Out west, the dove openner is Sept 1. But, it's so dang hot, I rarely go. Down in Yuma, AZ, it runs 120F most openners. The misery just isn't worth it to me. So, I usually wait till the mid October upland openners. This season, I may make an exception and go down for the dove openner with some friends, since I have that "new" .410 Parker Repro to test out.