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

LEDE S2 Bottomland In 20 Gauge
LEDE S2 Bottomland In 20 Gauge

First Look: Spandau S2 20-Gauge

Spandau Arms, a brand of SDS Arms, has announced that the  Spandau S2 Shotgun is now available in a 20-gauge model in both a Mossy Oak Bottomland and a traditional wood finish.

Count Some Quail, Tally Some Turkeys

The Arkansas turkey season ended in May, but there’s still good reason for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to keep the birds in mind when they head out to their favorite hiking trail or drive the backroads of The Natural State. Outdoorsmen who scare up coveys of quail are welcome in the survey as well.

2025 Online Firearm Sales Continue to Grow

While nationwide firearm sales have held steady this spring, guns.com is reporting significant growth, surpassing 10-percent year-over-year gun sales growth in the first half of 2025, according to the company's internal data.

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.