On the wings of Doves

     Dove season is the official beginning of hunting season for me.    Really it has already began with trail cameras , bush hogging, as preseason scouting for deer.   Dove season however is the official beginning of a long season of hunting.  As our family was blessed with a boy around four years ago, that opening day of season some how involves my boy ready for season.
     I have read several posts of how and how not to introduce your youngster to the outdoors.  Dove hunting for me has been a great opportunity to do just that.   I try to keep those hunts relatively short.   I try not to go too early as its real hard for my little man to sit too long.  The weather is real hot here as well, so later in the evening is just a good bet.
     What dove season offers is allot of fast pace action.  My little boy gets to help find birds.  We are on the go.  There is allot of shooting and yes the occasional hit by myself  (haha).  We usually bring one of labs along which also is good for entertainment.   We end up killing a few birds, shooting allot of shells, having a picnic, and spending some quality time together.    The hardest part for me  is to go ahead and end the day when my little man gets tired.  You know its about the time the shooting gets good , but that is hunting with a youngster.
     This preseason for dove and deer has been fun with my son.  He enjoys doing pre-scouting and loves to talk of birds and deer.  He is thrilled to look for turkey and deer in the fields in the evenings and gets a kick out of seeing them first.  Jamie has enjoyed planting for the birds and loves to keep watch for Dove in our yard.
     The journey of raising an outdoorsman and good citizen continues but I take an opportunity to sit and enjoy the anticipation of another season for me and yes for my boy.   Good luck with your upcoming hunts and don't forget our next generation in your hunting plans.