Semi-guided Dove Hunts

FCS usually goes on several dove hunts each season.  We presently hunt on ranches near Holland (for the central zone) and Jourdanton (for the south zone).  Hunters have gotten several limits at both locations.  Here are pictures of both leases:

Costs:

• The hunt fee is between $45 (for a half day) and $60 (for a full day) at Holland and $125 for Jourdanton.
• For the Jourdanton hunts, hunt fees will be required in full by a due date.  Hunters who do not pay the hunt fee by the due date will be removed from the list of people who RSVPed for the trip.  We usually do not tip for semi-guided dove hunts.
• For the Jourdanton hunts (and possibly the Holland hunts), we’ll split the vehicle gas.  If we take a toll road, because we’re running late, we’ll split that fee.
• For the Jourdanton hunts (and possibly the Holland hunts), we’ll eat out, get drive-through food, or cook.
• For the Jourdanton hunts, we might stay in a motel.  If so, we’ll split the fee.

What to Bring:

• Texas Hunting license and migratory bird endorsement (formerly called a “stamp”).  If you bought a super combo license it includes your hunting license and migratory bird endorsement.
• Shotgun.  A 12 gauge piston-operated or recoil (aka inertia)-operated semi-automatic is recommended (keep piston-operated semi-automatics clean, as if they get gunked up they’ll stop working).  A pump (or slide)-action takes second place.  A plug is required for semi-automatics and pumps capable of holding more than two shells in the magazine (almost all of them are) while hunting migratory game birds.
• Three – four boxes per hunt of Remington Shur Shot Heavy Dove Load or equivalent in 8, 7 1/2, or 6 shot.  2 3/4-inch shells are recommended.  You won’t need 3-inch or 2 3/4-inch magnum shells for dove.
• Bucket, stool, or folding chair.
• Camo or khaki outer hunting clothes, including cap, appropriate for the season.  You never know when it will rain, so bring rain gear.
• Ear plugs or muffs (electronic allow you to hold normal conversations).
• Non-mirrored shooting glasses or sunglasses (optional but highly recommended).
• Drinks and snacks (optional; drinks are highly recommended).
• Bug repellent (optional).
• Sunscreen (optional).
• Game shears, a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, and a medium-sized ice chest or bag to take your birds home in (if you get any).

Expectations:

These hunts are a service to FCS members and guests, but the Event Coordinators/leaders will enforce the following expectations:

• Follow the Event Coordinator’s/leader’s instructions, the land owner’s rules, and abide by the FCS Bylaws Regarding Conduct.
• Pay for your share of vehicle gas.
• Control your dog (if you brought one).
• Talk quietly (dove can hear you and will veer away from the noise).
• Show up.
• Be on time.
• Don’t have a pattern of canceling at the last minute.
• Read the Event Coordinator’s/leaders emails and don’t ask questions that have already been answered in the emails (and you would have known the answers for if you had read the emails).
• Return the Event Coordinator’s/leader’s phone calls, emails, and/or texts, if he or she asks a question or asks you to acknowledge something.

RSVP’s are required to Randy Rowley at randywrowley@gmail.com or 512-922-2484.  Also contact Randy if you have any questions.