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Another great option we like to use is the "goal post" technique which is two 2x4s placed a distance apart from each other with a rope strung across at the top to simulate a highline wire. We prepare two 20 ft. 2x4s by drilling in holes at one end to allow a rope to be pulled threw the holes. The one end is tied onto the 2x4 while the other end is allowed to freely slide through the hole. It is important to make sure you have plenty of rope to allow "lowering" the center of the highline to place decoys on the line and then pull down on the rope to raise them back up. Once raised, simply tie the rope to the bottom of the 2x4 to secure the rope and keep the highline tight...walla, doves on a wire! Depending on what kind of decoys you have, you may need to weight the bottom of the decoys so they stay vertical and head side up. We simply auger two holes a desired distance apart to place the 2x4s in so they are anchored and sturdy to support having a tight highline wire. You wouldn't believe how well this works and really gets your dove decoys up nice and high. If 20 ft. 2x4s are too much to haul around, take two 10 ft. lengths and drill two holes in each at one end for inserting bolts through. Once at the hunting site, you can then insert two bolts into the two 10 ft. sections to make lengths that are close to 20 ft. long...but a lot easier to haul around.

These are all very cost effective projects that can be done with the kids to add to the hunting and outdoor experience. My son and I even made some spinning wing decoys that are driven by the wind. These work great if there is sufficient wind, but we are also working on making some spinning wings that are driven by a jerk cord. The dove season provides so many great opportunities to introduce youth to the outdoors and shooting sports. Since there are ample doves around for shooting experience, the youngsters get a lot of practice in. The fact they are sitting instead of walking, also offers a lot of opportunity to discuss gun safety and keeping it safe. My son is now 9 yrs old and handles the 20 gauge really well, but I only allow him one shell at a time. This makes me feel more comfortable that there are reduced chances of accidents after shooting and it also makes him concentrate on that first shot since it is the one that counts...rather than rattling off 3 or more uncontrolled quick shots.

It turned out to be a great day...clear skies and once the dew was off the grass, the doves really started coming in. It was almost too warm with a high of 94F. We were able to sit in short sleeve shirts and light boots along the shade of the corn. Bugs were an issue so make sure you bring your bug spray along. 8 shot was our choice of load and we both shot 20 gauges...nice light guns for wing shooting doves. We ended up with our limits some time after noon and packed up to head in with a nice cooler full of doves. I asked my son what his favorite part of the day was and he said, "All of it!". Gotta like that.

Doves are very easy to clean and most often just breasted out. It doesn't take long with a group to go thru them if everyone takes a task or two. We simply tear a little skin below the breast to peel back the skin and feathers up to the head and wings. We then grab the wings with one hand and slide a finger under the bottom of the breast...one good pull and the breast comes right off for a very delicious piece of game. There are many ways to cook dove but my favorite is probably on the grill right after the hunt. I like to skewer them and dust them with seasoning. A few minutes on the grill and they are ready to serve. My favorite sides are sweat corn, fresh potatoes or even some fresh wild rice. All of these tend to be seasonally available and go well with freshly harvested dove.

Doves tend to leave earlier than other birds but there is still plenty of time to go dove hunting and introduce a youngster to the outdoors. It is also very cost effective entertainment since the shells and decoys are generally inexpensive and you can make your own set-ups for the decoys out of dead branches or 2x4s...and a 5 gallon bucket or chair to sit on. I have found that most landowners do not have a problem with allowing dove hunting...always ask for permission. My son and I have gone out a couple more times since the opener and probably will a few more time before in gets colder and the doves move on...but then it is on to duck and pheasant hunting!

Kyle Thompson

The Minnesota Deer Classic is a fun place.  We keep records on big game in Minnesota and have published six editions of the record book.  We have a limited number of our 6th edition of the Minnesota Record Book left.  To order our 6th edition Record book click on this  link Record Book Order Form.  Free drawing every day for a beautiful framed wildlife art print with a value of $224.00.  Drawing at 8pm Friday, 2pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday.  Must be present to win. This show is the 2nd oldest deer hunting show in the nation and one of the largest hunting shows in the upper mid-west. Many regard it as one of the top buying and booking shows in the country! It's held at the Coliseum Building, Minnesota State Fairgrounds.  Over 250 commercial booths!  Acres of free parking! Over 600 trophies entered annually!  Annual Taxidermy Display!  Trout Pond!  Fun kids archery instruction and hands-on events for the family including electronic shooting games and much more!  Measuring at the show for the state and national record books! Free hourly seminars (3 areas) by national and regional experts most show hours! Be sure to see these and many other attractions!

