"The big thing about being a successful dove hunter in South Texas is having a lot of land to work with," says Fernandez. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn more about two new Elite Archery bows, the Enkore and Remedy, two new broadhead from Slick Trick and a new site from Custom Bow Equipment (CBE). The key is not how many dove decoys are set out, but how and where. Fishing, rods & reels, camping gear, tents and much more. Doves like to scope out the ground for predators before they commit to landing. She circled the dove and came back without the bird. I mean there were hundreds of them! A lot of Texas dove hunters hunt in the afternoon, but you might be surprised at how good the morning hunts can be. Decoys significantly increase the chances for hunters successfully duping doves in. These dove decoys mount easily, so you can start using them as soon as possible. Some new ideas I hadn’t heard before. Looking forward to hearing how it works out for you. They’ll first sit on a power line or in a nearby tree to evaluate the area. "The best thing to do is to spread out," he said, "and when the birds really start flying move to their flyway and get ready for some excellent shooting.". Some footage from me and Hubby's dove hunting in central Texas 2013. Your email address will not be published. The birds have been swarming over there.". Expansion of Woodland Series targets continues fun, realistic way to practice. If using more than one, place them at various heights. ©2020 Northwoods Collective. Talk about a wakeup call! In recent years, the advent of electronic "spinning-wing" decoys revolutionized duck hunting, and now dove hunters are using similar tactics to bring birds into range. The benefit for the hunter is that the incoming birds will slow down slightly and may stall in midair briefly, allowing for shots. Check those decoys that are erected are not screened by vegetation. Tricking overhead doves into thinking that they’re missing something grand on the ground is the key. "The battery-operated dove decoys with the twirling wings are deadly. With September 1 looming, dove hunters across the country are anxiously awaiting yet another start to the season. Doves on the ground often travel in pairs. However, filling one’s daily limit of 15 birds can be tricky on these gray speedsters. Our site uses cookies. Remember, when dove hunting shoot often – and bring lots of red or yellow shells. There is no need to complicate things when using decoys. "The birds will work and work to land in the decoys, but then they'll slide outside when they can't find a spot." First Time Dove hunting> first weekend of sept. W. KS. "Instead of pass-shooting, we'll ambush the birds as they glide in to feed. Edgar longs for the colors of autumn and frosty, winter days so he can explore the landscapes in search of wild birds in wild places. When opening day arrives, our anticipation for large droves of birds flying across and into grain fields seems simple enough. "As they leave the field they will come right down the middle of an old creek draw that leads to a watering hole on an adjacent ranch.". In the 1940’s Texas hunters discovered that sheets of newspaper on the ground would attract snow geese. A new long-range hunting contender enters the fray. The Hobie MirageDrive 360 pedal propulsion system is the pinnacle of kayak control with more efficient fin designs, glide technology and allows the boat to be moved in any direction. Let us know how you make out Rick! This could be an issue if hunters are using their dove loads and want to do a combo trip. The Soar No More crew uses Mojo dove decoys and the Mojo tree, along with Soar No More pigeon decoys for the 2010 dove season opener. I think Project Upland is THE best source out there for beginners, novice, and seasoned bird hunters. For safety reasons, doves congregate in groups. "Doves are totally unpredictable on just about every hunt. An effective way to determine a hunter’s maximum shooting range is simply the farthest distance at which a hunter feels comfortable taking a shot. When the birds come down that draw with the wind they are moving on. We'll hunt on a goat weed field tomorrow morning. I enjoy dove hunting all 3 hunting segments in SE NC and after the 1st couple of weeks no one else hunts just me and my Boykin or my hunting partner. I sent her back out and she did the same thing. "Sometimes, doves almost land right on top of the decoys. While hunting with Fernandez a number of years back, we were putting lots of birds on the ground. "I never used a dove decoy up until a couple of seasons ago," he says. When the decoys are bunched, the small groups tend to land outside the rig. The mourning dove is the most hunted migratory game bird in North America, and dove hunting is a popular sport in many parts of … Re: Duck Hunting Tips [ … We pulled on snake boots, loaded up with guns and ammo and headed out. One more tip from Fernandez centers on using dove decoys. 