Hometown Madison - September & October 2017

As Mississippians, it is no secret that
each season of the year brings its own
gifts, some more pleasurable than others.
Whether it’s the humid heat of the
summer or the inconsistency of the winter
months, each season in Mississippi speaks
about some aspect of our culture here.
Arguably, one of the most soughtafter
seasons of the year for us, is the fall.
What’s not to love about the fall? Cooler
weather arrives in such fashion that the
trees begin to blush, revealing beauty
you only get to see this time of year.
The rushing anticipation of our beloved
football season comes to a satisfying
close as teams begin strapping up for
competition. Last but certainly not least,
hunting season begins in Mississippi.
Just as we begin watching our favorite
football match-ups, here in Madison
County something else is falling just
before the leaves. Dove season is making
its debut throughout numerous places
in the county within miles of each other.
Madison County native Andy Case
describes the dove shoots of opening
weekend as the “gateway to the hunting
season and the welcome of the fall.”
Each year as dove shoots open up
around the county, people get together at
some of their favorite spots with friends
and family for a good hunt. Considered
more than just a hunt, the dove shoots of
opening weekend are treated more like a
social gathering that brings people in the
community together. After having
months of not being able to hunt, it is a
good, fun way to kick the season off right.
One thing that makes dove hunting so
easy, fun, and social, is how relaxed it is
compared to other hunting in Mississippi.
Oftentimes, hunters in close proximity
to each other will hang out and visit
while waiting on birds, which isn’t quite
the same for many of the other types of
bird hunting you might do here. Dove
hunting is also a great way for kids to
start planting their roots and getting a
taste of what it’s like to hunt.
In the past, hunters were only
allowed to start shoots in the afternoons,
but now the regulations have allotted for
shoots to begin in the morning. Rather
than just being an afternoon event, shoots
can now serve as all-day gatherings.
Usually before daylight, hunters will get
all their hunting necessities, breakfast,
and a good spot in their field and wait as
the sun rises and the birds start flying.
Here in Madison County, dove
shoots truly are a staple to the life of
those who hunt and something that is
looked forward to each year. This year,
dove shoots throughout the county
will begin on opening weekend of dove
season, which falls on Labor Day
weekend. There are plenty of ways to
kick off Mississippi’s favorite time of year,
embracing God’s creation, watching your
favorite ball team score, or even scoring
a few birds yourself with friends and
family. After all, it is the falling season.
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