8.28.2009

Dove Season

by Guest Blogger Lisa

When it comes to Dove Season, two words come to mind: "What??? Doves???"

Yes, Doves! Starting September 1st, Yuma County explodes with hunters from all over trying their best to land their daily quota. I know what you are thinking. Those poor little birds. I know, I know, I've been there too. But after living here for as long as I have, I'm beginning to understand why.

You see, in beginning around the start of summer, you find doves in the trees, on the streets, hopping around. They are gathering around yards when sprinklers go off. We won't mention what happens to cars when they wish to park in the shade of said trees. But as each day leads to the next, the numbers grow, and grow, and grow. Much like any other hunting season, the County is after population control.

So, for the first couple of weeks in September, if you drive down past most of the motels and hotels in Yuma, Arizona, you will see tables set up outside. You might even see feathers in the parking lots if the hunters had a good day. You will definitely see neighborhood cats skulking around. The cats aren't limited to only catching them out in the county! (*wink*wink*)
  • YC TRAVEL TIP: Clean your catch outside on the tables provided to avoid making a mess in your room!
Many cultures eat doves. In fact, they are delicacies. Here, the local paper publishes tried and true recipes from around town. And if I do say so myself, prepared properly, they are quite tasty. One of the perks to working at the Yuma Cabana is that some of the hunters end up having more birds than space, and they have been known to gift their extras to the employees.

If you happen to find yourself in and around Yuma during the beginning of September and wonder why there is so much traffic, and you hear gun shots off in the distance - never fear! It's not the Military training, it's just the hunters - doing their part to keep our cars clean for the rest of the year.



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