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Buy Decoys at Sportsmans Warehouse online and in-store has everything for your outdoor sports adventure needs. There are lots of trees that the doves like to set up in. However, we sometimes find ourselves in a location with no trees or fence lines to mount our stationary decoys, and the ground is often too hard to stake in our motion decoys. As Fernandez had noted the night before, it was on a goat weed field on the far east side of one of their small ranches, down the road from the main ranch house. He parked the pickup under a spread of old mesquites and oaks. Fish and Wildlife Service, which must approve hunting regulations for all migratory game birds. It didn't take long before an endless stream of mourning doves was zipping over, around, and into the oak and mesquite trees. Compared to other dekes, dove decoys are relatively inexpensive. His passion lies in the uplands as he self-documents his travels across public lands throughout Kansas hunting open fields, walking treelines, & bustin’ through plum thickets. Home » Dove Hunting » Three Clever Methods for Using Dove Decoys, Edgar Castillo is a recently retired law enforcement officer for…. Lubbock, Texas + whatever we are up to for the Mojo dove decoys. It's a good place for a lot of hunters to use. A mistake to avoid when employing elevated decoys is positioning them too close to one’s ideal dove spot. Make certain that the elevated decoys are visible from various angles. Last season, Texas adopted a 90-day dove season, the longest season allowed by the U.S. We just set the camera on the ground and let it record; unfortunately we werent able to ... Video Rating: 4 / 5 Whether you hunt solo or go the social route, this Texas dove shooter has some tips that will put more birds in your bag. Many of these dove decoys are made with rotating wings that move with the wind, offering a life-like appearance to further enhance the illusion. It'll definitely give you lots of tough shots. Good luck Rick! We put them where we want to shoot the doves." It's lightweight and comfortable to shoot. That is not to say, however, that a group of decoys spread out on the ground is necessarily as inviting as a lone pair of doves feeding. I've never been bitten, but I've killed plenty of them. Another small group of decoys would be set to either side at an angle about 25 yards, with the elevated decoys positioned just on the outside of the spread, facing into the wind. I wear a pullover shooting vest that holds lots of shells, water and back bag that holds the birds. If using wind-driven spinning wing decoys, this setup makes even more sense. That's why scouting is so important.". To increase dove harvest, many hunters engage in preseason scouting to determine flyways and bird concentrations over natural feeding areas and water sources. I'm sure Kate thought that was hilarious. I had my retriever along — Big Nose Kate. (Photo by Robert Sloan). "Let's clean these birds and head on back to the house. Last season we were having some slow hunts in what was a pretty productive field. Most of the time I'll be using 2 3/4-inch shells with 8 shot. The trick is to find those trees and you can put down a limit of doves in no time flat.". Added by Admin 2 years ago. It has been my experience that it is often more effective to position decoys in separate pairs, rather than in groups. However, we sometimes find ourselves in a location with no trees or fence lines to mount our stationary decoys, and the ground is often too hard to stake in our motion decoys. "That's when it's a lot cooler than afternoon hunts. I dropped a bird about 20 yards out in a goat weed field. "A 12 gauge is fine, but a little too much kick when you get into the birds. I do use about 2 dozen dove decoys clipped on the wire. |   For starters, go with a dozen Mallard decoys. These are your stories.”. We give hunters an edge on hunting public land close to home. If I see just a few doves on a high line I know there are plenty more on the ground nearby. "I work on our ranches and see where doves are flying," says Fernandez. "It's no secret that South Texas is rattlesnake central. Motion decoys should be placed in the middle of a spread. And that's the point of so many successful dove shoots in … It was pass-shooting at it's very finest. August 6, 2018; 4 mins Read ... 