The mid-August cold front that soaked eastern Colorado will have a profound impact on Monday’s dove opener. The question is, can hunters make the adjustment essential to finding a few birds?
“Dove numbers are not what they were two weeks ago,” Ed Gorman said following an extension survey of northeast Colorado.
Gorman, small game manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, found sparse populations north of Interstate 70, but with scattered pockets of birds.
“Mobility is the key. After hunters pick up four or five birds, they should be prepared to move. Doves are scattered all over,” he said.
Gorman believes many doves fled the storm for the southeast, where biologist Trent Verquer reports large concentrations around abandoned farmsteads.
“Areas with food have lots of birds,” said Verquer, who reported ample stands of wheat stubble near Carson and Cheyenne Wells.
DOW has provided early hunting opportunity through its Walk-In Access Program.
Charlie Meyers, The Denver Post
