Dove Opener 2023

The annual dove opener has quickly become something I look forward to as summer turns to fall. While archery season is still a month out, it is a nice mental check that it is time to start getting ready.

Last year, I hunted some managed dove fields in Transfer, PA for the opener and while my shooting was less than stellar, there were plenty of birds flying. I seemingly couldn’t keep my gun loaded fast enough. Needless to say, after telling some of my buddies about all of the action they were eager to join in on the fun.

Zach, Kyle and got to the dove fields at 5:45 AM September 1 and there were already plenty of trucks in the parking lot. We were hoping to head back to the same spot I hunted last year but due to other hunters had to improvise. We ended up in a section of the field about 200 yards from where I hunted previously. We soon came to learn this could make all the difference

Whether it was our spot or fewer dove numbers, the shooting was few and far between for us. After a few hours, we decided to call it a morning. We took a mid day trip to a 3D archery shoot before heading back for the evening hunt which was a bit better but still tough. We managed to get a handful of birds – about enough for a small batch of delicious jalapeño poppers.

Next year, we’ll be sure to get there early to reign in another hunting season. Good luck this fall!