Great post Topdrake.

40 states already have a dove season. It’s time to make Iowa number 41.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mourning dove biologist responded today about common misconceptions relating to mourning dove biology. David Dolton, who has worked with doves for more than 25 years, expressed concerns with statements made in the newspapers about doves and the impact of a possible hunting season. 'It is important for Iowa legislators and the public at large to have accurate information about the issue so that they can make this decision based on the facts,' explained Mr. Dolton. 'Mourning doves are the most popular migratory game bird in the country in terms of numbers harvested. There are an estimated five million doves in Iowa alone,' he stated. Mr. Dolton provided the following information about the issue: The mourning dove is in the same family as the common pigeon. It is not the biblical 'bird of peace'. The turtledove holds that distinction, which is native to the Mediterranean region, not North America. The mourning dove is one of the most widely distributed and abundant birds in North America. This species readily adapts to a wide variety of habitats, breeds prolifically, and has a fall population of over 400 million. The average life span of a mourning dove is about one to one and a half years, with many young birds not surviving their first winter. Mourning dove population status and hunting are monitored and regulated cooperatively by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies. Bag limits are adjusted in relation to population status. Research has shown that when properly regulated, hunting has no significant impact on dove population trends. Also, research has indicated that dove hunting does not adversely impact nesting. Banding studies have demonstrated that suburban (backyard feeder) birds have little likelihood of being harvested.

Dove make great tablefare when prepared properly.