Dove Hunting OPENING DAY 2020 | Quickest LIMIT Of My Life (Shotkam)

September 5th marked the opening day of the 2020 dove hunting season here in Virginia and I was as ready as ever to put some doves in the bag. We got a late start to the afternoon but the birds were plentiful and flying consistently and I was able to limit out quicker than I ever had before! The other guys in the field didn't have as much success but everyone was able to get a few doves as least. Let me know how y'all liked the shotkam footage as well if you see this! Hope y'all enjoy!
VOU Hats : bit.ly/2kaKLZc
Instagram : / vaoutdoorsunlimited
Facebook : / vaoutdoorsunlimited

[@HokeOutdoors]

What's your favorite way to cook doves besides making poppers? Looking for some new recipes to try in a couple hunt & cook videos later this season

[@HokeOutdoors]

Hm, never tried something like that with dove. We always just wrap them in bacon

[@dawrangla1986]

Steve Rinella has a good looking recipe where he fries them whole. I think I'm going to try a couple that way, but it's hard to not enjoy a popper!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Jason! I'll take a look at that!

[@jdkennedy77]

My father taught me a trick for both dove and duck that is very simple. Marinate in Paul Newman’s Italian dressing (has to be Newman’s) overnight, then grill HOT and FAST. Dove or duck, keep close to medium rare. You can bacon wrap them, too. Delish.

[@codytaylor2294]

White rice and doves with a cream of mushroom sauce.... we do a jambalaya with dove Breast and also smoke house rice and dove and of course poppers

[@jdkennedy77]

Nice opener! Can’t believe you found em all in that crazy thick vegetation. Good on ya, Mister!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Yup! I was quite pleased with that, although a dog would've definitely saved me some time 😂

[@BLASTER-vb5wu]

Congrats on the limit!! Love the shotkam footage. Looks like y’all had a great spot and of course great shooting!!💯👍🏼

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Colby! Glad you enjoyed it! I was pretty surprised with my shooting honestly, typically it takes me a box of shells just to knock the rust off

[@BigStrutter]

Great first day for sure!! I was 1 away from a limit myself and my boys were knocking a few down too. Looking forward to your videos this season!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Ned! Glad to hear y'all were able to get out and put some in the bag! Hoping for a good season around here this year, plenty of doves so far and the waterfowl are starting to show up

[@ronblackburn3683]

The doves are after the poke berry seeds. Poke berries are deep purple and great source of food for game birds! The stalk of the plant is reddish brown. Nice work finding the spot to be.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Huh, I didn't know the doves liked them, makes sense though cause I always flush them from under them up in here. I appreciate the info!

[@ronblackburn3683]

Virginia Outdoors Unlimited you can verify that birds are eating poke berries by checking the intestines for purple staining. I’ve also noticed it on bobwhite quail staining the white throat patch purple. The seed is black and very hard

[@HokeOutdoors]

@@ronblackburn3683 they're definitely eating them. They sit 10 deep under the low hanging ones now. The tall ones drop there seeds in late Sept and then the doves get really thick.

[@justinknudson776]

I love your videos! I shot 25 doves over the labor day weekend. I miss it already! your intros look a lot better than last year too!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Justin! Congrats on the doves! Going to chase some more myself this afternoon

[@charlesgresham9235]

Really enjoyed seeing your lead on the bird with the Shot Kam - very informative.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it Charles! I'm really looking forward to getting to use it on my hunts this season

[@slyflyby]

Great video, like the shotkam! Good shooting and nice job finding all in the brush!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Sly! Glad to hear it! A dog would've definitely come in handy but we made do

[@thisguy4426]

I have to say your a dam good shot on them doves! Your shooting has improved since back when you first started! Let's see this when ducks come your way 🤠

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Chad! It been small improvements every season but I feel like they're finally starting to add up. Can't wait to be out chasing some ducks here soon!

[@myronhigh3527]

Looked like a fun hunt buddy, keep'em up! Be safe, and God Bless!👍🤗🙏

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks bud! You as well!

[@hdrunk5]

Nice work. Impressed you can find them after they go down.

[@shanewiles629]

Awesome video and enjoyed watching as always. I’ve killed a pile of doves in cutovers myself. Doves love a cutover like that, they’re out the eating those dried poke berries as well as other seeds and things. They love sitting in those dead trees as well. The season isn’t far away and looks forward to your videos this upcoming season.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Shane! Hopefully they'll be thick in that cutover again this year, I think that's where were planning on hunting for opening day again

[@FowlAssassinsOutdoors]

Awesome vid! Looked like a solid opener! Love the shotkam

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Johnny! It was a blast to get back out there

[@ryanpatton467]

Love the shotkam footage!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Ryan!

