Written by: Jennifer Miller, Greystone Castle
- Make sure your hunting dog is fit and ready to work. After a summer off, some might not be as excited to return to the fields as you are!
- Make sure you have the correct ammo for your shotgun. While trying to load a 20-gauge with 12-gauge ammo just won’t work, accidentally loading a 12-gauge with 20-gauge ammo could be a disaster.
- And while we’re talking about ammo, make sure you bring a plug for your shotgun. Three shells is the max you are allowed to load for most dove hunts.
- Check your license and hunting-lease paperwork. Trespassing is not a fun charge and neither is hunting with an expired license or the wrong tags/permits.
- Be able to identify the species you are hunting. Not only do you want to avoid being the butt of jokes, but some local birds are illegal to shoot!
- Stay hydrated in the field. Do not consume alcohol until the guns are put away!
- Comfort in the field is very important. Don’t forget your stool! No one wants to stand for four hours waiting for birds.
- Bring a bird bag to keep your bird pile off the ground. Fire ants move in fast, and you don’t want them to ruin your birds.
- Always clean up your trash. A litterbug won’t be invited on the next trip.
- Have fun!
Jennifer Miller works at Greystone Castle Sporting Club, in Mingus, Texas.