Opening day of dove season comes with flying doves and some surprises at Des Plaines SFWA

A half-grown spotted fawn keeps a wary eye on Dale Bowman, who is nestled in cockleburs and grass on opening day of dove hunting at Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area. (Dale Bowman)

A deer bleating caught my attention Thursday. I sat still while a half-grown spotted fawn gingerly walked into view, then within 10 feet before deciding I didn’t belong and took off with a fare-thee-well flip of its white tail.

Then its twin, now alerted and more wary, walked within 25 feet. It eyed me in the nest I had stamped in the grasses and cockleburs for opening day of dove hunting at Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area. Then it disappeared, too.