[@jakobroze7017]

Great video! Looking forward to my first dove hunt. I wish they had a season in NY! Will have to travel south and make a trip out of it!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you! It blows my mind that y’all done have one up there but hope you can find somewhere close to get on a few

[@Hydrangea1998]

Great hunt! Motivates me to get out again. The WMA area I hunt in MD tends to be pretty lame, even though there are multiple huge sunflower fields.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Fritz! Any luck this weekend?

[@nasserkuzbari2205]

Nice video.. tomorrow is the first day of dove hunting in MD. Good luck to all.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Nasser! Good luck out there tomorrow!

[@chased7839]

If you guys could plant a couple acres of sunflowers those 200 birds would turn into 500 birds, great video nice shooting

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Bob! I am planning on trying to grow some sunflowers in this area next season, just not sure if I could grow them in the woods with all the cows but I've got a couple other spots in mind

[@michaelraney7763]

I glad u got a shot cam and you are doing it great

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Michael! I appreciate it

[@Pipeafield]

Well done! Excellent production!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@antoniomora4559]

Great hunt body it looks you and your friends had lots of fun we here in California did just that on opening day September 1

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Antonio! It was a good time for sure! Glad to hear you were able to get out yourself

[@michaelrussell9996]

Good footage on the shot cam!!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Michael! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@HighPrairieSportsmen]

What do we want? The banger goose hunt! When do we want it? Now! Haha jk. Nice vid Thomas. That Shotkam footage has me thinking... 🤔

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Do it...

[@HokeOutdoors]

Come on Matt, do it! Thanks! Goose hunt will be out Tuesday I think

[@MrTravis0306]

Very cool. Can’t wait for this year. I found a spot sort of like this thick cover around public. Never thought to hunt near it because I was nervous I would be able to find the birds after they went down.

[@HokeOutdoors]

It's definitely better to have a dog in a spot like this but it can be done without one. Hopefully this spot will produce some great hunts again this fall!

[@jameslandrum555]

I worry more about the snakes in tall grass this time of year in Mississippi lol!!

[@andrewakers3062]

Buckingham had a great opening day as well, 50 for my group. You're probably not too far from me. Love the videos. Shot kam is prime

[@HokeOutdoors]

Nice Andrew! Y'all are not too far from me at all. I'll probably give the public a shot one day once things settle down up there. Good luck up that way this season!

[@andrewakers3062]

@@HokeOutdoors or come a lil further to my place. Powerlines, vineyard, cedars, gravel rd, 3 ponds. Think we could limit in an hour or so if weather cooperates.

[@HokeOutdoors]

I’d definitely come up there! Can you shoot me an email or message on IG or FB? Sounds like it’d be a good time

[@kuevang8556]

Love watching your videos

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@tommygray8520]

Great limit Post the goose hunt, can’t wait to see it

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Tommy! Goose hunt should be out early this week!

[@chichuaxyiong7803]

Great hunt I like the way you shoot and the way you talked.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you

[@jasonbarnett7900]

Awesome video too by the way!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Jason! Glad you enjoyed!

[@KingsOutdoorLife]

Nice video. I bought the shotkam last week myself I subbed.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you! I've only had mine for a couple weeks but it definitely seems like an awesome tool so far

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Great hunt Thomas!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Titus!

[@nathanneuherz4144]

Sweet vid. Hopefully I can get out this week

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Nathan! Good luck if you're able to get out!

[@jimkinney5661]

took my limit also. my favorite day of the year. Have you ever had bang bang shrimp???....You can do it with dove breast also. I also smoke them and put them in quesadillas.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Congrats Jim! I have had bang bang shrimp and I can imagine how it would work well with doves. I will put that down on the list of recipes I want to try. Quesadillas sound good too, I often do goose fajitas and they're delicious

[@el_toro105.]

Thanks for great video it was awesome 👌

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@HirschJaeger23]

Awesome man

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@jamesgardner395]

I use dove meat to make a buffalo dove dip. Cook and shred the dove meat put 1 cup ranch 1 cup hot sauce, I 8oz cream cheese and 1 8oz shredded cheddar in crockpot with cooked shredded dove meat. It’s fantastic with steamed cauliflower.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Man that sounds great! I've had similar dips with venison and they always turn out delicious

[@jeremy28135]

Hey brother, I didn't even realized you changed your channel name. Must be the off-season! 🍻

[@HokeOutdoors]

Just made the change a couple week ago, figured it was best to do it before all the craziness of the season started. When does the off-season end in your parts?

