IN MOURNING.  Despite the rough news about pheasants, now is the time to start scouting out your favorite dove hunting spots, as the earliest of upland seasons opens in just over a month, and dry conditions favor these small but exciting birds.  Key in on locations discussed in today’s Three Things for more success!  Oh, today’s weather is fantastic, so get out there!

DAILY CONDITIONS:

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Thu 7/26 – Chance for early rumbles? Hi 85, Lo 62, Winds S @ 11 mph.
Tomorrow:  Fri 7/27 – South winds tick up. Hi 87, Lo 65, Winds S @ 15, G25 mph.  

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):
Sunrise: 6:18AM Sunset: 9:20PM
Moonrise: 11:17AM Moonset: 11:52PM
Overhead: 5:39PM Underfoot: 5:16AM
Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent (22% Full)

EDGE HOUR.  11:00AM – NOON.  Work some midday magic with moonrise, as things stabilize after a slight chance for thunderstorms and rain in the morning.  We’re in the trough for moon phase, but hang on as the weekend sports a first quarter bump in the action for us!

DAY RATING:

THREE THINGS.

LOVIE DOVIE.  The mourning dove is the earliest huntable upland game species in North Dakota, with a federally regulated season start date of September 1.  These fast-moving birds test the early-season hunter’s shot, and help get things in shape for the rest of autumn.  Just remember to get HIP certified, as they are migratory birds!

TOP DOVE STOPS.  Doves feed on small grains, not only wheat but also sunflowers and canola.  Start scouting these fields out now on evening cruises (or online!) and pinpoint water sources such as stock ponds near blocks or belts of trees to set up on when the season starts.  Typically, the best dove hunting occurs in September, as resident doves, and northern migrators are long gone by early or mid-October.

DEEKED.  Doves respond well to decoys.  Use silhouettes or foam dove decoys on branches or posted on fencelines to draw traveling birds in to your hunting area.  A four-pack of clip-on decoys is relatively inexpensive and will up your odds of success this fall.  Just make sure your aim is on!

Stay Sharp!