14 Nebraskaland • August-September 2023
IN THE FIELD
Scott Stengle from Hickman hunts mourning doves in Lancaster County. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
For many, the dove opener is the official start of
fall hunting season.
Day 2, however, draws crowds significantly
smaller. And it shouldn't have to. Here are a few
thoughts on how to extend your season.
1) Try Again
If you're hunting a high-traffic location, at least
a few people will be there on Day 2. Hunters will
burn the field out, meaning birds will wise up and
not return, but those remaining birds that do will
be looking for food and water. Concentrate on these
two resources to find the largest concentration of
doves.
2) Rest and Repeat
If you're fortunate enough to have a location to
yourself, give the birds a few days to re-acclimate
to not being shot at repeatedly. Then go and hunt it
again. The only caveat to this tactic is the weather.
If a cold snap happens to come through the area,
birds will move away. However, don't stop hunting
completely as new birds will continue to filter in
from the north.
3) Traditional Flight Paths
Regardless of what food is on the ground, check
areas where you've shot doves in the past. If they
have flown there before, odds are they will fly there
again.
4) Food
Even after autumn really sets in, doves will still
be around. Some of my best Nebraska dove hunts
have occurred in October, well after everyone else
has moved on to other hunts. I'll ride roads and look
for concentrations of birds working a field. Then the
only thing left to do is gain permission.
Kicking off the hunting season with a great dove
hunt is an annual celebration for many. But if
you haven't quite filled that itch to shoot at these
acrobatic flyers, consider hunting a few more days
using these tips.
I'm pretty sure you won't be the only person there
… but you just might be.
By Jeff Kurrus
DOVE DAY 2
