GRAYSON LAKE WMA
It seems that many of the management areas associated with a big body of water tend to be high-quality dove hunting areas. Grayson Lake in the Northeast Wildlife Region falls into that category.

Dove plots are available on Grayson WMA next to the designated parking area in the Frazier Flats Unit. That's east of the lake and south of Grayson Lake State Park off Wells Branch Road right on the Carter/Elliott county line. Hunters may want to scout it out first.

"We offer fields at Yatesville, Fishtrap, Clay and Lewis County WMAs in this region as well, but have found over the years that the Grayson Lake WMA usually has one of the best hunts," said Pritchert.

"I don't know if there's a particular reason why, other than maybe where the field is able to be cultivated is just a hotspot that the birds in the area use, and they have the rest of what they need in addition to easy access to food closely.

"On any given year, any WMA could be loaded with birds, but we get consistent reports of a good opening shoot at Grayson.

"With a midweek opener this year, hunters may find a few less guns in the field than if it came in on a Saturday or Sunday, so that might be a plus at some of these public shoots this time around," he noted.

While these five or six highlighted areas tend to be some of the best public lands for doves, they are by no means all the public-hunting opportunities that the state fish and wildlife department provides. The agency continues to administer the private land lease program, which pays local farmers for raising dove plots and allowing public hunting at various times during the season. You can find those listings on the agency's Web site in late August, and check those spots as well.

Dove hunting is a fun sport because there's a lot of shooting involved, but it's also a sport that requires respect for fellow hunters, and smart shot choices in the field. Lastly, if you are able to take a younger hunter with you, dove hunting is one of the most exciting types of hunting that will hook a newbie. Whether they hit anything or not, it doesn't matter, because kids like shooting.

Make a new hunter -- take a youngster along and show him or her the ropes. It will double your enjoyment to see them having fun, guaranteed.