Self and Semi-guided Dove Hunts

FCS goes on several dove hunts each season.  We presently hunt with a land owner near San Antonio and have four hunts scheduled with him for 2026.  Kurt DeRuiter has hunted with him and has limited out several times.  The worst that he did was 10 birds.

Costs:

• The hunt fee for semi-guided hunts is $150/afternoon.  We usually do not tip for semi-guided dove hunts.
• We’ll split the vehicle gas.  We’ll probably get drive-through food on the way to the hunt and on the way home.
• A 50% deposit will be required by a due date.  Hunters who do not pay the deposit by the due date will be removed from the list of people who RSVPed for the hunt.

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 or 20 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 (depending on how good of a shot you are).  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 to 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 for the Semi-guided hunts are required to Kurt, event coordinator.  Also contact Kurt if you have any questions.