Once again, the earth has completed its trail around the sun, and hunters who had only been daydreaming about afternoons saw those dreams become reality this weekend.

While in some areas, deer season may have come in already, dove season is the official opener of our original outdoor pursuit. Hunters of all ages and experiences show up in the baking sun to welcome the next four months of outdoor bliss.

A variety of hunting types show up, and here is a guide to a few you may see.

The First Timer

This hunter is easy to spot. Mainly because when you meet him, that is the first thing he tells you. He is a welcome addition, and his mind will be overrun with tips and pointers on how to be successful.

Mr. Go Big or Go Home

This guy will show up with three boxes of shells, ready to fill his limit of doves. His spirits will be high, and his future success is almost guaranteed.

Throughout the hunt, he shoots at every bird, and when he walks back to the truck, everyone assumes he has his limit. Those along his path out though will see a broken man carrying one dove after shooting 75 times.

The Female

On most hunts, there are only one or two females carrying shotguns. With their ponytail tucked into their camo hat, they confidently take their place among the men —  and usually humble all the guys around them, especially Mr. Go Big or Go Home.

The Kid

When everyone is getting ready in the parking area, you can pick out a parent giving last-minute instructions to their son or daughter.

The smaller gauge shotgun is taken out of the case while folks stop by and wish encouragement to the child. After a word of encouragement, the hunters walk to the field with a hope that our traditions will continue for another generation.

The Pro

This is the toughest one to spot. He will show up in an unassuming truck with some antique hunting gear.

While chatting with the fellow hunters, he mainly asks about families and work, and is a pleasure to be around. Heading to the field, he will inconspicuously carry his .410 with one box of shells, and will shoot his limit with around half of that box.

After the hunt, everyone gets together for some fellowship and a post hunt beverage.

The first timer can be seen amongst a group with a huge grin on his face.

Mr. Go Big or Go Home is usually getting teased in the middle of that group. He will admit that his one dove probably just had a heart attack, and that is why it fell.

The female intermingles with the group seamlessly because, after the hunt, we are all hunters.

And the pro will make his way to sit next to the kid to encourage him to keep pursuing the outdoors.

Watching this drama play out each September warms the soul. Most hunters will go during all of these types through their career.

Unfortunately for me, I am stuck at “Mr. Go Big or Go Home” who is married to “The Female.”