Most preseason dove hunting columns lead off with tips on camouflage clothing and shotgun ammo. This year we might be better served talking about the need for ice cold Gatorade and sunscreen. The concern over dove numbers is related to the 3-year drought we're currently enjoying and the lack of dove food and watering holes the drought has caused. Thank God for that great June rainfall.
Doves are nothing like quail when it comes to needing water.
Quail can do very well in areas that hold almost no surface water while doves, especially in 100-degree heat, need to water at least twice each day. This year, probably because of the heat, we've found lots of doves clustered around watering sites during the day, and then showing up in droves during their normal evening watering times. Feeding sites are always important when you're looking for good dove hunting, but those getting-scarce watering holes are going to be key dove producers this year. Every year we talk about the need for camouflage clothing while hunting for sharp-eyed doves. I'm also the world's worst when it comes to remembering to bring my camo-colored straw hat when hunting.