Even if you don't particularly mind searching for birds in a briar patch or high cover and are careful to make a thorough attempt to locate each kill before taking the next shot, you still run the risk of disturbing other people's shooting by traipsing around in the field as birds flare off in a mad dash away from you and nearby hunters. Always give ample thought to where your birds are likely to fall before finally deciding on a setup.

Avoid choosing briar patches as shooting spots, too. They may offer great concealment and camouflage, but you may emerge looking like you've just gone 12 rounds with a wildcat.

When considering your setup opportunities, don't neglect the relative elevation of the terrain around the perimeter of the field. Ridges, hills, even the smallest rise can give away your location to incoming doves. If you must shoot from an elevated location, pay close attention to what is behind you. Your back should be "protected" by a screen that helps break up your outline, the basic rule of good camouflage.

From a raised position with no silhouette-breaking background, you stand out like the proverbial sore thumb. Even the latest innovation in camo clothing becomes a moot point if you place yourself on a "pedestal" in full view from all directions. It won't even matter if you think you have thwarted the sun's glare. That strange new object (you) standing alone at the edge of the field is bound to send a clear warning to incoming doves, causing them to flare well out of range.

Moderately tall brush and short, leafy trees are good backgrounds for an elevated stand.

Finally, don't let yourself get blind-sided. I learned this from a dove-hunting football coach who looks at it from an ex-quarterback's perspective. Though it can't always be avoided on a playing field, a dove field is a different matter.

Scout the field beforehand and pay attention to the general flight pattern of the birds during the part of the day you intend to shoot. You do not want to sit or stand hard against a screen of trees, bushes, or a ditch bank and let the birds suddenly appear from behind you flying 500 miles per hour.

Crossing shots and incoming doves are challenge enough without having to consistently shoot at birds going away from you at breakneck speed. By the same token, facing parallel to a tree line from which doves suddenly appear as crossing targets is no picnic either. Study the "flyways" and claim that clear, unobstructed shooting lane early on.

Digest all this and you'll have no excuse not to succeed during your next dove-hunting endeavor. On the other hand, maybe you ought not study these tips too hard. Excuses, after all, are the only way a lot of us dove hunters have of saving face.