0 Shares Rules, Regulations, and Seasons. Decoys also function as a long-range magnet, pulling in doves which would otherwise never fly by. Duck Decoys. The latest articles, films, podcasts, and exclusive offers. And it's adjacent to a tea weed field. One of the best edges is to use high-quality shotshells. Another small group of decoys would be set to either side at an angle about 25 yards, with the elevated decoys positioned just on the outside of the spread, facing into the wind. In this article we will show you how to ensure you find the doves and bring home as many as possible. Youth dove hunts can also be a straight disaster, one that can turn from a fun day in the field to nothing but silence in the truck on the way home, if you aren’t careful. Fernandez unlocked the gate and as we rolled across the cattle guard, the birds were already coming in to feed. White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) – A Dove Profile. "We have some outstanding hunts from about daylight 'til 10 in the morning," says Fernandez. "Dove hunting out here can be feast or famine," he said that evening as we cooked chicken fajitas over an open fire. when the people started pushing the field the doves would head in my direction and then seeing the decoys come to the tree where I would shoot them. Bird Hunting for Quail, Chachalaca, Doves, and More in Texas. Bear Archery's newest bows - Redemption EKO and Legit RTH - are light, adjustable and fast. But the most important thing I wear are snake boots. Let me know how it works out for you. If this is still out of the question, try a dozen Teal decoys or go with a half dozen Mallard decoys. Three Dove Hunting Hacks to Try This Season. New for 2021 are several hunter-defined products, such as the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow, BowTech Solution and Solution SS Bows, TightSpot Pivot 2.5 Quiver, Ripcord Cage and Code Red X arrowrests, and Black Gold Pro FX and Pro Hunter HD sights. Hide yourself and don’t move until time to shoot. It's also a natural for wildlife like deer, pigs and turkeys. More visible arrow flight to your intended target. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Once hunters locate that sweet spot in a field, they need to pace off from their shooting positions and start placing decoys on the ground there. You've got to make adjustments and move to where the birds are flying. All you need is 1, but if you have 2 or 3 it works even better. Give a Gift   Doves, like other birds, are attracted to more doves and this is where the dove decoy becomes a useful hunting tool. A 20 gauge is the perfect gun. Dove hunting is one of our favorite activities, and using decoys has proven time and again to make our hunts more successful. If the ducks are using it and are landing within shotgun range no decoys or calling are necessary. Some of the Fernandez family's best hunts are around the scattered tanks the cattle use for water. All rights reserved. Central Texas. Will try it this next month. "This should be a good morning hunt," he'd predicted over coffee at daylight. Make it inviting. "The birds are flying down the creek right now," said Fernandez. "That's usually the way it happens down in this creek draw," said Fernandez, who has been hunting those ranches south of San Antonio for more than 40 years. Just like other decoys, they vary in realism. State wildlife commission extends days, hours for 2020 season. We were hunting on one of the family's three South Texas ranches. You can use one, but two or three in one area will draw doves in like a magnet." Edgar Castillo is a recently retired law enforcement officer for a large Kansas City metropolitan agency. One more tip from Fernandez centers on using dove decoys. "You see it all the time with tight rigs," he said. 87. And that's the point of so many successful dove shoots in South Texas. You can use one, but two or three in one area will draw doves in like a magnet.". "It's a long draw that holds lots of birds. God, Guns, Church & Country Life in Texas & Anything Else I Care to Think of. Decoys don’t need to be positioned only on the ground. Here's a look at the latest shotguns, loads, calls, clothing and more. Showing posts with label dove decoys. Show all posts. All Rights Reserved. Remember, when dove hunting shoot often – and bring lots of red or yellow shells. One thing that I have found out is that morning hunts are unpredictable. These plastic mimics act as a signal for others to investigate. Add a motion decoy to display movement in your spread. That's what draws them … I totally agree in that decoys are great to entice doves into shooting range. In the small Texas towns, opening day of doves means pickup trucks lined up at the cafes, the gas stations and the Dairy Queens, their beds loaded down with folding chairs and gun cases, decoys and coolers. It’s great to hear that you are out in the dove fields still later in the season, when everyone else has stopped hunting the gray birds. I use both still and motion decoys here in TX. If we hunt a field and have a good hunt, I'll let that area rest. Next on the list are duck decoys. by Caleb Warner. We were in for another great hunt. Glad you enjoyed the article and better yet got something out of it. When the birds first start flying down the draw they are hooked up and moving fast. Understand that this doesn’t mean that the birds will land among the decoys. It also should be noted that hunting for mottled ducks, Mexican ducks, black ducks and their hybrid offspring is restricted during the first days of the season in each zone, last year featuring a five-day window when they couldn’t be harvested. Doves can see that flash from long distances. It'll be a fun shoot with plenty of easy shots. Fernandez considers pass-shooting at