them when I pull the trigger.................. :up: :up:

[musicman]

I'm reading these threads because I'm going on my very first dove hunt this weekend (first hunt of ANY type, actually) and am looking for general tips on gear, tactics, etc. Then I see all this sappy garbage about Luke E and I just had to stop it to say.... yea. He's pretty awesome! He's definitely done more for me than I could ever do for him, and with no desire for anything for himself. And his friend Tim is great as well. Some of the best folks on the board, and a really great asset to TGO and the firearms community in general.

Kudos to Luke!

Back to your regularly scheduled hunting discussion-

Just got a 12g 870 yesterday and my bucket w/rotating seat-lid thingy. Got a nice backpack full of 200 shells (hope to get a couple birds, lol!)

I can't wait!!!

[maroonandwhite]

I'm reading these threads because I'm going on my very first dove hunt this weekend (first hunt of ANY type, actually) and am looking for general tips on gear, tactics, etc. Then I see all this sappy garbage about Luke E and I just had to stop it to say.... yea. He's pretty awesome! He's definitely done more for me than I could ever do for him, and with no desire for anything for himself. And his friend Tim is great as well. Some of the best folks on the board, and a really great asset to TGO and the firearms community in general.

Kudos to Luke!

Back to your regularly scheduled hunting discussion-

Just got a 12g 870 yesterday and my bucket w/rotating seat-lid thingy. Got a nice backpack full of 200 shells (hope to get a couple birds, lol!)

I can't wait!!!

Man the swiveling seat bucket is the best thing since sliced bread for dove hunting! Dove hunting is serious fun and a great choice for an intro into hunting. Deer hunting typically doesn't involve as much shooting. :pleased:  Good luck!

[bersaguy]

Those seats are nice but your head needs to be on a swivel as well when the birds are flying and after the first week of being shot at it really becomes fun. The birds are flying faster and you need to lead them farther. I have seen many a Dove fly through a field of 30 plus shooters and out the other side and never lose a feather. Thats when it really becomes fun................... :rofl: :up: :up:

[Luke E.]

Thanks to Luke E., for taking me on a dove shoot Sunday afternoon. We hit some and missed some, but had a great time. I want everyone to know that Luke E. is a good and kind man. He went out of his way to make sure I got to go dove hunting, put me on the best shooting spot, deflected birds my way, and gave me a box of hard to find rifle ammo. It was like Christmas in September!

I've got to stop here and add that the thing that makes all of this special to me, is the big difference in our age groups. Luke is much younger than me, but made sure I had an enjoyable time and wouldn't take any pay for the ammo. He could have just gone hunting with friends in his own age group, but invited me. Being a city dweller, but having been raised on a farm, I miss taking my gun and going hunting in the field or woods.

I also have to mention that the first we met, he gave me a couple of Weaver scope bases for a Ruger 1022... and wouldn't take any pay for them either! Luke puts others before himself, and that is refreshing, given the selfish...all for/about me... world we live in these days.

Luke, thank you for your kindness to an old codger that misses more dove than he hits...but I absolutely enjoyed the hunt and comradery. Thank you for a fun hunt and the ammo.

I always enjoy the company and glad we had some birds to shoot at. Maybe I'll find a field of late corn or beans to hunt when I get back from Oklahoma.

[Luke E.]

I'm reading these threads because I'm going on my very first dove hunt this weekend (first hunt of ANY type, actually) and am looking for general tips on gear, tactics, etc. Then I see all this sappy garbage about Luke E and I just had to stop it to say.... yea. He's pretty awesome! He's definitely done more for me than I could ever do for him, and with no desire for anything for himself. And his friend Tim is great as well. Some of the best folks on the board, and a really great asset to TGO and the firearms community in general.

Kudos to Luke!

Back to your regularly scheduled hunting discussion-

Just got a 12g 870 yesterday and my bucket w/rotating seat-lid thingy. Got a nice backpack full of 200 shells (hope to get a couple birds, lol!)

