20 Nebraskaland • August-September 2022
ove hunting off ers generous
bag limits and opportunities
statewide. Although these
birds can be hunted in almost
every corner of the world, one of the
most serene destinations to do so is
in the Sandhills of Nebraska. If you
can hear the melancholy tune of an
old windmill creaking, you have found
the ideal location to try your hand at
bringing these tasty morsels out of the
sky, while marveling in magnifi cent
views of open grasslands to boot.
But before you go wandering at
the sight of any windmill, remember
to get permission fi rst. Use plat
maps to fi nd more information about
landowners in an unfamiliar area.
And if you're not shy, stop by the local
coff ee shop and say hello. You'll likely
meet a few faces there, and one might
grant you access.
Where to Find Doves
Doves love water, and in this part
of the state, windmills attract doves
like moths are pulled to a fl ame at
sunset. There's nothing to stop a
windmill from pumping too much
water, and the overfl ow can create
a "stream" or pond-size puddle that
doves rely on as a water source in this
dry, sandy landscape. Along with the
windmill, also be on the lookout for the
marijuana plant, which provides seeds
these birds crave. Lastly, whether
standing or downed, dead trees are
choice areas of congregation for doves
any time of day.
Water, food and shelter — if you can
fi nd one of these elements, you'll likely
fi nd doves. However, locate all three
in one place, and that's what I call a
honey hole, and where you will fi nd me
the fi rst couple of weeks in September
each year.
Gear
Although these honey holes
don't need a lot of help to bring in
doves, I began using decoys when
my dad started losing his eyesight.
Decoys encourage birds to fl y into
Story by Angie Kokes
Photos by Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley
Dove Hunting
the Sandhills
D
Angie Kokes smiling with a couple of
doves she successfully shot.
