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Monday, September 2nd marks the first day of dove hunting season. Although Hurricane Dorian may come this way later this week and a lot of birds have been heading northwest, Bladen County hunters are arming up for the season.

Practice Safety and Ethics as Dove Season Opens on Sept. 2

RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 20, 2019) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Home from the Hunt campaign reminds hunters to always practice safety and follow state and federal laws as dove season opens on Sept. 2.

The 2019-20 season for mourning and white-winged doveis separated into three segments: Sept. 2–Oct. 5, Nov. 16–30. and Dec. 9–Jan. 31. All hunters must follow applicable licensing requirementsand hunting regulations.

The daily bag limit is 15 doves and shooting hoursare from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset for the entire season, including opening day. Hunting of migratory game birds by any method is not allowed on Sundays.

The Commission advises dove hunters to follow these safety tips:

Never shoot at low-flying birds.
Never place decoys on utility lines.
Always be sure to have the correct ammunition for your firearm.
Always adhere to established safe zones of fire.

It is a violation of state and federal lawto take migratory game birds with the use or aid of salt, grain, fruit or any other bait. Hunters also need to be aware that an area is considered baited for 10 days following the removal of all salt, grain or other feed.

Migratory gamebirds may be hunted in agricultural areas where grain has been distributed as the result of normal agricultural operations. Information regarding agriculture and planting techniques may be obtained from a local N.C. State Extension Service Center.

For more information on mourning doves, visit ncwildlife.org/mourning-dove.