Very few hunters knows or realize, that dove hunting is one of the most common birds hunting on the planet, after the ducks and geese hunting, of course! Here you will find out a complete guide for dove hunting in Romania
In South America, in states like Argentine, Uruguay, Mexico and Peru, dove hunting is more that a business, more than a tradition. It is a religion! At least in Argentina, the dove hunting is generating billions of dollars.
Over the years I had the pleasure of guiding many hunters for doves hunting in Romania and coincidence or not, the most experienced ones was hunters that hunted in South America. Even in United State, american hunters are killing somewhere between 20 to 40 millions doves per season.
After this introduction, now let’s talk about dove hunting in Romania.
A trip for dove hunting in Romania will give you the opportunity of shooting collard doves(mostly), turtle doves and wood pigeon(not a dove, but you will shot those too).
Best time is first week of September for dove hunting in Romania, when doves are leaving the roosting places in the villages and fly for sunflower fields.
Shotgun Shells and Choke Selection for Dove hunting in Romania
They are most active between 2 pm until 5 pm. Dove are strong fliers capable of speeds of up to 55 mph, though they average 35 mph. High speeds make these birds sporty and a blast to hunt.
In Romania we have a package with quail hunting in the morning and dove hunting in the afternoon. Or ask about summer geese hunting in the morning and dove in the afternoon, or duck hunting in the morning and dove hunting in the afternoon. Check our offer here: https://www.romaniahuntingoutfitters.com/special-offers-hunting-trips-in-romania/
Shotgun Shells and Choke Selection for Dove hunting
I personally shoot doves between 15 to 35 meters. This is the distance that I am comfortable with. But I have seen hunters shooting WAY FURTHER DISTANCE…
Experts agree that shells number 9 or 8(better in my opinion) are proper for dove hunting. Even 7 if you are hunting in an area with a lot of wood pigeons.
Shooting same shells day after day helps you to be consistent.
As well, experts all agree that a quality open choke on your shotgun is important.
Last piece of advice, pick up your empty shells and leave the land better than you found it so you can continue to have a place to hunt.
Camouflage for Dove hunting
Dove have good eyes and because of this, objects that look out of place in a field will be avoided by these wary birds.
Focus on camouflage that matches your sunflower fields and is light enough to handle the hot sun of the early days of September.
More important than wearing camouflage is keeping still in the field. If you are constantly moving, dove will pick you off with their excellent sight. So, if you don’t have a bird boy, pick up the birds at the end of the hunt.
Dove Calls for Hunting
Well…I don’t think they work and I don’t think you need them. I can not be more honest than this. The callers are great for ducks, for geese, for quails for turdus, but for doves….no! I had hunters using them and personally, I didn’t see any differences. It is my opinion and I stick with it!
Dove Decoys
If I say the caller are not need it, things are changing when we talk about dove decoys. Especially spinners, like Mojo decoys. Dove decoys are meant to bring in other dove which are looking for safety and food. When setting up your decoys, focus on placing them so the birds can clearly see them and they look natural. Using decoys not only increase your hunted doves numbers, but also add satisfaction to the hunter for luring the doves in his shooting range.
Conclusion for dove hunting in Romania
Whether you are hunting doves with your friends on guided hunt in Romania or hunt your home land alone, dove season is a tremendous opportunity to get out in the field and experience some great shooting and hunting against a worthy prey. Dove hunting provides a tremendous amount of options whether you are looking for pass-through shooting or you want to get active and do some decoying.
Last piece of advice, no matter you are hunting in your country or hunting abroad, please cook this recipes or ask your guide to do it for you.
First marinate the breast without skin in melasa or some plums jam with hard liquor for few hours. After that wrap the breast in thin slices of bacon and grille to medium-rare. Maximum 2 minutes on each side. After you eat that, remember to come back here and leave a comment and If I manage to raise your interest please check our offer here: https://www.romaniahuntingoutfitters.com/special-offers-hunting-trips-in-romania/
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