Public hearing May 24 on dove hunting season

DES MOINES - The Department of Natural Resources has scheduled a public hearing on May 24 to discuss a proposed amendment that adds a mourning dove hunting season.

The proposed dove hunting rules are included in the season information covering common snipe, Virginia rail and sora, woodcock and ruffed grouse.

The proposed mourning dove season would begin Sept. 1 and continue for 70 consecutive days. Proposed shooting hours would be from one half hour before sunrise to sunset each day. The daily bag limit would be 15 and possession limit would be 30. The entire state would be open to the hunting season.

Hunters will be required to have a plug in their gun that limits them to three shots.

The Eurasian collard dove or white-winged dove would not be included in the season unless the rule is amended.

Currently, a migratory bird stamp is not required to hunt mourning doves in Iowa. Non-toxic shot requirement will apply on areas currently listed as non-toxic shot only.

The public hearing will begin at 1 p.m. in the auditorium on the second floor of the Wallace State Office Building in Des Moines. People can express their views either orally or in writing.

Participants will be asked to give their names and addresses for the record and to confine their remarks to the proposal.

People with special requirements such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments should contact the DNR and request specific accommodations.

Written suggestions or comments can be submitted on or before May 24 to Wildlife Bureau Chief, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines 50319-0034; by email at wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov; or by fax at (515)-281-6794.

People can convey comments orally by calling (515)- 281-5034 or by visiting the fourth floor of the Wallace State Office Building during regular business hours.