Dove season being right around the corner, now is the time to start scouting new places and to get those dogs out after a long summer training. In the Midwest, we have had quite a bit of rain for the months of July and August. I have found that in recent years the drier it is, the easier it is to find doves. The reason for being they concentrate around food and water sources.

Dogs, if you plan on taking your dog there are a few things you should remember. September is usually pretty warm, so if you’ve not conditioned them, be sure to not over work them and take plenty of water. Another thing, if you plan on hunting public land, always make sure to have control of your dog at all times.

Decoy placement. You want to find where the dove like to fly, so scouting is the key. A lot of times a low opening through the trees or a break is the best spot. I will take and place 2- 4 Lucky Dove HD’s and 1-2 dozen Clip on dove with stakes and place them 15-20 yards in front of me. If you’re not in the exact flight line, this will draw the doves to you. Anyone who has dove hunted already knows how challenging it can be, so at this point let’s set the table in your favor.

One of the best parts of Fall to me is, not only has hunting season just begun but, the reward that comes with hunting, cooking for the family. There are several ways to cook dove, my favorite recipe goes like this. First breast the bird and soak the meat in salt water. Remember to chase each hole with a knife to make sure there are not feathers or shot in the meat. After the breast has soaked, I’ll fire up the grill. Whether it be a pellet smoker, charcoal, or propane grill, you can’t go wrong with either. I personally use a pellet smoker set to 220 degrees. Next go inside and get the ingredients, the dove breasts, cream cheese, jalapeños, bacon, pure maple syrup, and brown sugar. Some people take the meat from the breast, others leave it whole (personal preference). Now cut a jalapeño in half and scrape the seeds from the inside. With the jalapeño cut in half, apply a spoonful of cream cheese. Sprinkle a little brown sugar on cream cheese and set the meat on the cream cheese. Lastly, wrap in bacon! Your mouth should be watering at this point! Once grill is to temperature, throw them on your grill and baste with your maple syrup throughout the cook. Amazing!