If you haven’t put boots on the ground in eastern Montana yet, you’re already behind. Why Eastern Montana Is Dove CountryMontana isn’t the first state people think of for dove hunting, but eastern Montana — the wide, flat agricultural sprawl east of the Yellowstone River corridor — produces some legitimately good early-season shooting. What to Look for When You’re ScoutingSunflower FieldsSunflowers are the gold standard dove attractant in eastern Montana. Public Land and Walk-In AccessOne of the best-kept secrets in eastern Montana dove hunting is how much access exists through Montana’s Block Management Program. Eastern Montana dove hunting doesn’t require a major expedition — a truck, a tank of gas, and a couple of evenings watching fields will tell you most of what you need to know.