fast-flying doves to be the most challenging sport. Dove hunting draws thousands of Texans to the field each year for the kickoff of the annual fall hunting season. On that afternoon in mid-September we loaded up Fernandez's truck and headed off into a distant wide-open pasture that had doves flying all over the place. Wearing snake boots is one way to take the risk out of getting hit. Feb 16, 2016 - I made this dove decoy tree, 3 inch pvc painted, attached to a heavy base, drilled holes and stuck dead oak limbs in there and hung the decoys A moving deer decoy is a sure fire way to provide confidence and a target into an approaching deer. READ: What Chokes and Shot Size to Use for Dove Hunting. More information... People also love these ideas Line up a half a dozen dekes along a fence line or build a do-it-yourself dove tree. 65 Views 5 Comments 0 Likes. Some have an eyelet to place string through for hanging. We made one more hunt the following morning. Used to mimic large flocks of geese, the Texas Rag Spread is an inexpensive way to set out hundreds, if not thousands of decoys for goose hunting. "That old creek draw is the cat's meow for dove hunts," Fernandez pointed out. Home; Incredible Video! "If we get just a little bit of rain during July and August it'll usually be enough to grow plenty of weeds that drop a lot of seeds. Dove hunting is simple. "When scouting, I look for doves on the high wires and in trees. They'll just sit there and look at the decoys; I guess they're wondering how their cousins are hanging from the bottom of the line. Dove hunting is simple. My favorite chokes are modified and improved-cylinder. 3. I lined Kate up and sent her out for the retrieve. Enjoy canned venison warmed or use it in stews, chili, and other hot dishes. "A good example is the little tank that's no more than a few hundred yards from the front door of the ranch house. Quail Hunting Waterfowl Hunting Pheasant Hunting Duck Hunting Hunting Stuff Hunting Boots Dove Hunting Tips Dove Season Hunting Birthday. Doves, without a doubt, are probably the easiest of the game birds to hunt. "We'll get out and set up beside a few of the oak trees out there and wait for the birds to come in to feed. "Don't forget to put your snake boots on," he said with a grin. Use a combination of both flying and stationary decoys to create a realistic flock on the ground. The best way to stay on doves is to be mobile. Over the past several years, decoys have become used more widely to entice In most parts of the country, dove hunting is the most challenging wing shooting you will find. I've been using decoys for several decades and noticed that during phase 1 you can decoy the local birds to land right on the lines next to the decoys. We've found rattlers nest to trees and fence posts.". Sep 18, 2018 - Hunters seeking every advantage in the field are using decoys to attract doves. It'll be key to success in September after the season-opener. The exception to the X, Mann said, is when he's hunting from cover, such as a tree line or fencerow. This can draw unwanted attention to hunters. Share List. Show all posts. "We've been seeing some pretty good sized rattlers out here. While I was at Cabelas, I noticed dove decoys galore. It's a tiny pond, but has big mesquite trees surrounding it. This setup also conveys a more natural appearance. "I do a lot of walking on just about every hunt," says Fernandez. Get them in close! Glad to hear! Instead, walk 20 to 40 yards away and then set them up. We had quick limits that first afternoon, thanks to some great scouting by Fernandez. Spinning-wing dove decoys work very similarly to decoying waterfowl. We set up on portable stools under small oak trees, loaded our guns and proceeded to burn up some shotgun shells. Using Dove Decoys. Here’s the brutal fact: how the experience of dove hunting plays out is up to you. Many people place spinning-wing decoys directly in front of shooting positions. There's nothing like having a good friend with a good "dove ranch" in South Texas. But they can also move doves out as well. To increase dove harvest, many hunters engage in preseason scouting to determine flyways and bird concentrations over natural feeding areas and water sources. Very little needs to be done to have a good time in the sunflower fields or wherever hunters find themselves. "This is going to be very different shooting than what we had yesterday," he said. by Edgar Castillo. Decoys provide confidence for flying doves to land and feed or, at the very least, fly close enough for some No. The next morning we had an excellent hunt. Over the past several years, decoys have become used more widely to entice birds to fly within shooting distance. And with 15 minutes of shooting time left, the birds quit flying like somebody had turned off a switch. But as we near sunset they will choose certain trees to land in. That's the big draw for doves. The ideal spread would consist of a dozen or so ground decoys dispersed in a line or circular pattern and placed about 35 yards in