Kyle Thompson, owner and found of PLM, will be giving a seminar each day on "Small Property Management for Whitetails".  Ths seminar will describe ways to take your property from a "travel through" property to an "attract and hold" property by increasing the carrying capacity to reduce the size of doe home ranges and increase the number of doe groups on your property.  Every time you can increase a doe group...you increase the potential for another dominant buck!!  You won't want to miss this seminar.

PLM will have a booth set up to talk with landowners and habitat enthusiasts.  Bring in your "aerial photo" and PLM can review and discuss the property limiting factors and options for habitat and program options.  PLM will also have an extensive line of food plot items for sale.  Stop by and check it out!  We will have "Show Discounts" on many food plot items.

For more information, see www.amdeerclassics.com/mn_show.htm

PLM will have a booth set up to talk with landowners and habitat enthusiasts.  Bring in your "aerial photo" and PLM can review and discuss the property limiting factors and options for habitat and program options.  PLM will also have an extensive line of food plot items for sale.  Stop by and check it out!  We will have "Show Discounts" on many food plot items.

For more information, see http://www.northwestsportshow.com/

In August, the hunting season is just around the corner and a hunter's thoughts turn to the woods, field and waterways. Dreaming about the hunt and planning the details are at the forefront of the mind. Soon it will be time for hunters to converge in pursuit of their quarry.

Nothing whets the appetite of an outdoors enthusiast more than the GAME FAIR, held annually over two weekends at Armstrong Kennels Ranch, six miles northwest of Anoka. Celebrating 29 years in 2010, GAME FAIR is the nation's largest outdoors, pre-hunting, family participation event.

GAME FAIR is a sporting event for the entire family. Held in the out-of-doors on 80 beautiful acres of woods and water, GAME FAIR has everything you need for the outdoors. This year will feature many of the favorites from years past as well as many new exhibits, renovated grounds and new dog events. You are invited to attend GAME FAIR to see, try and buy the latest in hunting equipment and learn from expert outdoorsmen and women. Special exhibits to view include everything from duck boats, archery, decoys, art, dogs and dog accessories, taxidermy and all the latest in hunting for the outdoor enthusiast.

Your hosts for all 29 years of GAME FAIR are Chuck and Loral I Delaney who patterned the extravaganza after European Medieval Fall Festivals. Hosted by a family and designed for families, GAME FAIR is a participatory occasion. Fairgoers are encouraged to bring their dogs (leashed) and their guns or bows (cased) so they can participate in the numerous activities in this magnificent outdoor setting. Activities for children of all ages include slingshots, air rifles, archery and darts. There are also tons of concession stands with all your favorite summer treats.

This year there will be more exhibitors than ever before displaying the latest in outdoor and hunting equipment and providing expert advice. Hourly seminars presented by experts in every aspect educate, enlighten and entertain attendees on subjects such as how to fool a deer, techniques on bringing in ducks and geese, preparing game for a family feast and many more.

Make plans now to attend the 29th Annual GAME FAIR

Kyle Thompson, owner and found of PLM, will be giving a seminar each day on "Small Property Management for Whitetails".  Ths seminar will describe ways to take your property from a "travel through" property to an "attract and hold" property by increasing the carrying capacity to reduce the size of doe home ranges and increase the number of doe groups on your property.  Every time you can increase a doe group...you increase the potential for another dominant buck!!  You won't want to miss this seminar.

PLM will have a booth set up to talk with landowners and habitat enthusiasts.  Bring in your "aerial photo" and PLM can review and discuss the property limiting factors and options for habitat and program options.  PLM will also have an extensive line of food plot items for sale.  Stop by and check it out!  We will have "Show Discounts" on many food plot items.

For more information, see http://www.gamefair.com/