Early reports for 2008 dove hunting success show a marked improvement statewide. I spoke to Billy Dukes, SCDNR Wildlife Biologist of Columbia, earlier this week and he stated that last year hunters harvested an average of 3.05 birds per person each day on the 33 public fields monitored. This year that number increased to an average of 4.48 birds per person each day.

He attributes this increase to the excellent breeding season and hatch. There are 50 public fields, but DNR does not monitor all sites.

Dukes said that the success trend is statewide. Normally, some areas are significantly better, but this year, DNR saw an increase “from the coast to the mountains”.

The recently opened Allen Arms Indoor Range on 1210 Poinsett Highway in Greenville offers shooters a state of the art facility. If are looking for a place to sharpen your shooting skills or zero a scope, this is an opportunity for you. They offer firearm sales, rental, instruction and service.

Their rates are reasonable and it is a clean, modern facility. There are lanes for handguns and for rifles. The rifle lanes are limited in range, but allow zeroing of scopes to “get on the paper” and ready you for the final tweaking at longer ranges.

If you shoot at a commercial range, you know that large caliber handguns will be popping around you. If you can concentrate and stay on target in this situation, you should be able to take that big buck when he steps out this season. Even with adequate hearing protection, it can be very loud and distracting.

Dave Williams, owner of “All Rivers South”, offers fishing and hunting packages. Check out www.allriverssouth.com for details. Dave advises that mast quality appears to be good for this season. White oaks, persimmons and other mast benefited from the recent rains, and some persimmons are already dropping. This is good news for deer hunters.

After the dry spring and summer, the fall mast will be a big plus for wildlife going into the colder weather. It will give animals a chance to pack on some needed fat reserves to face the rigors of winter.

Tom Swayngham, SCDNR Wildlife Biologist at Clemson, said reports on the September goose season show sporadic success. Low water on the lakes has contributed to an abundance of food along the shorelines. This has dispersed the geese and there are no reports of “hot spots” or significant hunter success.

The population is healthy with the daily limit set at 15 geese daily throughout September. Perhaps when the weather turns colder hunter success will increase in the late season.

Capt. Rick Owen reports that lake conditions on Hartwell are critical. It can be dangerous on the lake with the low water conditions. In these unsafe conditions, it is even more important to secure the services of a guide that is on the lake daily and familiar with conditions.

They are having success power reeling Capt. Mack 2 oz. Chipmunk Jigs, as well as trolling Cisco Kids and Capt. Mack jigs. Live bait is still working at greater depths.

Topwater baits and Rattle Traps are working during early and late hours.

Capt. Rick and partner Brian Kelly are also having good success on spotted bass at Lake Keowee.

They offer instructional trips and now is a good time to consider a gift certificate for a friend or relative for the holiday season.

Contact me at lross3871@charter.net.