[@brooksandrews7978]

Love your videos

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@billramsey8695]

Okay, from somebody who dreams about doing this. But works all the time and never takes the time to enjoy dove, quail, duck, or goose hunting. I really enjoyed this video. But would love to see, a clean and cook. I know that's a lot for work, but just a thought. Really enjoyed this part of it. Stay safe and God bless

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Bill! I am hoping to do some hunt clean and cooks this year. Unfortunately right now my cooking situation isn't great but I am actively working to change that. God bless you as well

[@mnpluckedoutdoors9069]

Absolutely killed it here up in MN 3-4man limit in the first 30 min

[@HokeOutdoors]

Hell yeah! What kind of field are you hunting over up there?

[@mnpluckedoutdoors9069]

Sunflower

[@mudduck6182]

Doesn't get much better than that 👍

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Mud Duck! Only thing missing was a banded one 😂

[@pitbullracing18]

Your dove hunting videos are my favorite out of all of the others i watch

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks man! I'm hoping to have quite a few more as the season goes on!

[@assil110]

Nice shooting Thomas. You know that you have a very special way of shooting... I cant tell whether you use maintained lead or swing thru hhhh. You dont really seem to take much time to follow the bird, yet, your shots are most of the time successful !!! Could you please talk about that in a video.

[@huntershorizon1671]

I'm surprised you don't have a nice 🐕 for example English Springer spaniel good size easy to have.😊😊 Good retrieve on ground or from water.

[@HokeOutdoors]

I really want to get a dog but my current living situation at college wouldn't be good for a puppy. I plan on getting one very soon though

[@jakedaniel7566]

Now we wait for the goose hunting video!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Should be out early this week!

[@lovetohunt4444]

Thank you for sharing. Great video. Any suggestion , where to go in NVA dove hunting?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you. I'm not very familiar with the dove hunting up there but here is a map that shows pretty much all of the public options in the state vafwis.dgif.virginia.gov/FindWildlifeVA/#/findGame

[@DuckalopeOutdoors]

Nice hunt!!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks! Y'all get out for dove on Saturday?

[@emrywatson2986]

I love your vids

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@mikemarsh9928]

Good hunt bro

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Mike!

[@claybailey3842]

Went dove hunting opening day too. In (Virginia) me and a couple friends got 72

[@HokeOutdoors]

Congrats Clay! Sounds like an awesome day and some good eating 👍🏻

[@warrenc4052]

So how does a 15 dove limit per person equal 72? Hmm.

[@claybailey3842]

@@warrenc4052 Not all of us hit limits

[@f1rem0th]

what size cartridges are you using and choke? You're making some great shots man.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! I was shooting 2 3/4 inch #7.5s out of a light modified choke on this hunt

[@blackwateroutdoors7364]

Do those mojos work pretty good drawing them in? I bought something similar from sportsman's warehouse just haven't had a chance to get out since Monday and give it a try.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yup. Out of all the spinning wing decoys I've used the dove ones definitely work the best. Try to get them up as high as possible and they can be a magnet for the birds

[@shawn5141]

Nice. You still shooting the franchi? How you liking it with the light loads. Keep it up thomas

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Shawn! Yup, that's still the Affinity 3. It handles light loads like a champ actually, never had any issues with them. Goose loads on the other hand can be rough, had multiple issues on the morning goose hunt

[@shawn5141]

@@HokeOutdoors What choke did you go with? I'm shooting an old 20 ga this dove season but only have the full :/ Love the shot cam work. Gonna be great when the ducks start falling

[@country_boy21]

Awesome video keep them coming like I told you on Facebook I got three technically I got five but you know how private land can be everyone wants to claim it

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Scotty! Yup I know how that ones goes, I've had it happen a few too many times which is why I try to get a spot kind of to myself

[@country_boy21]

@@HokeOutdoors yeah I know the place that I was at was only one field cut even the game warden was mad that there was nothing cut so everybody was packed and one field about 2 Acres or less

[@HokeOutdoors]

Holy cow I can imagine. My buddy went to one of the WMAs down here and said it was pretty crazy

[@country_boy21]

@@HokeOutdoors it was okay at first then everybody started moving down to where we was I told them that's what happens when you Scout if you find out where they are and you sit right there but they didn't so we was doing all the shooting lol

