SOCIAL CIRCLE -- Planning ahead for dove season? The 2019-2020 migratory bird season hunting dates and regulations, which includes doves, were recently approved by the Board of Natural Resources.  

Doves are a federally regulated migratory bird. As such, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annually establishes a framework (opening and closing dates, maximum season length, and maximum bag limits) within which the states must set their seasons. These frameworks are developed with input of state wildlife agencies, and are informed using biological population, harvest, and habitat data. Recent framework changes to the maximum closing date for doves allows Georgia to adjust its dove season responsive to public desires.

“For years, our dove hunters have expressed a desire to end the dove season later,” said John Bowers, Chief of the Game Management Section of the Wildlife Resources Division. “The recent framework change allows us to provide dove hunting opportunity until January 31, and our dove season provides the maximum opportunity allowed.”

Dove season hunting dates are Sept. 7-30, Nov. 23-Dec. 1 and Dec. 6-Jan. 31. A complete summary of migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits is online atwww.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/regulations. 

State license fees help support wildlife conservation in Georgia.  The state receives federal funds from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program, based on a number of factors, including the number of paid sporting licenses.  In Georgia, these funds are approximately $14 million a year and have helped restore habitat and improve wildlife populations, expand public dove hunting opportunity and improve hunter access. Hunters may purchase licenses online atwww.GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com , by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at more than 800 license agent locations.

For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/regulations.