In September, at High noon on Labor Day, the time for hunters who enjoy fast paced action and be “field ready” for a dove hunt is here. After hunters fulfill their license purchase requirements it is mandatory that they register with the Virginia Harvest Information Program (HIP) before they hunt doves or any other migratory birds. The process is easy and all that is needed when you make the toll free call to 800- 938-5263 is your 2001-02 hunting license. During the information exchange, you will then be provided a HIP registration number which you record on the back of your hunting license. Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) also provides the opportunity to register via the internet at www.dgif.state.va.us.

     Many a shot is fired and a shotgun shouldered but these “winged bullets” are a significant challenge as they fly at lightning speeds across an open field. Doves are great tablefare and easy to clean. While trap and skeet shooting are skill, percision and cordination builders, trying to bag a few doves can be equally challenging. This sport is good experience for hunters of all ages, and provides opportunity for more seasoned hunters to mentor those getting started in the outdoors. As crops are harvested leaving fields open for doves to forage, hunters will position themselves so they have a good field of fire as the doves fly in. Other good areas for early season dove hunts include recent timber cut-over areas and wooded “snags”. With dove hunting, there may be long periods of quiet time which provides opportunity to enjoy and take in the scenery. 

     This year’s dove seasons in Virginia are in three segments: September 1-September 29 from 12:00 noon until sunset. October 13-November 10 and December 29-January 9 from one half hour before sunrise until sunset.

     Virginia Wildlife Management Areas (VMA) which provide public dove hunting opportunities include Amelia, Briery Creek, Chickahominy, Dick Cross, Fairystone, Hardware River, Hog Island (Carlisle Tract, ony) Horsepen, James River, Pettigrew, C.F. Phelps, Powhatan and White Oak Mountain. For information on public land access, hunting regulations and HIP registration, call (757) 253-7072 or (804) 367-1000 or visit the DGIF website at www.dgif.state.va.us.

© 2001 Chelly & Steve Scala All Rights Reserved.