Introduction
The cooing sound of doves is a familiar and welcome melody to many, especially those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt or simply appreciate the beauty of these graceful birds. Dove hunting stands as a beloved tradition across many regions, a time when crisp autumn air and the promise of a successful hunt fill the atmosphere. But attracting and sustaining healthy dove populations doesn’t happen by chance. It requires understanding their needs and providing them with the resources they require, especially in the face of habitat loss and changing landscapes. Enter the dove food plot – a strategic investment that can transform your property into a dove magnet, enhancing your hunting experience and contributing to dove conservation.
This comprehensive guide delves into the world of dove food plots, offering insights into selecting the best seed varieties, preparing the ideal site, mastering planting techniques, and implementing ongoing management strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a passionate wildlife enthusiast, or a landowner looking to improve your property, this article provides the knowledge you need to create a thriving dove habitat.
Understanding Dove Food Preferences
Before sowing a single seed, it’s crucial to understand what doves actually eat. These birds are primarily seed-eaters, their diet consisting mainly of small grains, seeds, and legumes. They forage on the ground, picking up fallen seeds with precision. Therefore, the size, availability, and nutritional content of the seeds are all critical factors in attracting doves to your food plot.
Doves have specific nutritional needs that vary throughout the year. During the breeding season, they require a higher protein intake to support egg production and chick growth. During migration and the winter months, they need high-energy foods to fuel their journeys and survive the cold. A well-planned food plot will provide a diverse range of seeds to meet these changing needs.
Seed size matters immensely. Doves prefer small, easily digestible seeds that they can quickly consume. Large, hard seeds are less appealing and will likely be ignored. Furthermore, accessibility is key. Doves prefer to feed on bare ground, where seeds are readily visible and easily reached. Thick vegetation can hinder their ability to find and consume seeds, rendering even the most nutritious food plot ineffective.
It’s also important to recognize that dove food preferences can vary slightly depending on your specific location. Factors such as climate, soil type, and the availability of native food sources can influence what doves are most likely to eat. Observing dove feeding habits in your area and consulting with local wildlife experts can provide valuable insights for tailoring your food plot accordingly.
Top Seed Choices for Dove Food Plots
Choosing the right seed varieties is paramount to the success of your dove food plot. Several options consistently prove effective in attracting and sustaining dove populations.
Sunflower
Sunflowers are arguably one of the most attractive and widely used seed choices for dove food plots. Their large, vibrant blooms not only add visual appeal to your property but also produce an abundance of high-energy seeds that doves find irresistible. The black oil sunflower is a popular choice, known for its relatively small seed size and high oil content.
Sunflowers thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. They can be susceptible to deer browsing, so consider protecting young plants with fencing or repellents. When planting sunflowers, ensure adequate spacing between plants to allow for optimal growth and seed production. Fertilization can also enhance sunflower yields, but be sure to conduct a soil test to determine the appropriate nutrient levels.
Millet
Millet is another excellent option for dove food plots, particularly for those seeking a fast-maturing and drought-tolerant crop. Millet produces an abundance of small, easily digestible seeds that doves readily consume. Brown top millet and Japanese millet are two popular varieties, known for their rapid growth and high seed production.
Millet can be planted relatively late in the growing season, making it a good choice for those who need a quick and reliable food source. It’s also relatively drought-tolerant, making it a suitable option for areas with limited rainfall. When planting millet, be sure to use a broadcast seeder to ensure even seed distribution.
Sorghum
Sorghum, also known as milo, is a versatile crop that provides both food and cover for doves. It’s highly drought-tolerant and produces a large quantity of grain-like seeds that doves find appealing. Sorghum can also provide valuable cover for doves, offering protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.
Sorghum can be slower to mature than millet, so it’s important to plant it early in the growing season. It may also require some management to make the seeds accessible to doves. This can involve mowing strips or breaking down the stalks to expose the seeds on the ground.
Wheat
Wheat is a popular choice for winter food plots, providing a valuable source of green browse and seeds during the colder months. While not as attractive to doves during the fall hunting season as sunflowers or millet, wheat can still provide a supplemental food source and help sustain dove populations throughout the year.
Wheat is relatively easy to establish and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It’s typically planted in the fall, providing a green cover crop throughout the winter. Doves will feed on the seeds and tender shoots of the wheat plants, helping to maintain their energy levels during the cold months.
Other Options
While sunflowers, millet, sorghum, and wheat are among the most popular choices for dove food plots, several other options can also be effective. These include smaller varieties of corn, sesame, peas, and buckwheat. Experimenting with different seed mixtures can help you determine what works best for your specific location and dove population.
Site Selection & Preparation
The location of your dove food plot is just as important as the seed varieties you choose. Doves are attracted to areas with readily available food, water, and roosting cover.
Consider planting your food plot near a water source, such as a pond, creek, or stream. Doves need to drink regularly, so having water nearby will greatly increase the attractiveness of your food plot. Also, locate your food plot near roosting areas, such as trees or power lines. Doves prefer to roost in these areas, making it convenient for them to access your food plot.
Before planting, conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. This will help you determine whether any amendments are needed to ensure optimal plant growth. Weed control is also essential, both before and after planting. Apply a pre-plant herbicide to kill existing weeds and then use tillage practices to prepare the soil for planting.
Creating bare ground is crucial for dove feeding. Doves prefer to feed on bare ground, where seeds are easily visible and accessible. Disk strips, mow areas short, or perform a controlled burn (if permitted and safe) to remove vegetation and create bare patches.
Planting & Management Techniques
Timing is everything when it comes to planting your dove food plot. Plant seeds at the correct time for your region. Consider staggering plantings to ensure a continuous supply of food throughout the season. Use accurate seeding rates. Fertilize based on soil test results. Manage weeds after planting with selective herbicides or mowing.
Managing deer pressure will protect your investment. Employ fencing, repellents, or larger plots to mitigate deer damage. Top sowing ensures continued seed production. After the first harvest, spread more seed on top of the soil. Mow strips or break down the stalks to allow doves to easily feed on the seeds.
Legal Considerations & Ethics
Be aware of state and local regulations regarding baiting and planting food plots. Ethical hunting practices include fair chase principles and respecting property boundaries. Sustainable land management practices are necessary to promote dove conservation.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Address poor germination by checking seed quality and soil moisture. Combat weed infestation through herbicide application and proper management. Prevent deer damage with the methods outlined above. If doves do not visit the food plot, examine the habitat and food availability.
Conclusion
Creating a successful dove food plot requires careful planning, diligent effort, and an understanding of dove behavior and habitat requirements. By selecting the right seed varieties, preparing the site properly, and implementing effective management techniques, you can transform your property into a dove paradise, enhancing your hunting experience and contributing to the conservation of these beautiful birds. Start planning your dove food plot today and experience the satisfaction of attracting and sustaining a thriving dove population on your land. It’s an investment that pays off in both the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a positive impact on wildlife conservation.
