An unusual public dove hunt in Illinois times it right at the crack of dawn

Bone-in dove breast, wrapped in bacon and homegrown pepper slices, on a bed of Basmati rice plated with a thick slice of the first heirloom tomato of the year and homegrown parsley garnish, then paired with an inexpensive California red blend. (Dale Bowman)

KEWANEE, Ill.—Head lamps and flashlights dotted the predawn as hunters walked along a cornfield to sunflower field on Day 2 of Illinois dove hunting at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area.

“This is strange,” a guy in front of me said.