Junior hunters: first dove hunt
By Breann Shelley, Goodyear

I was only 10 years old when I went on my first dove hunt last year. My dad and I had to wake up at 4 a.m. It was hard because I was tired, but I wanted to go!

At the Robins Butte Wildlife Area, the weather was overcast and cold early, but it warmed up when it was time to shoot. It took a while before I had a good chance at a dove, but I didn’t give up. Finally, I got one. My dad was so proud of me. It was a white-winged dove, and he has never even gotten a white-winged dove before!

A wildlife biologist taught me some information about the dove I harvested. He showed me the primary feathers. He also showed me the differences between adult and juvenile birds.

We headed out of the field and had a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast. Volunteers from the Chandler Rod and Gun Club made the breakfast.

I had a great time, and so did my dad. Like father, like daughter. I suggest that you go dove hunting with your dad sometime! Maybe we’ll see you out there this year.