As we start to move into the fall season, those of us involved in hunting are putting a lot of thought into what we are planning on hunting and how we intend to go about it.

Naturally, deer and turkey hunting are a big part of that planning, but there are some other hunting opportunities that are already underway before turkey and deer, and I’m talking about dove hunting and maybe even some Canada Goose hunting.

I know a lot of us are getting anxious to get out there, and over the years I’ve found that hunting doves can be an exciting and enjoyable way to kick off the hunting seasons.

Doves are an extremely challenging bird to pursue; they’re small, they fly at a pretty good speed, and their quick moves make them a difficult target at times.

If you plan to hunt doves or any of our other waterfowl or migratory birds, be aware that you must purchase a Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License in addition to a general hunting license or mentored permit.

If you are 16 and older and plan to hunt waterfowl, you are also required to purchase a federal duck stamp. Pennsylvania hunters harvest over 90,000 doves annually, and over 12,000 hunters pursue doves each year.

Doves feed on planted crops but also many native grasses like ragweed, foxtail, and other plants that exist in the soil bank of agricultural areas.

Most dove hunters locate their hunting spots in narrow tree lines between two cultivated fields; the trees or brush provide some cover, but the open area nearby offers good shooting opportunities.

By the way, fluorescent orange isn’t required for dove hunting, and camouflage is highly recommended. You are allowed 15 doves per day and a possession limit of 45. I know doves are small, but 8 or 10 dove breasts make a good, tasty meal for a couple of people.

When it comes to shotguns and shot size, there are probably several good choices. Anything from a 12 gauge to a 410 shotgun will take doves. I like a 12 gauge because I feel I get some added distance and additional shot, which comes in handy in dove hunting. A lot of hunters go with a 20 gauge, and I had a friend who only hunted doves with a 410, but he was a very good marksman, and his skill made up for the fewer shots and less power. Most dove hunters probably go with 7 or 8 shot size, providing more pellets, and that’s more important than the larger-sized pellets.

I’ll be honest, I’m much more likely to be out hunting doves in this early season than Canada Geese, and for good reason: dove hunting requires a lot less preparation and a lot less equipment.

Serious goose hunters will have good blinds, and more importantly, they will probably have a good number of goose decoys. My best goose hunting was when I went with very experienced goose hunters who prepared their hunting sites with a good number of decoys. I’m convinced that the decoys add a lot to your success.

For the most part, you are allowed one goose per day with a possession limit of three, but there are some other special regulations that apply in certain areas of the state. It’s best to check your Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Manual for the details on where you plan to hunt.

Well, I hope to get out and put that shotgun to use, and it won’t be much longer before we will be needing that shotgun for another bird-turkey season!