Doves and Daylight: In the Field, Down by the River, and Around the Grill
As Labor Day approaches, the anticipation kicks into high gear—the opening day of dove hunt is just around the corner. For me, my family, and my friends, this isn’t just a hunt; it’s an annual tradition.
We’re up before dawn, the smell of strong coffee guiding us through the groggy start. We load the dogs and gear into our trucks and roll onto gravel roads as one by one, we park alongside the many truck beds lined up along the field edge. The routine is second nature: set up the lawn chairs, grab five-gallon buckets, grab guns and shells, and get ready for a plentiful dove harvest.
As the first light breaks, we sit in anticipation like a kid on Christmas morning. As the doves start to fly in, shots start to fire “literally”… as gunsmoke fills the air, mixed with jokes and jabs. “How’d you miss that one?” and, of course, the occasional “You shoot like a girl!” comment, which I take with a grin and as an ultimate compliment. The competition is competitive, but all in good fun.
Once the hunt winds down, we head back to camp, and the work begins. Cleaning the doves is a group effort, with everyone pitching in. We grab our Smith’s Consumer Products Bait Shears to breast the doves, their heavy-duty sharp design makes this process incredibly easy. Equally important is having a high-quality fillet knife to finish processing the stack of birds. Smith’s 4” Flexible Folding Fillet Knife is the ideal candidate. Its short, sharp, and flexible blade is ideal for detailed work. Cleaning doves is a process that has become routine as we talk and joke while we work, turning the task into part of the day’s entertainment.
With the doves prepped, it’s time for a break. We head down the road to the Arkansas River with the Turtle Box in hand. We rinse off and relax, arguing over the playlist and enjoying cold refreshments packed in the Rugged Road Cooler. The sand bar becomes a field for a wiffle ball game–just a bit of more competitive fun to unwind from the morning’s work.
As the sun sets, we head back and turn our attention towards dinner. We slice and season the dove breasts with a blend of spices, then grill them to perfection. One of our favorite recipes is to marinate the bird in olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. Then, we attach the dove slices, pineapple, onions, and peppers to Smith’s Cable Wire Skewers and grill the kabobs until they’re tender and juicy. As the kabobs sizzle on the grill, the smell is irresistible. Cans clink, toasts are made, and doves are devoured.
The night ends with good music and laughing until our ribs hurt. We decide to call it a night with sore shoulders and smiles, knowing that tomorrow we’ll do it all over again. The dove hunt isn’t just about the birds; it’s about the memories and bond of tradition. Every year, we come back to this field, not just to hunt, but to reconnect with the Arkansas countryside and each other.
RECIPE | DOVE KABOBS
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 Dozen* dove breasts, cleaned (*quantity depends on how many you want to make)
- 1 C Olive Oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 6 Springs Fresh Rosemary, cleaned and minced; or 2 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ C Lemon Juice
- Salt & Pepper to taste fresh or canned Pineapple Chunks
- White or Sweet Yellow Onions, cubed
- Bell Peppers, cut into thick squares
- Any other veggies you enjoy on Kabobs like fingerling potatoes or tomatoes)
PREPARATION:
- Place doves in a ziplock bag or an airtight container.
- Mix seasonings and liquids and pour over doves.
- Let marinate for 20 mins – several hours.
- Thread vegetables and doves onto the Smith’s Cable Wire Skewers and grill the kabobs until they’re tender and juicy.
About Smith’s Sporting Group:
Smith’s Sporting Group is a multifaceted, diversified company that supports a lifetime of outdoor pursuits and includes Smith’s Consumer Products and Tanners Team Sports. Tracing its roots to 1886, Smith’s Sporting Group designs, manufactures, and distributes key products and accessories for anglers, hunters, campers, and hikers, as well as those who love baseball, softball, and pickleball.
