LAST FALL I DID an assignment shoot for Outdoor Life magazine where they asked me to pick out a place that dove hunters frequent and capture the experience of opening day. I chose Hondo, Texas. That published spread has just come out in the magazine, so I now have the green light to share a few images from that shoot.
Dove hunting in Texas is a social event, and that’s never more evident in the revelry you’ll find surrounding opening day. It’s a time for friends and family to gather and usher in the new season. Doves fly, guns report, dogs pant, hunters sweat, and farmers cash in. What a great country! More than anything, I enjoy watching the kids on their first dove hunts. This particular shoot had a passle of ’em, and they all killed birds and had a big time.
The 2014 opener is only two weeks away. I can’t wait. How about you?
To see more images from my dove hunting archive, please click here.
Whitewings strafing sunflowers
Picking one out
Millie
Hot…dang hot
And she probably will
Once confined to the Rio Grande Valley, whitewings have moved north in great undulating waves
First shotgun
Help from his grandfather
Pushing through the stalks
All hands on deck
Bagged for the freezer
Tailgate libations after the hunt
Friends and family
Yes, please do