Gundogs: Dove Dog Duties

by
posted on July 22, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dove_dog_duties_f.jpg

If there was ever a bird hunt that didn’t need a dog, a dove hunt is it. But use one anyway.

We generally shoot doves over open fields, so they’re not too hard to recover. They don’t run off like pheasants or quail, either. Nevertheless, take your retriever because it’s a great training venue.

Pigeon-holing (no pun intended) dogs into narrow-use categories fails them and you. Just because your Chessie has the build and skills to be the ultimate ice-water goose-fetcher doesn’t mean he can’t help you out, enjoy himself and learn a few things by picking up doves. Just because your Gordon setter is destined to become the world’s greatest long-range pointer doesn’t mean she won’t be an all-round better dog if she’s forced to bring in downed doves.

Dove hunting is a bonding, practice and training event. All dogs should attend. Here are several things you can work on.

Sociability
If there are lots of hunters, kids and other dogs where you hunt doves, you’ve got the perfect opportunity to help your dog behave, interact calmly and learn to be an agreeable, controlled canine citizen. Use a leash to maintain control at first and insist that she obey all known commands. Don’t get so absorbed in looking for doves that you let Dog slip away.

Steadiness to Shot
If Dog is experienced and has the typical Pavlovian response to gunshots, here’s your chance to reinforce the need to wait until you give a “fetch” command. With dove limits at 10-15 birds in most states and many shooters needing more than two shots to bag each bird, you’ll get plenty of chances to show Dog how rushing out after every shot is a waste of time. Make him wait.

Gun Shyness
Any dog nervous around guns could overcome that at a dove shoot. But you have to play it smart. Start at a distance and gradually move closer to the action as the dog shows acceptance. Play fetch, tag or any physical exercise Dog loves while the distant popping goes on. Soon you’ll be playing right near the action, and then he can fetch the real thing.

Blind and Multiple Retrieves
With birds dropping left and right, make the time to work Dog on doubles, triples and blinds. Many dog trainers put their students on a dove field just so they can direct them to multiple blind retrieves and finds after the shooting is over. Glean and clean.

Anything else you can think up. Whatever skill set needs work, you can probably figure out a way to work it on a dove hunt. Let Dog brush up her skills in the dove field so she’s in top form on the water or in the uplands.

Latest

Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation Logo
Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation Logo

Oklahoma Wildlife Commission Passes Rules for Nonresident Hunters, Public Hunting Lands

New emergency rules and resolutions for public hunting lands were approved last month by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

First Look: Premium and Premium Deluxe Die Sets From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment has expanded its Premium Die Set and Premium Deluxe Die Set product lines, including over seventy of the most popular cartridges in the industry today.

Junior Hunter Gear: Get Your Kids Into the Field

Looking for ways to get your fields out from behind the screens and into the great outdoors this summer? Check out these great pieces of outdoor kit to help spur the process.

Stealth Cam Adds On-Demand Livestream

Shortly after teasing the launch of its new trail camera functionality at the 2025 SHOT Show, Stealth Cam has announced that On Demand Live Stream is available via the Command Pro app.

#SundayGunday: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I.

On this week's #SundayGunday, Digital Associate Editor David Herman talks with Benelli Vice President Tim Joseph about Benelli's new Super Black Eagle 3 with A.I. barrel technology.

NRA Foundation Awards $13,500 in College Scholarships

The National Rifle Association is proud to announce the Grand Scholarship winners from the 2024 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.)—a group of exceptional students selected for their leadership, initiative, and dedication to advancing NRA programs within their communities.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.