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Dove hunters throughout the Commonwealth can expect to see good numbers of doves this fall.
The 2000 Virginia spring call count surveys showed no change in number of mourning doves heard calling from last year. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annual status report, compiled from May call count surveys, also showed no significant change in dove populations in the Eastern Management Unit (all states east of the Mississippi River and Louisiana) from last year. Analyses indicated a stable population over the last 10-year period in Virginia. However data showed a significant decline over the 35-year period.
The highest numbers of doves will most likely be found in the Tidewater and Piedmont regions where more row cropping takes place. Harvested cornfields are always favorites for dove hunting. If you do not have access to a recently harvested agricultural field, try a new cutover timber area as an abundance of doves can usually be found there also. The bare ground and availability of weed seeds in cutovers make them very attractive to doves. Another good place to check for dove activity is a heavily grazed pasture. Again, the doves will be attracted to the bare ground. An added plus is a cattle watering hole or a dead tree. Snags tend to be dove magnets.
Good dove hunting can be found on many of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) Wildlife Management Areas. Check with your local DGIF office for field locations. Expect crowded conditions on public hunting areas the first week of the season. Please be mindful of those around you and as always, exercise extreme safety.
Uploaded: 8/17/2000
Uploaded: 8/17/2000