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

Dove, Wild Rice, & Mushroom Casserole Preheat oven to 325 degrees 15 dove breasts removed from the bone and each piece cut in half 2 cups wild rice (Bulk food section of the supermarket) 2 cans Cream Of Chicken Soup 2 cans Cream Of Celery Soup 2 cans whole milk 1/2 lb sliced mushrooms 1/2 a medium onion chopped 3 tablespoons chopped garlic Salt & pepper to taste Mix well and pour into a greased 13"x9" baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 2.5 hours or until rice is done. (Wild rice takes a lot longer to cook than regular rice. You could probably par cook the Wild Rice first. That would cut down on the cook time, but this is how I have done it and it turned out fine. Just keep checking the rice for doneness every 15 minutes after about an hour and a half. ) I promise you if you serve this at the Thanksgiving dinner table people will go crazy over it.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you!! This is going to be the recipe I use for the first dove hunt and cook video I make this fall

[@sheilakilroy441]

Let me know what they were in there eating. With it being in tall brush like that I was wondering what they were eating.

[@sheilakilroy441]

Can't wait to see this Im writing it before i watch you better not be showing off Thomas lol.

[@thepackoutdoors9435]

Love how you put the thumb nail in the video 🤣

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha I thought it was a pretty funny clip, glad you enjoyed it!

[@tmitch8639]

What are the best settings for your shotkam

[@MO-xv1cz]

Nice skotcam footage.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@ryanlittlefieldoutdoors8095]

Good shooting man. I gotta ask, what rig do you have to get that shot cam view, with the reticle? I need that in my life

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Ryan! The shotkam is actually a product that you can buy. It's similar to a tactacam if you are familiar with those.

[@ryanlittlefieldoutdoors8095]

@@HokeOutdoors Thanks man, I'm looking to get one for my new youtube channel

[@chucksmith5002]

Nice wing shooting

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@PreacherMike2020]

Nice job! What part of VA were you hunting, and what number shot were you using?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Michael! Hunting south central VA and shooting 7 & 1/2 shot

[@NotoEP]

I’m in North central NC. Went on my first dove hunt this past Saturday. Had a blast !💥 Definitely hooked! Poppers where awesome!

[@adamhernandez4860]

Do you think you can make a video on how you aim for doves especially according to distance and speed?

[@HokeOutdoors]

If I could explain it I would but I honestly think it is 99% practice and experience. I've been hunting doves for 12 years now and each year I just get a little better with my aim. It's all about having the proper swing and then just getting out in front of the bird. If you think you're far enough in front you typically need to pull a little further in front. Pretty much all my misses on this hunt were behind birds

[@adamhernandez4860]

@@HokeOutdoors I see what you’re saying. Sept 1st was my first dove hunt. I came out with 4 but I shot through like 3 boxes. I’m just trying to become a better shooter but experience im sure will make me better over time.its just hard to judge if I’m too far in front or too high or low? I can’t see my shot pattern when I’m missing these doves

[@arkansasoutdooradventures4933]

Is the dot on the shot cam where your bead is? Never used one

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yep. You can actually notice I tend to put the bead under the birds cause my gun throws a 70/30 pattern

[@slash5245]

Hey man let’s go

[@HokeOutdoors]

You hunt the opener

[@slash5245]

Virginia Outdoors Unlimited no I wish. Planning to go soon though

[@andrewledford50]

Jealous of the hunt man, just wandering what choke do you use?

[@HokeOutdoors]

It was a pretty special one for sure! I'm shooting a Carlsons Light Modified tube, I patterned it and my factory IC and this was more consistent

[@nemohoes9792]

What barrel length is this?

[@raalvarez9241]

Opening day south Texas rained all day with rain forecasted for the next week 😭

[@HokeOutdoors]

Dang man I'm sorry to hear it. Should mean the second week is going to be great though cause birds won't be as pressured.

[@raalvarez9241]

Virginia Outdoors Unlimited very true I’m gonna scout some fields surrounding a lake by my home. I want to find the paths the doves take through there to know where to place the ole trusty mojo! Good luck and saludos from Deep South Texas !

[@adriancallus6601]

Jeez mam amd here in malta thank god you cach 2 in a sesson lol.. need to come whit you

[@HokeOutdoors]

Dang man I never realized it was that tough over there. How often are you going out?

[@adriancallus6601]

@@HokeOutdoors each day i go out from the first september in one week yesterday i shoot 3 shots..

[@RyanMOutdoors]

What are they feeding on to be in that area?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Pokeberry bushes, there's a ton of them in the cutover and they are pretty accessible for the bird

[@bryanrose5492]

We got our limers 2

[@HokeOutdoors]

Congrats! Glad to hear it

[@bryanrose5492]

I’m from pa it came in the first

[@HokeOutdoors]

Gotcha

[@julraysadventureph9614]

good👍👍👍

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@edwardhaayer3019]

What choke do you use full choke ?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Light Modified

[@afaqahmad8900]

nice

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@nathanjohnson1298]

what gun are you shooting including choke and ammo.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Franchi Affinity 3 with Carlsons Light Mod

[@mostersixoutdoors5310]

Just wondering why do you tap your gun before you shoot?

