Absolute Thrill: Dove Hunting in Alabama’s Black Belt

Mike Baker, raised on a dairy farm in Hale County, grew up hunting for food. His first experience with dove hunting was gathering the birds shot by the landowner for a nickel a piece. As an adult, Mike introduced the sport to his wife, Nikki, who describes its thrills: the speed of the birds and the shot, the rush of competition, and the pride of bagging 15, especially as a woman. Yet Nikki and Mike measure the hunt not in numbers, but in fresh air and nature, challenge and camaraderie.