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Bill Cochran

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BILL: On dog hunting, I read a lot of the comments posted on the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries public comment Web site. Despite what Richard Sprinkle thinks (last week’s Cochran Mailbag), I think that “swagger” was extremely accurate for quite a few of the comments posted by dog hunting advocates.

I know a lot of very honorable dog hunters, but I also know quite a few that think they should have a free, unfettered run of every day of the year and every acre of land in Virginia. For the good of the sport, something needs to change.

Yes, for those who try to run dogs with integrity, your comments were inappropriate. But for those who are responsible for bringing the whole issue into the limelight, you were right on target.

BILL: I am from Arizona, where there are a lot of birds. I now live in Suffolk. Is there any way I can get information on areas to go dove hunting this season?

JOHN: I wish there were an easy answer, but that’s not the case. I would start by driving rural roads looking for concentrations of doves and for agriculture crops that attract them. Don’t overlook watering holes as a dove attraction during a hot, dry summer like this one.

Once you see some potential for a hunt, approach the landowner and ask for permission. Don’t let rejection stop you. Keep at it.

I’d also inquire about dove field at gun shops, sports shows, farm stores, from fellow hunters, from newspaper outdoor writers, from farmer’s markets and agriculture officials. You may be able to locate some pay-hunting areas. Also check the nearest Department of Game and Inland Fisheries office for information on dove hunting spots. You are located in a good dove hunting region.

All this takes time, and can result in periods of disappointment, but it also can open the gate to some great hunting. A successful dove hunter does most of his hunting prior to the season, and this puts him into position to do some shooting on opening day. Good luck.