Training with doves instead of pigeons

[Roxie1]

Does anyone use live morning dove to train instead of pigeon. Just asking because I could trap them in my back yard and use them in stead of pigeons as they come in when I put bird seed out all the time.

[ezzy333]

Does anyone use live morning dove to train instead of pigeon. Just asking because I could trap them in my back yard and use them in stead of pigeons as they come in when I put bird seed out all the time.

Not legal to catch doves in most places as far as I know.

Ezzy

[sdsujacks]

Does anyone use live morning dove to train instead of pigeon. Just asking because I could trap them in my back yard and use them in stead of pigeons as they come in when I put bird seed out all the time.

Doves shed feathers pretty easy.. Lots of dogs don't really like having a bunch of feathers stuck in their mouth after they drop the bird.

[Roxie1]

Sorry I didn't want the dog to handle the bird. I was thinking more on the lines of that magic bush drill where the bird flushes until you start to get pointing established. Any opinions on this

[campgsp]

Think it's always best to do it the old fashioned way of using pigeons. Plus doves are protected most everywhere.

[Qwernt]

While morning doves would be illegal, in many states you could use eurasian collared doves (in many states they are considered an invasive species and are completely non protected, just like rock doves [pigeons]). Of course, you would want to be careful to not catch morning doves by mistake.

[EvanG]

Even if it were legal, I would avoid training with doves. And, while doves and pigeons are close relatives, pigeons have much more scent, and dogs don't tend to mishandle them as often as doves. Doves tend to get a good eager dog to be mouthy with them. Stick with pigeons or larger birds if you can.

EvanG

[Wenaha]

I think pigeons are much easier to handle. Doves are a game bird (or a song bird - depending on where you live), so they cannot be legally trapped or 'harassed' in most places.

Higgins' 'Magic Brush Pile' is not a pointing drill - it is a steadying drill - and a good one. It teaches you dog to stand while you go forward and flush & shoot the bird. I have worked with Brad Higgins a little and his Brush Pile drill does work as advertised. He has other views that I do not agree with.

[DJWorm]

Doves do not emit a good "game bird" scent whereas pigeons do.

Doves are a Federal protected migratory game bird.....Ie be very careful.