"Hunters in this region will probably find quality opportunities in some locations," said Pritchert. "But they are going to have to scout around a bit for the better dove hunting.

"There is some large-scale farming in this region, but in the extreme southeastern counties, it's virtually nonexistent."

"One thing you can find here that isn't available in most other areas is hunting on strip-mining jobs that permit it," said the biologist. "Some of these mines have surprisingly good numbers of doves around ponds, gravel lanes and spots where bare ground and native weed stands produce seed at this time of year."

Hunters just need to check to be sure areas are open for dove hunting -- or request permission if it's a privately owned piece of ground.

CENTRAL REGION
Since the belly of Kentucky and points farther west are more suited to farming crops anyway, naturally there are chances of more dove hunting opportunities on both public and private lands. Last season, about a dozen spots were open to public hunting in several different counties in the Central Region.

"In this region, the public-lease fields have generally proven to be quite good when weather conditions are right," said Pritchert. "And in the early season, most any of them can provide a good-quality shoot."

As far as hunting public lands is concerned, that more crop farming goes on in this region is somewhat of a double-edged sword. Abundant food sources may help attract m ore doves. But at the same time, gunning pressure encourages the birds to scatter to other fields where food is often likewise available.

You may tend to find a lot of birds in a certain spot. But after the first few days of the season, they may move away to some other location to which you don't have access.

Dove hunting in the Central Region is immensely popular, though. When landowners are approached right, an invitation isn't terribly hard to get for those first few weekends when hunting is generally best.

The Central Region has a couple of fine public spots such at the fields of Taylorsville Lake and Kentucky River WMAs, where only non-toxic shot may be used. Trying these the public lands is a good deal because many hunters will shy away from places where the cheaper lead shells aren't allowed. That means less hunting pressure, which is generally good for a better hunt.

The way things are going, even the higher-priced shells might seem not so steep compared to what you'll spend on the gasoline to get there.

Also, remember to check the KDFWR's dove-hunting regulations for mentor-youth hunts some public fields. When those special hunts with a youngster are scheduled, only those who have signed up in advance can hunt.

Thereafter, it's open as per usual, though lease fields aren't open every day during the season. So be careful.

WEST CENTRAL REGION
Some of the largest public dove hunt fields raised in Kentucky are found on lands in the West Central Region. This area receives a decent amount of hunting pressure early in the season, but hunters can usually spread out enough to enjoy good and safe hunts. This season, one factor that might help is that opening day is a weekday, which usually trims down hunter numbers some.

You'll want to get there in early afternoon and stake out your spot.

In this region, WMAs like Peabody, Higginson-Henry and Yellowbank are excellent choices because all three really roll out the food cart for doves.

Of course, the West Central Region is also laden with high bird numbers, thanks to good reproduction, so shooting opportunity abounds.