Dove season takes flight in Missouri

Department of Conservation/Peter Latourette

The Missouri dove hunting season opens today and runs through Nov. 9. Missouri hunters' average annual take is 1.2 million doves.By Jeremy Joffray ~ Southeast Missourian

Today marks the start of hunting season for local hunters with the opening of dove season.

Norman Spies of Foutz's Hunting and Fishing Shop said for most hunters the start of dove season is a sign of bigger things to come, including deer season (Oct. 1 for archery) and turkey season (Oct. 1 for archery).

"It's kind of the beginning of everything," he said.

Spies said that dove hunting is popular in the Southeast Missouri area because it allows hunters to get out and get the kinks out before deer season comes around.

"We're all getting fired up for today," Spies said.

Dove hunting season lasts 70 days (until Nov. 9), with a limit of 12 doves per day. Hunters age 16 to 64 must get a small games permit and a migratory bird permit to participate. The permits range from $6 to $9.

"Dove shooting is fast and you have to be quick, which is something people enjoy," said A.J. Hendershott, outreach and educational supervisor for the Southeast region of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

With sudden movements and speeds up to 40 mph common to the mourning dove, local hunters will be apt to stock up on ammunition when hunting these elusive birds. The 12-gauge shotgun is the most common weapon used in dove hunting.

"They're very agile," Spies said. "One minute they're here, the next minute there."

It's estimated an average of three to five shotgun shells are used per dove. While Missouri hunters bag an average of 1.2 million doves annually, the sport is not limited to marksmen.

Spies said dove hunting is just a good way to have family fun while getting away from the house.

"You just go out and enjoy the outdoors," he said.

Popular hunting areas include land where crops such as corn, sorghum or wheat have been harvested recently.

"They are typically attracted to agricultural fields and sunflower patches," Hendershott said.

Area hunting grounds

Hendershott said several conservation areas south of here, like Ten Mile Pond near East Prairie, Mo., and Otter Slough near Dexter, Mo., are good for dove.

Besides mourning doves -- which have been hunted extensively in the past -- the Eurasian collared-dove and the white-winged dove species have been added this season to avoid incidental hunting of these birds.

Hendershott said the decision to include the other species of doves will help to avoid confusion when hunting this season.

Like most hunted animals, the dove is hunted for its meat as well as for sport.

Hendershott said dove meat is a dark meat, almost resembling duck meat, but with its own distinct flavor.

"Creativity is the only limitation in preparing dove," he said.

Spies said dove meat can make quite a good meal, especially when deep fried.

A helpful tool in dove hunting for some area hunters is their dog.

Dove hunting season can be a good way to get hunting dogs practice before some of the bigger seasons, Spies said.

Along with the three dove species, today marks the start of common snipe as well as sora and virginia rale hunting season.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

(573) 335-6611, extension 171