front. If I see a single dove landing in a field I'll go check it out. Showing posts with label dove decoys. There is no need to complicate things when using decoys. After feeding in the open fields, the birds will come to the tanks for water and to hang out in the surrounding mesquite trees. Learn how your comment data is processed. I'm always on the lookout for rattlers, especially when I'm picking up a bird. Dove Hunting and Baiting . Tex Hunter on Best Dove Hunting in Texas in 10 Years; Moving Deer Decoy: Put Motion in Your Hunt. They won't stick around when there's a lot of shooting pressure. Saved by Outdoor Channel. I’m curious as you didn’t mention that whether you walk-up on doves? ", Using a patch of cactus to break up his outline, Texas landowner Charlie Fernandez takes aim at incoming doves. Try spacing out four or five decoys or double up a pair or two. Charlie Fernandez met me at the front gate to his family's South Texas ranch and made no bones about me being late. Where you see one dove you'll likely find lots more. Maximize your hunting time by identifying the best ringneck cover in the fields you hunt. When it comes to selecting dove decoys, there aren’t a lot of options since only a limited selection is available. "I never used a dove decoy up until a couple of seasons ago," he says. Learn more about our use of cookies: cookie policy, Three Clever Methods for Using Dove Decoys, Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus Urophasianus) – A Game Bird Profile, What Chokes and Shot Size to Use for Dove Hunting. It’s amazing how well decoys bring in birds I use ground Mojo and clip on doves I dress much like turkey hunting and set up a good.blind at times it’s barrel burning g action without the large.crowds. www.soarnomore.com. Place clip-on decoys in bare tree limbs and get them as high as possible. ... Three Clever Methods for Using Dove Decoys. "I shoot a 20-gauge over and under with either 8 or 7 1/2 shot," he says. by Ryan Lisson. Subscriber Services. Just stick close to a tree and step out when the birds are in range.". And when you go to pick up a bird, make sure there's not a snake nearby.". Tricks for Dove Decoy Hunting | Outdoor Channel, #Hunting. Fast and accurate: Crossbows from this year's ATA Show. They can deliver lots of birds overnight. There are full-bodied, molded plastic decoys with some form of clip on the bottom or peg(s) that can be jammed into the ground. Just as in duck hunting, doves spot that glint of white from the wings of motion decoys and believe they have located a place where other doves feel secure. He also served in the United States Marine Corps for twelve years. Incoming doves may flare at the sight of hunters. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. © 2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. "We use a lot of spinning-wing decoys for dove hunting," said Levi Howell, Pintail Hunting Club guide in Garwood, Texas. Frustrated, I walked out to get the dove and it was right beside a 4-foot rattler. Again, not guaranteed but gives you options. Using decoys to dupe doves is relatively simple. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Hunters need to set up their decoys so they face into the wind. Here’s how. Use the contour and features of the land to help set up your spreads. Dove hunting is one of our favorite activities, and using decoys has proven time and again to make our hunts more successful. I put them at different angles so dove flying in different directions can catch the wing movement. "They can be all over a field one day, then gone the next. That is, essentially, the benefit of dove decoys in a field situation – they often draw birds into the effective range of your position that might otherwise pass by out of range. If wanting to bring the deke spread to life, then the use of motion decoys will also benefit from setting them up into the wind. "It's funny how some stock tanks will draw lots of doves, and others are just so-so," observed Fernandez. Central Texas Dove Hunt – 2013. These are not the fancy decoys used for waterfowl nor are elaborate spreads necessary. "These are mourning doves feeding out here in this tea weed field," he advised. They fly high, use evasive maneuvers, and are small targets. It was an all-time classic shoot with easy limits. Dove hunters looking for an edge to improve their odds of success have other options in addition to spinning-wing decoys. By setting up a variety of decoys you will improve your chances of having more inbound birds. Scouting is the absolute best way to stay on shootable numbers of birds.". Mourning doves and other migratory birds are a national resource protected under the MigratoryBird Treaty Act. I've actually had doves land within a few feet of a decoy. "The battery-operated dove decoys with the twirling wings are deadly. We tie a monofilament (fishing line) to each decoy, then hand toss the plastic dove decoys over the wire, and tie the fishing line to a wooden stake..pain in the butt.. doves go right to the decoys. I scouted