2026 Dove Field Planting

[Stumpknocker]

I will just say one of the best hunts I have ever been on was in a field planted with brown top , cut and then bailed. I understand the dynamics of planting corn and sunflowers for longevity, but if you have a field that’s historically had birds plant brown top (that shit will grow on top of Everest) then burn it and give the birds a place to land.

[Waterfowler]

You are doing the right thing. I have around 100 acres ready to go between duck ponds and dove fields. Not going to plant anything until we get some moisture in the ground. Have to keep in mind pre-emergent depending on what you use needs a rain to work properly. As far as a dove filed goes, mother's day is what I aim for especially if you wanted sunflowers by the opener.

[Buckin Bronco]

If someone were to dike up three sides of their dove field and flood it for moisture, then drain and plant, then flood again briefly if needed, would this work or would you have to let the field dry out enough for the tractor that it wouldn’t matter?

[Palmetto Bug]

I'm on hold. The real farmer that rents some fields from me started planting corn three or four weeks ago and stopped after a few rows. That corn sprouted on one end of the field but was very patchy on the other. He's still in a holding pattern.

I was already on the fence about putting all the time and money into a dove field again this year after the last two dismal dove seasons. Since my real farmer was going to plant 35 acres of corn in the field behind my dove field, I am planning on just buying a few acres of that still standing and only plant some sunflowers in the actual dove field. Even on a regular year with normal rain, I don't plant flowers until late May. My water table ponds are about 4 feet below the spill level.

I have one 3 acre food plot field behind the 35 acre field that I burned down last weekend to plant some deer corn. I looked like a coal miner after spraying that little field. I can wait until June to plant that if I need to.

[3 1/2" MAGUM]

Awesome
image.jpg

[Calibogue]

I planted flowers last Tuesday....but, mine are under a pivot!
It's likely I have the only planted field in the area I suspect.
I will evaluate duck ponds once these flowers are on cruise control.

[thawhacker]

You gonna be loaded then this year

[Palmetto Bug]

Sunflowers under a center pivot is uber boujee.

[Highstrung]

Planting stuff now

[2thDoc]

you got faith in the rain coming???

[JABIII]

I am seeing <1" through the 6th of May across most of the state. Hope that is wrong...

[Whackumstackum]

I am seeing <1" through the 6th of May across most of the state. Hope that is wrong...

9 tenths is less than an inch and it would go a looooong way right now. Im hoping your forecast is wrong and we are fixing to get hammered this weekend.

[JABIII]

For sure. At least we have some decent seas the next little bit...

[Highstrung]

Corn. If we want any we might as well, not planting a ton either.

[Buckin Bronco]

Sunflowers under a center pivot is uber boujee.

And I want it

[Glenn]

I am seeing <1" through the 6th of May across most of the state.

TWSS

[Calibogue]

Sunflowers under a center pivot is uber boujee.

We have a pivot.
Once upon a time I had a field in a cool place and everything but no water.
Said fuk it and moved dove efforts under the pivot.....best move ever and never looked back!
I only use about 15-20% of the irrigated acres, the rest is rotated b/w corn and pnuts.
Now, as dry as it is I hope I can keep the deer at bay.

[Palmetto Bug]

I think I'm going to forego planting for deer this year and just hope the drought holds and then hunt the pond bank when they come for a drink. I might put some buckets of water under the stands that have a good view.

I have always wondered what the poor critters do when it gets this dry.

[Catdaddy]

I think I'm going to forego planting for deer this year and just hope the drought holds and then hunt the pond bank when they come for a drink. I might put some buckets of water under the stands that have a good view.

I have always wondered what the poor critters do when it gets this dry.

Put a bucket of water out and put a camera on it. It will surprise you.


Years ago I dug water holes with a backhoe. Some places I put out plastis 55 gallon barrels, cut in half.
Sent from my motorola edge 2024 using Tapatalk

[DRDUCK]

Put a bucket of water out and put a camera on it. It will surprise you.


Years ago I dug water holes with a backhoe. Some places I put out plastis 55 gallon barrels, cut in half.
Sent from my motorola edge 2024 using Tapatalk

Saw it last night when I was watering my garden it formed puddles and was amazed at all the birds that just showed up and stayed around for along time. Pretty dry