Field Notes: New Quarry for Hunters

Minnesota's newest migratory game bird, the mourning dove, is the most abundant and widely dispersed upland game bird in North America. And hunters can expect a challenging quarry as they take to the field Sept. 1 for the state's first dove hunt since 1946.

Doves in the wild are wary of sounds associated with people-slamming car doors, voices, and gunfire. "You won't be able to walk up to them perched on trees or wires,"said Bill Spence, a DNR conservation officer who began his career in southern Illinois, where dove hunting has been legal since 1918. "Educated birds fly the moment they sense danger."

The DNR expects 30,000 to 50,000 hunters to partake in the hunt. For comparison, about 100,000 people hunt pheasants in Minnesota each year. Hunters age 16 or older need a small game license and federal Harvest Information Program certification to harvest mourning doves in Minnesota.

The key to a good hunt, according to Spence, is securing lawful access to agricultural fields, where ground-feeding doves tend to concentrate as they migrate south. In early September, that means fields of sun-flowers, wheat, corn, or other grains that have been cut for silage.

Federal laws that regulate migratory bird hunting allow manipulation of crops for dove hunting. For example, landowners who want to attract the birds may mow fields of sunflowers or other small grains just before the season. While it is legal to hunt doves over such a field, it would be against the law to harvest waterfowl there. "That's considered baiting," Spence said. In addition, it's illegal to scatter salt, grain, or other feed to attract doves or migratory waterfowl.

Hunters generally conceal themselves in weeds or brush at the edge of a harvested field while they wait for the birds to fly within range. It's not considered sporting to allow the birds to land before shooting, Spence said. Multiple gunners may hunt a single field, spacing themselves at intervals large enough to avoid each other's shooting area. "More hunters keep birds moving around the field for more hunting opportunities," Spence said.

Ponds or other water holes offer another prime hunting location, particularly late in the day. Doves often go for water before roosting in trees for the night, Spence said. Hunting mourning doves is legal only in areas where firearms may be discharged; generally that includes rural areas outside city limits. Hunters should check local and county ordinances if they aren't sure about discharging firearms in an area they plan to hunt. State law prohibits taking wild animals with a firearm within 500 feet of a building occupied by people or livestock or a corral containing livestock without written permission.

Dove hunting is a particularly good way to get young people involved in hunting, Spence said. "The weather tends to be nice that time of year. You don't need much equipment beyond a shotgun and maybe a camouflage shirt, and you can stay right by the youngsters' side as they hunt and help them every step of the way."

Because Minnesota's dove hunt is regulated under federal guidelines that govern southern states, the season will stay open for 60 days. However, doves tend to leave Minnesota when nighttime temperatures begin to drop near freezing.

"The majority of birds will likely have migrated through Minnesota by the middle of September," Spence said. The daily bag limit will be 15.

Currently, mourning dove hunting is legal in 40 of the 48 contiguous states. For more information about dove hunting and cooking, visit Minnesota DNR's mourning dove page.

Jason Abraham