I wish we had that tradition here in Missouri, but for us it's rise up as early as possible and hope to find a good spot in one of the State planted fields. No lunch, just a bottle of water, bug spray and extra shotgun shells.

Save me a rib or two, Stefan.

Most all my friends that host dove hunts start at 2 and the field closes at 4:30. Doves start to feed in flocks around 5 PM. This way the field can be shot once a week for the season. Most of us are out with our limit in an hour or so leaving little pressure on the field. Bourbon thirty comes early on those days with a spread of food not found in the movie Tom Jones.

I’m not a bourbon drinker, but under those conditions, I believe I could give it a try.

When in Rome do as the Romans and when in Kentucky do as the Kentuckians :rotf:

The truth is most host have bourbon, single malt, gin, vodka, wine, beer and God Forbid water.

My drinking days are pretty much past so more than likely I’d avail myself to the water ! But a Tom Collins would be right on time after a hot couple hours in the dove field :whistle:

The guys passed their hunter safety course this past weekend. Mills is more interested in tractors, but Harry is locked and loaded for his first real hunting season where he gets to shoot

I know of a fellow who started his hunting career with a BB gun in his neighborhood shooting birds around bird feeders until folks got tired of it. He he he.

Gentlemen,

I have my 1911 Parker DH in 20 gauge w/ 28" bbls. for our dove opener here in IL tomorrow. A pad to lengthen the pull an inch and a cheek piece to raise the comb a bit and we're ready to go..!

A private farm pond tomorrow and then our IL State sunflower fields the next several. Then, the Bismuth shot will have to come out, I'm afraid? (No steel shot for the old gal..!)

We used to have great success on private sunflower fields in the past, but many think WNV has affected our dove populations here? It's still great to finally be outdoors.

Best of luck to you all this dove season - be safe - and have FUN...!

Wes

Sitting in the house (5:30 am) here in North Missouri listening to the storm outside. No dove opener this morning...but we really need the rain.