Fall hunting kicks off with dove season on Sept. 2

Georgia's dove hunting season often is seen as the "kickoff" to the fall hunting season. Hunters across the state can begin hunting doves at the same time and on the same day - noon on Saturday, September 2. To help ensure a safe and legal hunting season the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) reminds hunters to review all rules and regulations regarding dove hunting. The 2006-2007 Georgia dove hunting season runs September 2 16, October 7-16, and November 23 January 6.

"Georgia has some fantastic public opportunities for dove hunters - 38 wildlife management areas across the state have been managed to attract doves," says WRD Chief of Game Management Bill Fletcher. "In addition to being the 'kickoff' to the fall hunting season, dove hunting is a prime opportunity to introduce somebody new to hunting, as it is typically a fun-filled day."

Hunters should be sure to observe the following regulations when dove hunting:

Sportsmen and women over the age of 16 must possess a Georgia hunting license and a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program Permit (HIP Permit) to hunt doves. Those hunting on a WMA also must possess a WMA license. Hunters may purchase licenses at over 1,000 license agents, on the Internet at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or by phone at 888-748-6887.

Shooting hours are noon until sunset on opening day of the first and second seasons, and one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for the remainder of the season. The sunrise and sunset times for each day can be found on page 43 of the 2006-2007 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide or on the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

The daily bag limit is 12 doves per day per hunter.

Any autoloading or other repeating shotgun must be plugged to hold no more than three shotshells while hunting doves.

Hunters are reminded to obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private property and should be sure to treat all land with respect; clean up spent shells, leave gates the way they were found and remove all trash.

Doves are the No. 1 migratory game bird harvested in the nation.

For more information on dove hunting rules and regulations, public dove fields and conditions, or adult/child dove hunts, hunters should review the 2006-2007 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide, available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call a WRD Game Management Office.

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