Minnesota 2013 Dove Season Opens Sept. 1
Minnesota’s dove hunting season begins Sunday, Sept. 1, and continues through Saturday, Nov. 9, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
A small game license and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification are required for hunters 16 and older. Hunters younger than 16 must obtain a free small game hunting license and HIP certification.
The daily bag limit is 15 doves with 45 in possession. Nontoxic shot is not required but is recommended.
Dove hunting requires only a bucket to sit on, a box of shells, shotgun and earth-tone clothing.
“This is a great way to introduce youngsters to hunting,” said Steve Merchant, wildlife population and regulation program manager for the DNR. “Once you’ve walked to your hunting location, it’s a stationary activity in a controlled environment, which makes it easy for mentors to work with inexperienced hunters under very safe conditions.”
Minnesota has allowed dove hunting since 2004. The state has about 13,000 dove hunters, who harvest more than 100,000 doves each year.