I can't wait!!!

As long as you have a shogun, seat, and shells, you will be good to go. Having 5-10 decoys to clip on a fence row or on stakes in the field can sometimes help calm the birds as they are dropping in but not at all necessary. You can buy a 5 or 6 pack of them at Wal Mart for around $10 and a sack of stakes for around $2 if they still have some in stock. Dove like to fly along power lines when coming into a field and will, a lot of times, land on the lines before committing to dropping on down to the field so if there is a power line around it will usually be at least a decent spot.
Carry a grocery sack to put you birds in and keep them off the ground and in your bucket if possible because ants find them quickly.
It's different than shooting clays so be willing to adjust you lead and patience.
Above all else, remember that dove hunting is as much about the gathering and fellowship as it is shooting birds so chatting back and forth from a distance is acceptable.
How you enjoy your first hunt!

[musicman]

Great tip on the grocery bags for the birds. I was just wondering about that today. Think I'm gunna grab one of those game bags/dump pouches as well.

Oh, and the fellowship will be great! My Pastor's son is taking me out, and he's like a brother to me. We're hunting on his girlfriend's family land out past Fayetteville, they say the field is awesome. All of them limited quickly last weekend. If I can get a dozen I'll be thrilled, haha! Too bad there's a limit on how much your gun can hold... I'd love to use my semi-auto 930 that holds 13 rds, lol! Depending on how this goes, I may try to get a more proper semi for next year.

Anywho, I'll let you know how it goes! When does turkey season start? I've already got the itch for more, and I haven't even gotten out there yet! I've got my bag and bucket packed and set by the door already, and all my camo set out. Haha! I'm such a dork, and SO excited! Edited September 10, 2015 by musicman

[Luke E.]

Great tip on the grocery bags for the birds. I was just wondering about that today. Think I'm gunna grab one of those game bags/dump pouches as well.

See there, I was giving you tips trying to keep costs down.. I didn't realize you were going full tactical dove hunting or I would have certainly suggested an assortment of pouches pouches ? lol.
They have some good fields in that area and hopefully this cool air moving in will drive a new bunch down from the north!
I've hunted dove with an 870 since I was 7 or 8 years old and have killed a great many birds with them.
You can cut a wooden dowel or a stick the length of 10 shells and install it under the magazine cap of your 930 and let 'er rip. If you unscrew the cap on your 870 you will find a 2 she'll length plastic version of what I'm describing. This will limit it to 3 rounds making it legal for migratory bird bird hunting.

[musicman]

K. You have seriously caused me mental anxiety about the 930 now. This guy is getting wood tomorrow. Wait... that didn't sound right.

[Luke E.]

K. You have seriously caused me mental anxiety about the 930 now. This guy is getting wood tomorrow. Wait... that didn't sound right.

WAY to personal!!!!
Check out the plastic plug in your 870 and you'll see kinda what you're shooting for. I just remembered something,, the rod will need something bigger than the spring attached to the end so that it stays up at the end of the mag tube even when you have less than three shells in it. I just cut a small disc of cardboard (basically a cardboard washer) and slid it onto the wooden plug I made. The only catch is that I whittled down all but the last 1/2" of mine so that the little washer wouldn't just slide right off the top of the plug. The reason I say that's a catch is that mine is only two she'll lengths where yours would be 10, that's a lot of whittling! If you're going to Lowes or Home Depot for the dowel, you can probably find something that will clamp onto the end of the dowel that will serve the purpose. Just remember, it has to be small enough to fit inside the mag tube but as big or bigger than the spring so that it won't slide down into the spring. I'm sure this is sounding complicated but I made my last one while sitting in a dove field with nothing but a shots hell box top, a tree limb and a pocket knife so it's not to difficult lol.
I might be going up to academy sometime after 5 this evening and if I'm able to, I'd be happy to help you with it if needed.