Eurasian Collared Doves

July 15, 2021

Question: I am aware that there is a year-round open season on Eurasian collared doves and no limit. Can I hunt them in the middle of summer? How am I supposed to tell the difference between all the doves in flight?

Answer: Let’s start with the first question! Yes, you can hunt Eurasian collared doves all year long. And you’re right, mourning doves, white-winged doves, spotted doves, ring turtle doves and Eurasian collared doves look similar, but hunters are expected to know the difference. Stated more explicitly: wildlife officers expect you to know the difference! Over time, dove hunters need to develop the skills to differentiate between different dove species on the wing. We have a dove identification (PDF)(opens in new tab) graphic that may help get you started. Learning more about dove species can help, too. For example, there are areas of the state where Eurasian collared doves are more prevalent (mostly in the southern half of the state).

We recommend two strategies. First, hunt with a partner who has a significant amount of experience in telling the difference between each type of dove in flight. As you see doves while hunting, ask the experienced hunter to explain what characteristics they are looking at to differentiate the birds from one another. Hunters will look at markings such as the black band across the back of the Eurasian collared dove’s neck. They also pay attention to flight patterns and listen to different sounds generated by the doves’ wings. Second, when you begin hunting doves, we suggest hunting during the mourning dove and white-winged dove season. That way if you make a mistake, you’ll have a reduced chance of inadvertently violating the law. For example, if you hunt dove on Sept. 1, the most popular dove hunting day of the year, you will have some room for error.

Bird identification is a skill in and of itself. Duck hunters are faced with the same requirements yet have many more species to differentiate from. Many duck hunters are known to visit popular waterfowl migratory areas to watch birds even after the season is over for the purpose of improving their identification and calling skills. There’s no reason why dove hunters can’t do the same. With a decent pair of binoculars and an attentive ear, you can more quickly learn the subtle differences between dove species and gain a better understanding of their behaviors. Finally, remember that Eurasian collared dove are a game species, and hunters must possess both a license and an upland game bird validation.

The short answer is most folks can't identify the Eurasian Collared variant unless it is standing still while scarfing birdseed at your bird feeder. So those folks that insist on blowing daylight through the offensive little SOB's need to hurl an old Encyclopedia Britannica at them while avoiding the sparrows and junkoes whanging away next to them.

It's the same as the Mountain Quail / Valley Quail split opener. Mountain Quail have a long straight topknot and Valley Quail have one that is curved forward and shorter. There are other differences, but when they explode out of a bush at Mach 1, most hunters simply empty their weapon in self defense - hoping for the best. Anything out of season is simply toed into a bush and left to die .. or in the case of the upstanding moral hunter, put into a different pocket and hustled back to the truck.

In this instance the fish and game laws do not setup the hunter for a win-win, so those enjoying the out of doors while bent on stocking their refrigerator are put into a moral and ethical bind unnecessarily.

Good Luck and eat plenty of carrots the night before, sharpens the eyesight.

Where?  I've killed doves, I've never seen a collared one!