Where are the Best Places to Hunt Doves in Northwest Louisiana?

Have you noticed the recent rash of camouflage and ATVs on trailers here in Northwest Louisiana?

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That's a dead giveaway that hunting season is upon us!

In fact, at this writing, we're only ten days from the "unofficial" start of hunting season with the onset of dove season here in the Bayou State.

That's set to begin on Saturday, September 6, and many local hunters might be aware of the incredible dove hunting opportunities that Louisiana hunters have at their disposal.

Both, the Bodcau WMA in Bossier Parish and the John Franks WMA in Caddo Parish provide planted fields that are open to all hunters. Note that all LDWF WMA dove fields are non-toxic shot only. Shooting hours begin ½ hour before sunrise on LDWF WMAs and LDWF Private Lease Field.

Bodcau Wildlife Management Area - Bossier Parish

• 8 acres brown-top millet located by the shooting range.
• 6 acres brown-top millet located in the Whittington Fields.

John Franks Wildlife Management Area - Caddo Parish

• 20 Acres of sunflower and brown-top millet near the LA 3049 parking area for the southern ATV / UTV trail.
• 7 Acres of sunflower and brown-top millet near the LA 3049 parking area for the northern ATV / UTV trail.

Dove hunters 18 and older are required to have a basic hunting license and be Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified. Youth 17 and under do not need a hunting license or HIP certification to dove hunt.

All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License.

To see more about dove hunting regulations, go to wlf.louisiana.gov

READ MORE: Could You Shoot Doves With A Bow Like This Guy?

The Perks of Dove Hunting Season

Of course, staying with tradition, every red-blooded, camo-wearing, snuff-dipping, pickup truck-driving, shotgun-toting, Southern-by-the-grace-of-God, hairy-legged boy will drag out the barbecue pit or gumbo pot for the annual "Gathering of the Guys" and "Lunch in the Field."

This tradition brings out some of the best BBQ'ers, fish fryers and dutch oven chefs ever known to whip up a batch of jambalaya, gumbo or red beans and rice!  Let the games begin.

Keep It Legal

When it comes to dove season though, you have to be extremely legal.  Game wardens love dove season. I'm living proof of the joy they can derive from playing G.I. Joe in a dove field for an entire afternoon in 90 degree weather.  They love idiots and that's where God blessed me, but that's a different story. Remember this simple rule: Ask and Inspect!

Ask any of the parties hunting and the land owner if any bait has been placed in the field.  If somebody fesses up, get the heck out of there. Don't even load your gun. If no one owns up to the action, then inspect the field. And if you find any sign of bait, repeat the previously described actions.

Game wardens don't have a sense of humor -- ever!   And it's up to us to play by their rules. Or get out your check book and prepare to spend a day with the Federal Magistrate.  Trust me, that's about as much fun as hemorrhoid surgery.

Most of all, enjoy the day and take a kid with you. That's the only way to keep the tradition alive.