Daily Dove Hunting Report--JRM Wildlife Ranch near George West, Texas
Written by Jim McNeill
We will begin publishing the new reports in September 2012. Happy hunting until then!
Dear Hunters:
Report from October 2011
Our opener provided mixed results throughout our properties in both Live Oak and Jim Wells counties. Although most of the birds were Mourning doves, the hunters harvested a few White-wing Doves, and one Eurasian Collared Dove.
The hunters who experienced the best hunting were on the Casa Blanca Ranch between Orange Grove and Sandia (Jim Wells County). The ranch covers nearly 300 acres and is bordered by cropland that yielded Sunflower and Milo earlier this summer. Within the ranch borders, nearly 70 acres is thick mesquite brush and the balance is improved acreage with 2 stock ponds. An Electric Power Station is located in the northeast corner of the ranch near a pond; it provides an excellent perch for the birds.
Approximately 20 hunters opened the season with a bang on the Casa Blanca. The morning hunt yielded approximately 15 limits during the morning hunt…the others could have limited had they been able to connect a little better. Although the Saturday morning hunt yielded very few birds, many of the hunters were able to reach their limits by the conclusion of the afternoon hunt. Most of the birds harvested were Mourning Doves. The doves’ crops were full of corn and milo--probably from deer feeders or baited fields on neighboring properties.
Twenty four hunters hunted the JRM Wildlife Ranch near Dinero (Live Oak County) and yielded only a few birds throughout the weekend. Only three hunters achieved limits during the Saturday evening hunt. Many of the hunters claimed that most of the birds were flying too fast and too high to get a “lay-up” shot. Although the birds were few and far between, several claimed they could have yielded limits had they been able to shoot a “little straighter”. The 700 acre ranch is full of Mesquite brush, Live Oaks, Sage, and improved acreage. On the property, there are four ponds holding water. Most of the birds harvested were Mourning Doves and contained dove weed in their crops. The less active hunting was a shock as the ranch had been “covered-up” in birds as late as Wednesday. Thankfully all of the planned activities on the ranch successfully entertained the guests leaving everyone satisfied.
Approximately eight hunters opened the season on the DeLong Farm near Mikeska (Live Oak County). The ranch covers 1100 acres with several ponds. All eight hunters hunted two ponds throughout the weekend and yielded great results! Six of Eight hunters limited out on Friday and nearly all shot between 6-8 birds on Saturday. The hunting on Saturday was not as strong as the hunting had been on Friday. Most of the birds harvested were Mourning Dove and contained dove weed and corn (probably from deer feeders on neighboring properties).
We are very grateful to all of our groups of hunters who have continued to hunt with us! It is truly amazing the caliber of hunters we have had the pleasure of serving! Also, thank you for taking time to review our brief report. We wish everyone a safe and happy hunting season!
Sincerely,
Jim McNeill
South Zone Hunting, LLC Corporate Outfitter