Dove opener was a good one this year in the high desert grasslands near to the border and far from God. Didn't even have to drive to the ag lands and rub shoulders with hordes of townies. Almost tropical with over ten inches of rain in the last seven weeks here at 3200 ft., two-thirds of my normal annual average. Stayin warm too so the larger white-winged doves haven't run off to Mexico yet. Ah, life is good, in spite of the revenueing Feds and their new Dove Stamp Fee!

Usually, we have a bit of discussion bout doves and casting shot this time of year. But, aint heard a peep this year, so I thought I'd yap a bit. Anyone castin shot these days???

---kid, the younger

---------aaaah dove breasts wrapped in bacon in the mornin!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dove stamp fee? What the hey??? You're joking right?

Beau

Wish I was kidden Beau. It's been in effect for some three years now. Came to us in the last year of Clintonista rule. Two years ago I was so pissed off, didn't even go out for doves. Feds force state game + fish depts to collect it, so they allegedly can "study" the migratory habits. Oh yeah! Shur put the chill on many once a year dove hunters(opening day social event), that probably was the intent. The bastards! ---kid---

I got out for the Dove and Grouse opener in Idaho today. I got 3 grouse with 4 shots. On my way back to town, I saw several Doves, but my back was tweaked, so I'll have to try for them another day.

How do you cast shot? Just pour from a laddle high up into a bucket of water?

Congratulations Lar45!---, unless, of course, them "grouse" was 'fool hens'(Blue Grouse)ground sluiced or shot out of a tree.

My own dove shooting was pathetic at first, but it got better. Two or three times a week at the range over the past year had taken it's toll---too much aiming and not enough swinging. Ended up at about four shells per bird!

I'm afraid making my own shot has lost it's appeal for yet another year. Just the thought of climbing a high stepladder with a pot of molton alloy, then pouring it through a perforated ladle toward a large tub of water far below, gives me the shakes just thinken about it. ---galena kid---

The only shot maker I know of is the Littleton shot maker. Never have used it. Don't know anyone who has personally used it. It seems like a good idea to use with ww as long as you flux the ww really good to clean them up prior to making the shot. I have seen ads on them (don't remember where) and they didn't look like there was a way to flux the lead.

Sorry to hear about the dove stamp or whatever it is called. I guess some of us have it lucky for now. It's only a matter of time, though.

Beau

Congrats Lar45. When we lived in Grace, ID Sept.1 was on board for grouse and Bows for Elk usually on the same trip. Gianni.

John, Grace is a lovely place, especialy just east of town. Nice area there. I normally make it out for Bow season, but we've been too busy with the wifes chemo treatments. I've only practiced one this year. We did draw on a group hunt for the Diamond Creek area. should be lots of fun.