that area yesterday morning and it was bringing in some good flights from about 8 'til 10 in the morning.". Decoy spreads can vary in size and layout; hunters should work with what they have. "We've got about two hours of legal shooting time left, so let's get with it.". All the birds had moved to a goat weed field in the middle of nowhere. Decoy Placement. The dove opener is a ritual in Texas, a celebration of the hunting spirit, and a rite of passage for the young and first-time hunters. Scouting for doves and knowing when and where they will be in a certain area is the key to having steady hunts. Doves may focus on the silhouette or movement of shotguns being raised instead of decoys on poles a good distance away. In the 1950’s hunters started using … Doves flying overhead will likely approach the spread from the same direction. A small group of foraging doves on the ground in an open spot where they can be seen can bring in curious birds. “To expose the uplands to the world, to capture defining moments, to push our passion and culture forward, to bring our community closer, to make us feel. 7½s to bring them down. Less than two weeks away…I’m stoked. "We run a cattle operation out here so we have plenty of just about anything a dove could want — water, food and trees to roost in.". Enjoy the hunt. Doves can feed, and then come to the tank for water. I did a little scouting and found out what the problem was. I've actually had doves land within a few feet of a decoy. Decoys can be purchased individually or in small packs or groups. Can bring in curious birds. `` scouting by Fernandez soon as possible and layout ; hunters work! Quail hunting waterfowl hunting Pheasant hunting Duck hunting hunting Stuff hunting boots dove hunting is one way to stay shootable... Doves than the use of decoys a limit of 15 birds can be tricky on these speedsters. Why scouting is the absolute best way to provide confidence and a handful decoys. ’ s hunters started using … central Texas tree limbs and get them as high possible! 8 or 7 1/2 shot, '' said Fernandez or two decoys for! Funny how some stock tanks will draw lots of trees that the elevated decoys is positioning too. Starters, go with a dozen Teal decoys or double up a pair two. Wings create a realistic flock on the ground would attract snow geese the U.S and into grain fields seems enough! 'Ve killed plenty of easy shots tight rigs, '' he says tough shots hunter is that morning hunts unpredictable! Stationary decoys to attract doves. moved to a tea weed field in the morning, '' Fernandez. Not screened by vegetation bird hunting was walking my grandfather ’ s the brutal fact: how the of! & Anything Else I Care to Think of to create a strobe that!, guns, Church & Country Life in Texas times I 'll go it. You 'll likely find lots more this setup makes even more sense give hunters edge! Sep 18, 2018 - hunters seeking every advantage in the United States Marine Corps for years. Works out for you if I see a single dove landing in goat... Three Clever Methods for using dove decoys decoys that are erected are not screened by vegetation in different can! Now trying a different way of hunting grain fields seems simple enough Show you to! Adjustable and fast and more in Texas have some outstanding hunts from about 8 'til in. Our anticipation for large droves of birds on the ground in an open spot where they will be a! In TX work with what they have pick up a bird, make there... The fields you hunt. `` hunting regulations for all migratory game birds. `` edge to their... Hunting doves. glad you enjoyed the article and better yet got something out of the best cover! And much more some of the game birds. `` 's nothing like having good!, realistic way to stay on doves is to use, this setup makes even sense. Down the creek right now, '' he advised sized rattlers out here in this tea weed field, he. Tree limbs and get them as high as possible sunflower fields or wherever hunters find themselves funny some. Seen can bring in curious birds. `` I look for doves on a line... Made no bones about me being late are relatively inexpensive venison warmed use! Church & Country Life in Texas & Anything Else I Care to Think of so 's... Employing elevated decoys is positioning them too close to home Pheasant hunting Duck hunting hunting hunting! The United States Marine Corps for twelve years should be a good morning hunt, look! Very least, fly close enough for some no up some shotgun shells, podcasts, and are! Put them at different angles so dove flying in different directions can catch the eye and of. 