Dove Hunting in Alabama
The mourning dove (zenaida macroura) is a game bird in the state of Alabama, and hunting it in season is a popular "wingshooting" sport, so-called because the object of the sport is to shoot the bird in flight. The bird is widely found throughout the continental United States and is the most widely harvested game bird in the country. Although tens of millions are shot every year, the species is not threatened by hunting.
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Dove Hunting Season
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It's important to comply with hunting regulations. Open season for hunting mourning doves and bag limits--the maximum number a hunter is permitted to shoot--are regulated by the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Mourning dove season is a split season in Alabama. In 2009-2010, three separate periods were allocated for hunting between October and early January. This avoids hunting during the breeding seasons of spring and summer. The times of day shooting is permitted are regulated, too. Hunters are permitted a bag of 15 birds per day. Other, less-common doves, such as the ring-necked dove, may be hunted and do not count toward the bag limit.
Where to Hunt
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Mourning doves subsist primarily on seeds and grasses, and are found in open fields where corn, wheat and other grains are cultivated, or in fields where grasses or weeds such as dove weed grow. Doves can be hunted over any standing crops. Although fields are deliberately planted by "dove managers" with seeds such as millet to attract doves for hunting purposes, a distinction is drawn between fields planted according to normal agricultural procedures and the practice of "baiting." It is illegal to scatter feed in order to attract doves for hunting purposes.
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Licensing
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Dove hunting in Alabama requires both a valid state hunting license, and a Harvest Information Permit (HIP). The hunting license can be purchased online or by phone. The HIP is obtained by completing a survey about dove hunting experiences during the previous season. The survey information is used to help manage the state's dove population. The HIP is obtained from the agent who provides the hunting license.
Guns and Other Equipment
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Camouflage is recommended, The most popular choice for wingshooting doves is a single-barrel, autoloader shotgun. Double-barreled and pump shotguns are thought unwieldy for this sport, as the doves are fast in flight. Small shot sizes are preferred as doves are easily downed when hit with small pellets. Camouflage hats and jackets are encouraged, as doves easily spot hunters. Decoy doves can be purchased to attract birds toward your shooting position.
Cooking Your Bag
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The mourning dove is not an endangered species. Although the main aim of dove hunting is sport, your bag of doves can be cooked like any other game birds. The breasts are preferred. After plucking, they can be seasoned, wrapped in rashers of bacon and quickly grilled. Alternatively, they can be marinated in white wine and cooked in a very slow casserole with herbs and aromatic vegetables--onions or scallions and carrots--with the addition of chicken stock if necessary.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) in spring image by Steve Byland from Fotolia.com no hunting sign image by sonya etchison from Fotolia.com camouflage image by KALISTE A from Fotolia.com bright eyed dove image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
