Thinning the Eurasian Collared Doves

August 19, 2010

Question: I have a question pertaining to Eurasian doves. I have heard they are an invasive species and compete for food and shelter with the native mourning doves. I believe they are open game during dove season and do not count towards a personal limit. Can the Eurasians be hunted year-round? In the last couple of years their population has grown extensively near where I live. If they are open year-round, I was thinking of thinning the herd a bit and enjoying some bacon-wrapped roasted dove breast. (Mike G.)

Answer: While it’s very nice of you to offer to help in “thinning the herd”, Eurasian doves can only be taken during the regular season. Otherwise, year-round hunting for this one species would create an enforcement nightmare for the game wardens. Eurasian doves are invasive and are living with, and competing with, native species. However, at this point they do not seem to be gaining the advantage over the native species. Keep in mind that there is no limit on Eurasian collared doves when the season is open (Sept. 1-15 and Nov. 14 – Dec 28), so you can take as many as you like for your bacon-wrapped roasted dove dinners during that time!

Eurasian doves are now open year round.

Sometimes posting these old QA's can cause a lot of confusion...

I have been doing my part to erradicate the invasive species! They just need to lower the price of bacon..........

Open year round no limit and you can use pellet guns.

Even a 22 cal, you gotta double tap them buggers most of the time! #zombiedoves