The best way to manage huge fields of sunflower is to spread out, using several shooters and make numerous pushes up and down the fields, not unlike pheasant hunting. Where birds are plentiful hunters can expect to flush singles, doubles, and small flocks of birds within easy shotgun range. Typically, the best areas in a field of sunflowers are the low spots where seed germination was poor and the plants are sparse. Doves spend a lot of time dusting themselves with the loose soil. These open spots in the fields consistently attract birds.
Additional hotspots are the brush rows and shelter belts that border the fields.
Doves use these trees as a staging area when entering and leaving the fields. These areas can be hunted by taking a stand and pass shooting or by walking the edges and shooting at flushing birds. Managed Hunts Hunting over crop lands managed for dove hunting is also a popular hunting method. Indiana is a leader in managed dove hunting opportunities, but many other states offer similar programs. Most managed dove hunts feature a daily lottery or drawing to determine blind sites, as well as a modest shooters fee.