Special to The Journal

While hunters traditionally turn toward the nearest cornfield on opening day of dove season, other grain crops can be equally attractive.

In Bladen County, millet and rice fields maintained by the state have been one of the county's best-kept secrets for several years.

The fields are located at Jones Lake and at the Suggs Mill Pond Game Land.

While hunting at the Suggs Tract is by permit only, only a valid gamelands permit and a hunting license are required on the Jones Lake field.

The Jones Lake field is located approximately two miles north of the State Forest Ranger Station on N.C. 242, and is seeded with millet. Mid and late season hunters have found the fields a pleasant surprise after birds get gun shy in the opening weeks of the season.

The Jones Lake millet field is also home to another early-season game bird-Canada geese regularly whistle into the field. Opportunistic hunters should be warned, however, that possessing lead shot while shooting geese is against the law.

Shotguns must be a maximum of 10 gauge and a minimum of 20 gauge, and repeaters must be plugged to accept only two rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber.

Hunters in the early season are also reminded to drink plenty of water and wear mosquito repellant to avoid West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Alcohol should be avoided before and during a hunt.

All hunters are urged to attend a hunter safety class before taking to the field. Such classes are required for new licensees, and Wildlife commission officials suggest experienced hunters attend a refresher course every few years. The classes are free and offered locally several times per year.

For more information about hunting seasons, safety classes, game lands, or special hunting opportunities, contact your local license agent or on the Internet, go to www.ncwildlife.org.

Mourning doves are considered one of the most popular game birds in North America.