Dove hunting in the south is a time-honored tradition that ranks with some of the most anticipated events of the year for most southerners. In fact, opening day and weekend rivals some of the biggest holidays and sporting events that occur. In our family, it’s no different.
Way before I was even born, our family farm had been converted into a “dove field” which was usually planted in sunflowers to attract birds on their migration routes. These farm fields provided the playing surface for hundreds of friends and family members to dove hunt together. Usually before the hunt a big meal was provided allowing us to strengthen friendships and bonds that are ever so beneficial in life. Coincidently, opening weekend usually occurred alongside the start of the college football season of which provided additional opportunities to gather and cook the harvest of doves together.
Now that I have children of my own and reminiscing, I realize that the hunting aspect was such a minuscule priority. In reality, camaraderie was the emphasis which cultivated and strengthened many friendships that are still strong today.
That’s what makes dove hunting special. That’s why it’s so important for me to be out there with my son, Kipton. I had the honor of watching him next to my dad who had the same enthusiasm for sharing the field with friends and family. I’m not sure who had more fun, honestly. They were both grinning ear to ear all morning, and I’m pretty sure Pops didn’t miss a single shot (nor did he hesitate to give anyone a lighthearted ribbing when they missed).
I love that the dove hunting tradition continues to be passed down through my family and my community. I assure you, there’s nothing more special than watching your son and his grandfather smile and laugh together in the sunflowers. So, whether you’re from the south or not, share the field. Share the table. Create your own traditions and keep them alive.
Tip: If you’re a duck hunter like me, dove hunting is a great opportunity to brush up on your shooting in the off season. Doves provide a unique challenge thanks to their speed and small size. Grab yourself some HEVI-Hammer Dove and knock the rust off two months before the ducks start flying.
About the author: Kelley Powers is a Champion of Champions goose caller and lifelong hunter. He is the founder of Power Calls and co-owner of Final Flight Outfitters.
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Dogs in general are a source of enjoyment and happiness in our lives. However, they aren’t born that way! As a pet owner, it is important to establish boundaries and train them how to be good citizens. This is important for pets in general, not just gun dogs.
“Place, climb, spot.” There are many names for the command that instructs your dog to go to a specific location and stay there. It is an important command for any dog to learn. As a veterinarian, we address all types of undesirable behaviors with this command. It redirects and focuses a dog on a task instead of allowing them to do as they wish. For gun dogs, it is a very helpful tool when it comes to the problem of breaking to the shot or at any point prior to commanding your dog to retrieve. Beyond that, it establishes some degree of forced control like other commands and processes that reinforce discipline. Think of swim by and force fetch. In my opinion, place is the most important command that we have in our toolbox when it comes to safety and good citizenship for our gundog in the field, at home and in public.
There’s nothing better than sharing a hunt with your dog. That’s a big part of why I started Momarsh and why we offer a variety of items that are built around the concept of place. The assortment includes products that are tweaked to offer additional concealment, comfort, or height adjustment. All of them provide a portable spot for your dog to go, regardless of where you are.
Here is one example of how this is beneficial. Commonly, we set up a field spread in the dark prior to sunrise, right? The first thing I do is set out my dog blind. My dog “Cash” will run right into her field house and I don’t need to worry about her safety or where she is, because I know that she is in her blind. She is safe and confident in her place, and she is trained to honor it. This frees me up to get ready for the hunt, and I don’t have to worry about my dog being underfoot, getting hurt, or getting lost in the dark.
A place can also offer your dog a safe, dry place to be in a shallow water or boat hunting scenario. A dog blind or platform that is elevated and dry is an absolute must-have.
Above: Brook and his dog Max at home. Max is comfortable and confident on his kennel cot, and he is safely in his place. This raised platform gives him a clear understanding of his boundary, and he is trained to honor it. He is safe, comfy, happy, and not underfoot.
Invisilab - Our first and flagship dog item. The invisible lab, along with the invisible chair, created a new category of items in the waterfowl world. There really wasn’t much around for aquatic mobility besides boat blinds and layout boats. The invisilab provided an adjustable and dry blind that provided concealment and protection from the elements for your dog all in one efficient and lightweight product. It is a place product with all of the bells and whistle’s for a waterfowl retriever. View Product.
Final stand - the final stand improved on the existing dog stand by providing a mesh floor that drained. It was lightweight. Superior adjustability stability made it a hit with waterfowlers right off the bat. We use it extensively in hunting situations, but it is also very helpful when placed training as the barrier to cheat is large. What I mean by this is that it’s easy for a dog to cheat if the place is only an inch or two off the ground. If you adjust the final stand so that they have to jump off, it makes cheating pretty black and white for them. So, I recommend using it with young dogs or dogs that are just learning the place command. Then, work your way down to shorter products after the command is thoroughly understood. View Product.
Home cot - A very plush, comfortable and stylish product in our line. It is easy to transport once you fold it in half and secure. The cover is removable and washable. One is not enough. Many people have one for Home, one for the office and one for duck camp! View Product.
Kennel cot - It was primarily designed for use in plastic crates. However, it can be used anywhere and is very easy to transport due to its extremely light weight. The mesh floor allows for fluids to drain through. Many people use them in the dog boxes on their pit blinds for additional comfort. The kennel cot is washable and inexpensive. View Product.
Where | What | Why |
At Home | Home Cot | Lightweight, Breathable Mesh, Washable, Inexpensive |
On the Road | Kennel Cot | Lightweight, Breathable Mesh, Washable, Inexpensive |
In a Dry Field | Field House | Low Profile, Breathable Mesh, Zippered doors, Protects Your Dog From the Elements |
In Shallow Water | Invisilab | Individually Adjustable Legs, Works in Up To 34 Inches of Water, Mesh Bottom |
On the Boat or in the Timber | Ramp Stand | Boat Sidewall Height, Angle Adjustment, Adjustable Gunnel Clamps, Breathable Mesh |
Training Anywhere | Final Stand | Individually Adjustable Legs, Mud Feet for Increased Stability, Breathable Mesh, Lightweight |
It is common to see a place-trained dog look uncertain and anxious as they wait for you to put down their spot. An anxious dog is far more likely to get underfoot, roam too far from its owner, chase or interact with other animals, or otherwise get into trouble. We place train our dogs not only for us, but ultimately, for them. A well trained dog is always safer and happier.
So, give them a place to go, wherever you go. Your dog will thank you for it.
Above: Brook and his dog Max speck hunting out of an Arkansas pit blind. Max is “place” trained, and won’t break or leave his kennel cot until he’s sent. This not only keeps him comfortable and off the cold metal floor, but it also keeps him safe when guns are leaning in the blind or being raised to shoot.
Ira McCauley, MOMARSH Founder Dr. Ira MCCauley is a Veterinarian and outdoor enthusiast who has dedicated his life to helping animals. As founder of MOMARSH, he has developed a line of dog products that are safe and practical for all types of dogs. |
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