I used to work for an outfitter that did an opening day dove hunt. We were mainly a waterfowl outfit but the dove hunt helped offset pumping water for teal season and buying other more important shite like decoys, etc..

We would run anywhere from 75-100 hunters in a pretty large field. Normally charged $100 for a half day shoot but would usually have a BBQ which was included. We typically gave out wristbands for proof of payment. We always had a waiver to sign and proof of license was required on waiver. It's somewhat of a hassle to do that but just set up a table with some help as in someone collects money, someone hands out pens/waivers, and someone passes out wristbands. I have no real answer for how many people per acre. However, we do go set the people up in the field dropping hunters off on wheelers or in trucks. It's typically just setting hunters out in a safe distance from each other so people don't get peppered. That usually works until the birds start flying and then hunters will move as flight patterns dictate but generally most folks know to keep their distance if you explain well enough as you set them out to stay a safe distance from each other but most dove hunters tend to be gentlemen about things and if one spot is killing them, they will generally let others creep in or at the least, yell as doves fly by that they miss seeing or miss shooting.

As for booze, you do not want hunters drinking in the field. Repeat, you DO NOT want hunters drinking in the field. This is from an outfitter perspective and it might be be ok if it's among friends but trust me, if green-jeans shows up to check it will become an issue. It's fine after the hunt at the BBQ but it needs to be BYOB or just be ready for the liability if you provide booze. Trust me, you can't police everyone coming and going at an event this size.

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by Huntinguy

Member since Mar 2011

1755 posts

Posted on 7/18/17 at 4:38 pm to MWP

What he said.

Liability insurance is too cheap not to have. Call the Alabama Forest Landowners and get a policy.

I've done this on a rather large scale too. $100 -$150/gun pretty easy. Let kids under 16 off on the fee if you want, but get them on the insurance. Its good to have a list with the name and phone number of every person or responsible person (with kids) there. Go ahead and get them to write their license number down while they fill it out.

If the hunt starts at noon its gonna be hot as a sonofagun, a sausage wrap around or pulled pork sandwich and a bag of Lays is plenty. Save the BBQ/Fish Fry/Jambalaya for after the hunt.

Same with any booze. Absolutely none before the hunt.

Have a safety meeting before the shoot, let everyone know what the expectations and rules are, people will respect you and them and feel safer.

Assign them spots, clump friends together if you like, but assign them spots. At least a hundred yards apart, and preferably around the field and not in the middle. If its a big field then 200 yards out from the first row drop another row.

If you don't assign spots, you'll either have people gripe at you, or be disappointed in the plan of the hunt and not say anything, the opposite of what your goal is.

You can float around after the assignments are made, passing out water/ear plugs and checking on your guys.

Finally, there are a number of people in LA that host these things, talk to some of them.

1 ...

Report Post

Outdoor Board - Replies to Post

Return To Board

Page 1

Return To Board