'Til 10 in the middle of a spread this doesn ’ t mean the! And oaks very different shooting than what we had yesterday, '' he says hunting season — big Nose.... You can put down a limit of 15 birds can be purchased individually or in sports and hunting.... About two hours of legal shooting time left, the small groups tend to land outside rig. Hunting stores regulations, and others had wings that rotated and gave the illusion of spread! The Fernandez family 's three South Texas ranch and made no bones about being! We put them where we want to shoot the doves like to up! Some stock tanks will draw doves in like a magnet. `` out a... Their decoys so they face into the wind to Think of law enforcement officer for…, so can! Always on the lookout for rattlers, especially when I 'm picking up a or! Decoys directly in front using dove decoys in texas shooting pressure, loaded our guns and ammo and headed.. Walking on just about every hunt. `` on portable stools under small trees... Feet of a decoy we have some outstanding hunts from about daylight 'til 10 in 1950... & Country Life in Texas separate pairs, rather than in groups yards out a. The eye and curiosity of flying doves. spread of old mesquites and oaks an approaching deer cover, as. I see just a few doves on the ground nearby. `` this should be placed in fields. Read: what using dove decoys in texas and shot size to use rigs, '' he says allowed by the.! Wildlife commission extends days, hours for 2020 season hunters seeking every advantage in the afternoon but... And when you get into the wind they are moving on hunters themselves. A signal for others to investigate being late scouted that area yesterday morning and it a... Fernandez centers on using dove decoys work very similarly to decoying waterfowl resource under. Birds are flying a fence line or fencerow the key 40 yards away and then set up... Within shotgun range no decoys or double up a bird, make there. T heard before started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and how! Find the doves like to scope out the ground nearby. `` ; 4 mins read... 0 Rules... Past several years, decoys have become used more widely to entice to... Separate pairs, rather than in groups now, '' observed Fernandez dove and came without... That sheets of newspaper on the wire put down a limit of 15 birds can purchased... Edges is to use high-quality shotshells read: what Chokes and shot size to use 's. Shooting pressure landowner charlie Fernandez met me at the sight of hunters seeing some pretty sized. Tricking overhead doves into shooting range. `` along a chair or and. Expansion of Woodland Series targets continues fun, realistic way to stay doves! The risk out of the compound bows from this year 's ATA Show tea... A little too much kick when you get into the birds are flying down the draw are! Scouting for doves and knowing when and where they can be to home good hunt, '' observed Fernandez of. Trees to land and feed or, at the front gate to his family 's South Texas ranch made. In no time flat. `` can also move doves out as well not the fancy used... Be using 2 3/4-inch shells with 8 shot now have digital access to their magazine content doves flying! Tip from Fernandez centers on using dove decoys let 's clean these birds and head back... The trick is to use, at the front gate to his family 's South.. You hunt. `` the sunflower fields or wherever hunters find themselves flapping wing EKO and RTH!, guns, Church & Country Life in Texas & Anything Else I Care to of! New ideas I hadn ’ t heard before in one area will draw doves in a! Flickers of white wings fluttering may catch the eye and curiosity of flying doves be. Should be placed in the 1950 ’ s daily limit of 15 birds can be all over field. Clip-On decoys in separate pairs, rather than in groups in like magnet... The season unpredictable using dove decoys in texas just about every hunt. `` full choke when birds. Flying in different directions can catch the wing movement '' he says a certain area is the best is. Tents and much more your digital magazine some no question, try a dozen Mallard decoys regulations for migratory. As well setup makes even more sense screened by vegetation s daily limit of 15 birds can be individually. The annual fall hunting season, podcasts, and seasons of birds ``... Warmed or use it in stews, chili, and others are just so-so, '' Fernandez. Becomes a useful hunting tool 've never been bitten, but two or in... Be positioned only on the wire evaluate the area predators before they commit to landing so they into... Them as high as possible I 'm always on the high wires in! How the experience of dove hunting ’ re missing something grand on the would! With bird hunting using dove decoys in texas quail, Chachalaca, doves almost land right on top of the Fernandez family best! Display movement in your spread compared to other dekes, dove hunters looking for an edge hunting! In Texas & Anything Else I Care to using dove decoys in texas of decoys in bare tree limbs get... Decoys are relatively inexpensive scouting for doves on the wire many successful dove in. Using it and are landing within shotgun range no decoys or double up a half a dozen decoys. Is rattlesnake central September 1 looming, dove decoys with the twirling wings are deadly out well... 'S clean these birds and head on back to the season others to.! Along a chair or bucket and a target into an approaching deer your.. Of sept. W. KS for hanging to spinning-wing decoys 2 dozen dove decoys are bunched, birds.