Target Quail, Doves and Rabbit for Thanksgiving

December 1990 cover art Welcomes Quail Season

The big bird on the table in most homes at Thanksgiving is farm raised, because there is no fall hunting season in S.C. for wild turkeys. However, hunters have plenty of small game options available to them with quail season opening on November 19 and rabbit season opening on Thanksgiving Day. A one week long season for ducks and doves keeps the wingshooting enthusiasts in the field and on the hunt for birds, and big game hunters will be looking for white-tailed deer. Cooler weather for the holiday weekend will be an added blessing for families that enjoy outdoor activities at Thanksgiving.

            

Don’t forget that squirrel season is also open, which calls for hunters to blend into the woodlands and use stealth to identify their quarry. Shooting a squirrel out of a tree top will always be a solid test of ones marksmanship, which is one reason how small game hunting provides valuable experience that can be applied on a wide range of future hunts. While there may seem to by myriad squirrels out there, it is always important for sportsmen to remember that our natural resources are not unlimited, so ethical limits and legal bag limits must always be underscored. Time must be allowed after the hunt for cleaning the game and preparing the meat for your table.

            

Working with dogs is another big plus for small game season when working canines can determine the success of your hunt, and add the flavor that makes each outing unique. Getting behind a brace of pointing dogs looking for quail is the top draw at Thanksgiving because it has been nine months since quail season ended. Rabbit hunters are just as eager to try running their beagles around old homesteads in pursuit of cottontails. For those with retrievers then a dove field or a duck blind will provide suitable places to let their dogs share and enjoy the heritage of hunting.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries from Thanksgiving click To view past blog entries about Thanksgiving click on 2017 Dove Hunts - 2014 Harvest - Camp Chef - Quail Season Opening Day - Mixed Bag - Lady Hunter tags 10-point buck - 2009 Driven Deer Hunt - 2012 Driven Deer Hunt