DOVES
Much of Virginia’s dove hunting takes place in September, but I have found the action to be hotter in January.

Late-season dove hunting is a far different cry than the early fall season. Hunters wanting to take their limit of 12 birds will need to do some scouting and sharpen their wing-shooting to be successful. Doves love to congregate in evergreen trees in the evening during the winter. Find a grain field or cutover that has pine trees on the edges. An hour or so before sunset, take a position near a bush or small tree either in the field or near its edge. Hedgerows are great, too. As sunset nears, the doves will begin flying toward the pine trees to roost. The pine trees offer thermal cover to the birds.

Hunters should be prepared for multiple shots, as the birds can come in singles or whole flocks at a time. A good retriever is an asset, as the shooting can be intense and the end of legal shooting hours comes quickly when the action is hot.

Gary Costanzo, biologist with VDGIF, noted that there is not too much pressure from hunters on doves in January, but with some scouting the hunt can be successful.

“Any of the WMAs that you would find good bird hunting during the early season are worth a scouting trip in January. More times than not, you will find you have the area to yourself.”

There are a number of ways to spend the month of January. I prefer to stay warm by hunting squirrels, rabbits and doves every chance I get. The hunting is fine and a welcome change to the tough last days of deer season spent sitting on a stand. The eating is great, too. Don’t put your shotgun in the rack just yet. Get in on the great small-game action this month to tide you over before fishing starts in February!