The dove population in my area has been on the decline for many years due to the steady disappearance of row-crop farming. With the advent of legalized baiting (disc up 2-3 acres and layer it with wheat) around every bend in the road by the local good ol' boys who blast them morning and afternoon for the 3-day Labor Day weekend until the local thin population has been wiped out, It gets to be less each passing year.

I've tried to convince the Miss. Dept. of Wildlife to only allow afternoon-only hunts/shoots on opening weekend to extend the resource somewhat. They look at you like you've got two heads.
JR

Be strong, be of good courage.
God bless America, long live the Republic.