OUTDOOR CORNER: DOVE SEASON OPENS SEPT. 1

September brings the first of the fall hunting seasons with the opening of dove season on September 1.

This year promises to be an above average season as the number of doves in the southeast region of Missouri is up.

Mourning doves are prolific breeders because they continue to renest all summer. Doves average five clutches of eggs each year. Each nesting usually has two eggs that require only 14 days of incubation.

This year Missouri will have a split season. Ideally, the second half of the season will better coincide with the migration of the northern dove populations.

The first half of the 1999 season opens September 1 and closes September 30. The second half of the season opens November 1 and closes November 30.

The daily limit is 15 doves. Shooting hours are - hour before sunrise to sunset. In addition to a hunting permit, a migratory bird hunting permit is required for hunters 16 years of age and older.

The southeast region of Missouri has several wildlife areas open to dove hunting.

In Stoddard county there is Otter Slough, Duck Creek and Crowley's Ridge Conservation Areas. Bollinger County has Dark Cypress. In Cape Girardeau county there is Apple Creek, Maintz Wildlife Preserve and Old Plantation Access areas. Some of these areas have special regulations such as no lead shot shells, so be sure to check the area regulations before hunting.

If you are hunting on private property, make sure you get permission from the landowner. Also, check the area you are going to hunt for bait. It is the hunter's responsibility to make sure the area has not been illegally baited.

Dove hunting is a sport that young and old can both enjoy. It is an excellent time to sharpen your shotgun skills and enjoy the work of a good bird dog. If you are hunting with new hunters, be sure to teach them the importance of safe gun handling. It is wise for everyone in the field to wear safety glasses. Make this year a safe and enjoyable hunting season.

Gary Newcomb is a Missouri Department of Conservation agent in Cape Girardeau County.