Dove Season Begins Tomorrow in Northwest Louisiana

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 3, it's on like Donkey Kong!  It's the day every hunter in Northwest Louisiana has been waiting for!  It's opening day of dove season and that means Hunting Season will have officially begun.

Hunt at Daylight Again This Year

Just like last year, hunters will be allowed to take to the field and begin the hunt at 30 minutes before official sunrise local time.  In Bossier Parish, sunrise will be at 6:51 am, so hunters will be allowed to begin shooting at 6:21 am.  Go to sunrisesunset.com to find the exact time for your hunting destination.

The Perks of Dove Hunting Season

Of course, staying with tradition, every red-blooded, camo-wearing, snuff-dipping, pickup truck-driving, shotgun-toting, Southern-by-the-grace-of-God, hairy-legged boy will drag out the barbecue pit or gumbo pot for the annual "Gathering of the Guys" and "Lunch in the Field." This tradition brings out some of the best BBQ'ers, fish fryers and dutch oven chefs ever known to whip up a batch of jambalaya, gumbo or red beans and rice!  Let the games begin.

Keep It Legal

When it comes to dove season though, you have to be extremely legal.  Game wardens love dove season. I'm living proof of the joy they can derive from playing G.I. Joe in a dove field for an entire afternoon in 90 degree weather.  They love idiots and that's where God blessed me, but that's a different story. Remember this simple rule: Ask and Inspect! 

Ask any of the parties hunting and the land owner if any bait has been placed in the field.  If somebody fesses up, get the heck out of there. Don't even load your gun. If no one owns up to the action, then inspect the field. And if you find any sign of bait, repeat the previously described actions.

Game wardens don't have a sense of humor -- ever!   And it's up to us to play by their rules. Or get out your check book and prepare to spend a day with the Federal Magistrate.  Trust me, that's about as much fun as hemorrhoid surgery.

Most of all, enjoy the day and take a kid with you. That's the only way to keep the tradition alive.