Dove Opener

[rFisherk]

Hadn't hunted doves for over a decade, but wanted to see what Doc would do.

Drove to my old favorite, Whetstone Creek, for the dove opener, but plantings had failed and few doves were on the area. Was camped, so stuck around Whetstone for opening this morning anyway. Saw a total of four doves, but was able to knock down a double from the first pair that came buy. They both fell in a completely impenetrable tangle of briars and brush. Doc didn't see where they fell. In fact, when I shot, he jumped up and looked the other way, but didn't advance until I told him to fetch.
No way I could go in there more than a few feet. The birds fell at least a dozen feet in. I told Doc to "fetch" and pointed in the general direction. He disappeared into the tangles. I could hear him rummaging around, and occasionally see bushes shaking, but couldn't see him.
In just a couple of minutes, his head popped out of the thicket with a dove in his mouth.
I sent him back in with another "fetch" command and within a few minutes, he came out with the other bird. Two blind retrieves in short order.
I'm telling you: it doesn't get much better than that. What a dog!

Shot another dove while walking out. Three doves in four shots.

[jtram]

Try 14 bids in 75 shots (maybe more)

 

Love me some dove!

[ness]

The dog work is the best part a lot of the time.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I really miss going to a good dove shoot.

Love the dog work too.

Pete

[MOPanfisher]

Never had a bird dog of any kind, but have watched somegood ones work.  One that will happily go after doves is generally a good one.  This year was the first opening day in many years that I haven't been, but that was out of my control, and one of my buddies is in a wheelchair with a busted up knee so it wouldn't have been quite the same anyway.

[Hog Wally]

85 shots for a limit for me. I was in a major flyway for high fliers so I should've had full choke in. This evening is a close quarter shoot so I'm going with improved in 20 gauge 

[jtram]

Dove is probably the most expensive meat that I eat. Worth every penny!

[rFisherk]

I've never shot that well before. Actually got every dove I shot at, though it took two shots for the last one. But I've always shot my 20-guage Classic Double well.

Normally, so few doves would have meant a poor trip, but seeing Doc preform up to his champion breeding made it a great trip.

Wish I could find some doves around Ironton.

[Ketchup]

Great post. Yes the dog work has always been the reason i hunt birds. Good picture and report. Stick with it,the dog will enjoy the outings. 

[Hog Wally]

I sure miss my dog. He loved to hunt. He lived for it. One day when I get time I will get another.