Why Food Plots are Important for Doves
The whirring of wings overhead, the golden light of a late summer afternoon, and the anticipatory excitement as a dove dips into view – these are the hallmarks of a memorable dove season. For many hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, the pursuit of doves is not just a sport, but a cherished tradition deeply rooted in the landscape. Attracting and sustaining healthy dove populations is crucial for ensuring the continuation of this tradition, and the key lies in providing them with a reliable and abundant food source. Creating and maintaining effective food plots is the most reliable way to attract and hold doves on your property, improving your hunting success and enhancing the overall wildlife value of your land. This guide will delve into the specifics of planning, planting, and managing successful dove food plots, equipping you with the knowledge to transform your property into a dove paradise.
Understanding the dietary needs of doves is the foundation for creating a successful food plot. Doves are primarily seed-eaters, relying on a consistent supply of small seeds to fuel their active lives. While they may occasionally consume insects or other small invertebrates, seeds constitute the vast majority of their diet. This reliance on seeds makes them particularly susceptible to habitat changes and food shortages. Therefore, a diverse and readily available seed source is essential for attracting and retaining doves.
Food plots act as a reliable buffet, ensuring doves have access to sustenance throughout the year, especially during critical periods such as migration and breeding. A well-planned food plot not only attracts doves from surrounding areas but also encourages them to stay and establish territories. Consistent food availability reduces the need for doves to travel long distances in search of sustenance, making your property a preferred destination. By strategically planting a variety of seed-producing plants, you can provide a continuous food source that caters to the doves’ needs regardless of the season. In some regions, supplemental feeding may be helpful during harsh winter months to help the birds maintain their weight and health.
Beyond providing food, food plots significantly improve dove habitat. Doves prefer open areas with bare ground for easy foraging. Thick, dense vegetation makes it difficult for them to locate seeds and exposes them to predators. A well-managed food plot will incorporate areas of bare ground alongside cultivated crops, providing an ideal foraging environment. Furthermore, food plots can be strategically placed near roosting cover, such as trees or shrubs, to provide doves with safe places to rest and escape from predators. Doves also need access to grit – small pebbles and sand – to aid in digestion. While they can often find grit in agricultural fields or along roadsides, incorporating grit sources into or near your food plots can further enhance their appeal.
For dove hunters, food plots are invaluable management tools. They concentrate doves in specific areas, making hunting more predictable and efficient. Instead of aimlessly searching for birds across vast expanses of land, hunters can focus their efforts on the food plots, knowing that doves are likely to be present. The concentration of doves also increases the opportunities for successful hunts and allows for more ethical harvesting. By providing a consistent and reliable food source, food plots not only attract doves but also create predictable hunting locations, maximizing the chances of a successful and enjoyable hunt.
Best Plants for Dove Food Plots
The selection of plants for your dove food plot is critical to its success. Certain plants are simply more attractive to doves than others, and a carefully chosen mix of species can provide a diverse and abundant food source throughout the year.
Sunflowers are a cornerstone of many successful dove food plots. Black oil sunflowers are particularly effective, as they produce small, oil-rich seeds that doves find irresistible. When planting sunflowers, consider the variety, planting timing, spacing, and fertilizer requirements to maximize seed production. After the sunflowers mature, mowing or disking the area will scatter the seeds, creating an easy-to-access buffet for doves.
Grain sorghum, also known as milo, is another excellent choice for dove food plots. It’s a drought-tolerant crop that produces abundant seed heads that doves readily consume. Similar to sunflowers, careful consideration should be given to planting timing, variety selection, and proper fertilization to ensure optimal yields. Grain sorghum can be left standing through the winter, providing a valuable food source for doves during colder months.
Browntop millet is a fast-maturing option that can be planted later in the season, making it a good choice for those who need to establish a food plot quickly. It produces small, nutritious seeds that doves find highly palatable. Browntop millet is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great option for beginners.
Corn, although more typically associated with other wildlife, can also be beneficial for doves. Opt for smaller kernel varieties that are easier for doves to consume. Corn can provide valuable cover and food for doves, especially when planted in combination with other seed-producing crops.
Wheat and other small grains, such as oats and rye, are excellent choices for fall or winter planting. They provide a green food source for doves during the colder months when other food sources may be scarce. Small grains also provide valuable cover and help to improve soil health.
