Quick Answer
Doves tend to avoid areas with dense sunflower growth, typically within the first week after seed heads begin to form, usually around 50-60 days after planting. This avoidance is likely due to the reduced visibility and increased predator presence in these dense areas.
Habitat Preference
Doves often prefer areas with more open space between sunflower plants, allowing them to fly and forage more easily. As a general rule, hunters should focus on areas with gaps of at least 3-4 feet between plants, as doves tend to avoid areas with too much competition for food and space. This preference can shift as the sunflowers mature and the seeds become more accessible.
Time and Seed Maturity
The timing of sunflower maturity can be critical for dove hunting. In areas where sunflowers are harvested around 90-100 days after planting, the seeds may be too mature for doves to access, as the hard seed heads are less palatable. Conversely, if the seeds are too young, they may not be ripe enough for doves to eat. Hunters should look for areas where the sunflowers are in the optimal stage of maturity, usually around 70-80 days after planting.
Hunting Strategies
When hunting in sunflower fields, it’s essential to consider the topography and wind direction. Doves often fly and forage in areas with open fields ahead and a wind direction that carries their scent away from them. Hunters should position themselves with their backs to the wind and look for areas where doves are likely to land and feed, such as along the edges of fields or in areas with a mixture of sunflowers and other crops.
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