In many dove fields, you can see good perching sites, such as dead trees or power lines.  As such, doves will stage there, sometimes in large numbers, before entering the field to feed.  When you hear someone holler “here they come!”, turn and look towards these perching sites.  This usually means a group of doves is entering the field, and some wild, fast shooting is about to happen!

A simple “bird” call in the dove field means a bird has entered the field.  This is supposed to mean a dove has entered the field, but you definitely shouldn’t trust other people’s ability to identify a dove.  I’ve seen too many people mistake a kildeer or even blackbird for a dove.  Look towards the person who called out “bird”, but definitely make your own positive dove ID before taking any shots.

The call of “low bird” in a dove field makes most experienced dove hunters cringe.  This means a dove has dipped down low over the field.  The person calling “low bird” is basically pleading for everyone to not shoot at the bird until it gets back up to a safe height.

Shooting at a low bird is very dangerous in a dove field.  With hunters usually scattered around the perimeter, taking a low shot means you’re potentially shooting towards other hunters.  The “low bird” call is probably the most important part of dove hunting lingo you should learn and use.

A flying dove makes for some tricky, fast-paced shooting action.  As such, there are usually more missed shots than hits.  So, when someone on the perimeter misses a shot, usually the dove finds the quickest way to exit the field.  However, some doves seem to ignore the brush with death and continue on over the field.

If you hear someone call “over the middle”, this means a dove has somehow made it past the field perimeter and is now over the middle of the field.  Turn your eyes skyward, because these birds have usually gained some altitude after escaping the first volley of pellets.  But, a single dove flying over the middle of a field offers you a rare change to take a bead on a dove and setup before it is in range.  Take your time and make a good shot, the whole field is watching you!

When directed at you, there’s no form of higher praise in dove hunting lingo.  These birds perform fast-flying acrobatics in the sky, so any successful shot on a dove is worth a shout out.  Be sure to give the “nice shot” call out judiciously to your fellow hunters.

Use this dove hunting lingo on your next trip to the dove fields, and you’ll fit right in with the rest of the crowd.  Use the share buttons below to share this article with a buddy who needs to learn the lingo.  Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more content, and subscribe to our newsletter for a monthly checklist of hunting-related activities.