[@HokeOutdoors]

To activate the shotkam. It goes into sleep mode when not being used

[@jayh9144]

What type of choke are you using?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Carlsons Light Modified

[@jasonbarnett7900]

What choke are you using?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Carlsons Light Modified

[@lanejacobs357]

What choke you using

[@HokeOutdoors]

Carlsons Light Modified

[@huntercarroll643]

Not bashing or anything, just looks like to me that you seem to rush your shots a little bit, I know where your hunting is a little tight an not much space as well. But another Great video an nice limit man!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Hunter! Definitely still rushing but I find myself doing it the beginning of every season with the excitement of the first hunts. This year it wasn't nearly as bad as last year though..

[@mariohernandez9608]

How is he rushing shots? He dropping birds isn’t he?

[@huntercarroll643]

@@mariohernandez9608 you can rush an still drop birds I just offered my opinion in a helping way didn’t mean no disrespect to Thomas as he makes great content for us!

[@huntercarroll643]

@@mariohernandez9608 you can rush an still drop birds I just offered my opinion in a helping way didn’t mean no disrespect to Thomas as he makes great content for us!

[@MrMharley]

What gun and choke you shooting , you killing um high and far away🇺🇸👍🏻

[@HokeOutdoors]

I'm shooting a Franchi Affinity 3 with a Carlson Light Modified choke

[@reallandoturner5260]

What ShotKam do you use??

[@HokeOutdoors]

I think there is only one brand but mine is a Shotkam

[@johnnymckee8135]

Almost forgot to double tap before you shot your 12th one😂

[@HokeOutdoors]

Lol I was still getting used to the shotkam on this hunt. Hopefully I got the hang of it now

[@nintendo078]

Limited out and only used 3 boxes

[@HokeOutdoors]

Takes a little while to get sighted in sometimes

[@thebottomlandbrothers8440]

Why do you tap the bit of your gun before you shoot

[@HokeOutdoors]

To turn on the shotkam

[@dakotapetersen9539]

I think you shot 1 with your first shot.

[@kshunt3399]

Why do the doves like that area so much I can’t seem to find spots with that many

[@HokeOutdoors]

It's a combination on things in this spot. A young cutover is typically good because there is lots of early successional plants coming up and this place also has those cows which have created some bare dirt areas that the birds can land on. Bare ground is a big thing for doves because of their short legs. Also there are lots of dead trees which are real magnets for doves. Lastly there are tons of poke berries growing in this cutover which the doves apparently like.

[@jacobzirkle9153]

What’s with the smacks on the stock?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Turns on the Shotkam

[@michaelhead9538]

15:45 how many shells are in Your gun?

[@HokeOutdoors]

3 or less...

[@hunterbordelon619]

2:48 headless dove

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yup! Any of mine that have some life in them end up looking like that

[@mattmck2525]

What's the deal with tapping the side of your gun before you shoot. I've seen that a lot on hunting videos lately..

[@MBTUE]

Hard to find them eh ?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yup, wasn't the easiest place to find them at all but found them all!

[@jacobradcliffe6429]

First

[@HokeOutdoors]

👊🏻👍🏻

[@projectsarms]

So you use a scope?

[@HokeOutdoors]

No scope, there is a sight on the gun but when wing shooting your eye should be on the bird

[@projectsarms]

Virginia Outdoors Unlimited gotcha

[@beardigh1985]

What part of virginia do you hunt

[@HokeOutdoors]

southern and central

[@HokeOutdoors]

this was up in the farmville area

[@beardigh1985]

Was it logging property

[@nathanjohnson1298]

Is his WMA or private?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Private

[@projectsarms]

What gun are you using

[@HokeOutdoors]

Franchi Affinity 3

[@projectsarms]

Cool I use a franchi 20 gauge

[@HokeOutdoors]

Nice

[@robertb.4731]

My first dove hunt I killed two doves in Powhatan VA

[@HokeOutdoors]

Congrats Robert! You hit the WMA up there? Never tried it for doves

[@robertb.4731]

Virginia Outdoors Unlimited no, I always hunt and fish on private land.

[@HokeOutdoors]

@@robertb.4731 gotcha. I try to be on private as much as possible

[@robertb.4731]

Virginia Outdoors Unlimited yeah, it’s just better quality land