Surprisingly, certain weeds can also be beneficial in dove food plots. Ragweed and pigweed, for example, produce small, nutritious seeds that doves readily consume. While you don’t want to let weeds completely take over your food plot, allowing some of these beneficial species to grow can provide a valuable supplemental food source.
Ultimately, the best plants for your dove food plot will depend on your specific location, climate, and soil type. Consult with local wildlife agencies or agricultural extension offices to determine which plants are best suited for your area. They can provide valuable insights into local conditions and recommend specific varieties that are known to be attractive to doves.
Planning Your Dove Food Plot
Careful planning is essential for creating a successful dove food plot. Consider several factors to ensure your food plot is attractive and productive.
Choosing the right location is paramount. Doves prefer areas with ample sunlight, so select a site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil type and drainage are also important considerations. Doves thrive in well-drained soils that are not overly acidic or alkaline. Proximity to a water source, such as a pond or stream, can also enhance the appeal of your food plot. Also, consider the size of the plot relative to the property, ensuring that it fits within the broader landscape and provides adequate space for doves to forage and loaf.
Proper soil preparation is crucial for ensuring successful plant growth. Start by conducting a soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content of your soil. Based on the results of the soil test, you may need to amend the soil with lime or fertilizer to create optimal growing conditions. Tilling or disking the soil will help to break up compacted soil and create a smooth seedbed.
When planting, pay close attention to the recommended planting dates and seeding rates for each plant species. Planting too early or too late can significantly reduce germination rates and overall yields. Use appropriate planting methods, such as broadcasting or drilling, to ensure that seeds are properly distributed and covered. Consider companion planting – the practice of planting different species together – to enhance soil health, attract beneficial insects, and improve overall food plot productivity.
Weed control is essential for preventing unwanted vegetation from competing with your desired crops. Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied before planting to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Post-emergent herbicides can be used to control weeds that have already emerged. Mowing and cultivation can also be effective weed control methods.
Management and Maintenance
Once your food plot is established, ongoing management and maintenance are essential for ensuring its long-term success.
Mowing is a key management practice. Mowing at the right time can help to scatter seeds, creating an easy-to-access food source for doves. Strip mowing, which involves mowing sections of the food plot at different times, can create a mosaic of habitat that benefits doves and other wildlife.
Disking after the plants have matured can also help to distribute seeds and create bare ground. Bare ground is essential for doves, as it makes it easier for them to forage and move around.
Fertilizing your food plot based on the results of soil tests will help to ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to thrive.
It’s also important to control invasive species that may threaten the health of your food plot.
Rotating crops can help to improve soil health and prevent the buildup of pests and diseases.
Finally, be prepared to deal with animal damage from deer, turkeys, and other wildlife that may be attracted to your food plot. Fencing or other deterrents may be necessary to protect your crops from excessive grazing.
Dove Hunting Considerations
Before hunting over your food plot, be sure to familiarize yourself with all applicable legal regulations. Baiting laws are particularly important, as they vary from state to state. Consult with your state wildlife agency to ensure that you are hunting legally and ethically.
When hunting, consider setting up blinds or stands near the food plot to conceal yourself from the doves. Decoys can also be used to attract doves to your hunting area. Always practice safe hunting practices and be mindful of your surroundings. Ethical hunting involves respecting the birds and the environment, and ensuring that you are hunting in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Troubleshooting
Even with careful planning and management, problems can sometimes arise in dove food plots.
Poor germination can occur due to a variety of factors, including poor soil conditions, improper planting techniques, or unfavorable weather.
Weed problems are common in food plots, and can significantly reduce yields if left unchecked.
Pest issues can also affect dove food plots. Common pests include insects, rodents, and deer.
If you find that doves are not using your food plot as much as you expected, there could be several reasons. The food plot may not be providing the types of food or cover that doves prefer, or there may be other factors that are deterring them.
Conclusion
Creating a dove food plot is an investment in the health and well-being of dove populations and a surefire way to enhance your hunting opportunities. By providing a reliable and abundant food source, you can attract and hold doves on your property, creating a haven for these iconic game birds. Start planning your dove food plot today and prepare to reap the rewards of a thriving dove population. The satisfaction of seeing your land teeming with life and the anticipation of a successful dove season are rewards that make the effort worthwhile.
