Page 41 - Outdoor Oklahoma - May/June 2021 Issue

After mowing, technicians can install a fire-
break around the field perimeter. A firebreak is DAvID bANTA/ODWC
a typically a line that is disked entirely to bare
soil. This helps to ensure that the prescribed fire
stays within the field boundary, coupled with
monitoring as the burn is conducted.
Once the firebreak is done, it is time to burn
the field. Burning the field removes plant mat-
ter that remains from mowing, making the grain
more visible to dove.
Wildlife management area managers go
through this process each year to help provide
the best opportunity on public lands for dove
hunters. It takes a lot of planning, time, and
resource inputs to prepare for dove season.
Managers strive to maximize opportunities for
dove hunters by preparing several dove fields
scattered across their areas.
Then, if everything comes together — delayed
cold fronts, successful dove hatches, dove
locating these fields — there will be no better
locations for the opportuni- After disking, prescribed fire is used to further enhance a field’s ability to
attract dove.
ty to harvest some of these
fast-flying birds.
WMAs With Dove

Field Management * WILDLIFEDEPARTMENT.COM

Northwest: Beaver River, Drummond
Flats, Fort Supply.

Southwest: Mountain Park, Waurika,
Hackberry Flat, Sandy Sanders,
Packsaddle, Ellis County.
Central, Northeast: Cross Timbers,
Hickory Creek, Lexington, Keystone,
Skiatook, Candy Creek, Kaw, John Dahl.

* Contingent on weather conditions allowing
disking, planting, burning, etc.

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