Stalking Second Season Dove

By Leslie C. Hughes



Many Arizona wing-shooters often pass on the second season dove hunts. Compared to the fast and furious action experienced during the Labor Day hunt, the second season flights hardly seem worth the effort. I must admit that I also preferred to sleep in on the weekends rather than standing in the Arizona desert waiting on the occasional second season mourning dove to fly over. I never realized how much fun I had been missing. Chances are, I bet you don't either.

I stumbled upon this realization quite by accident. This year, I had the
pleasure of introducing my thirteen-year-old son to our oldest family
tradition. hunting. This is one of the true joys of parenthood, watching
your boy growing up to be a man. This year was sort of a rite of passage for both my son and myself. To properly introduce him to the sport, I bought him a Mossbergä Bantam model 500 Youth 20 gauge for his birthday. Unfortunately, the first season dove hunt was already over and the quail hunting isn't quite what it used to be. Rather than dampen his enthusiasm, I agreed to take him hunting on the opening day for the second season dove hunt.

The desert was cold, the morning flight was over, and I had four doves in my bag to show for all our efforts. The day will always be memorable however. My son had bagged his first dove. I could tell by the excited look in his eyes that he was hooked forever. I could also tell that there was absolutely no way we were going home at 9:00 am. Rather than standing around waiting for the occasional straggler, I suggested we beat the bushes to see if we could scare up a quail or two. Not having access to a good bird-dog, our party formed a skirmish line approximately 30 yards apart and began our assault on the elusive Gambel quail. Much to our surprise, we began to flush
up mourning dove in groups of up to thirty birds. The shots were fast and would challenge even the most adept trap shooter. By noon, nearly everyone in our party had their limits. More importantly, we knew we were on to something.

On subsequent hunts, we were able to refine our tactics to produce even better results. These tactics work best on the desert fields with light broken brush. A skirmish line is formed with each individual approximately thirty to fifty yards apart. This spacing provides for adequate fields of fire for each hunter while maximizing results. Firing discipline is an absolute MUST. For safety reasons, no shot is to be taken greater than +/- 60 degrees from directly in front. The two hunters on each end of the line are given a lead of approximately 100 yards. These individuals are to perform a looping-flanking maneuver and drive the dove up in front of the skirmish line. The remaining members of the line perform a series of left and right obloquies to cover the maximum amount of ground. This technique is also effective on any quail that may be hanging around.


Utilizing this method resulted in many successful dove hunts for our little group. Providing enough shells are carried, a limit of second season dove is within anyone's grasp. Be prepared to walk and walk and walk.etc. A comfortable pair of boots or shoes are highly recommended. A canteen or water bottle also comes in handy. Depending on the weather conditions, dress accordingly. Sturdy denim blue jeans will provide adequate protection from the brush and briars.

I am sure I haven't discovered anything new to some of you. But for many other Arizona hunters, a simple change in tactics can add many additional hours of dove hunting pleasure to the season.