Dove Distribution
The mourning dove is one of the most widely distributed and abundant birds in North America. It is found in all 48 contiguous states, Hawaii, southeastern Alaska, southern Canada, the Greater Antilles and Mexico. Its breeding range includes all these areas except Hawaii.
Doves are found in every county in Missouri, with the greatest densities in the west central portion. However, most Missouri doves do not overwinter in the state. They migrate one of two directions, depending upon where they live in Missouri. Doves from eastern Missouri generally move southeast into Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Western and central Missouri doves migrate to Texas, Louisiana, Mexico and Central America.
Because mourning doves cross state lines and international boundaries, they are classified as a Federal Migratory Species. Populations are managed on a national level by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 implemented as agreement among Canada, Mexico and the United States. It specifies that no U.S. state may begin a migratory bird hunting season before Sept. 1.
Within the United States are three zones, each containing independent dove populations. These zones encompass the principal breeding, migration and U.S. wintering grounds for each population. A separate management unit was established for each zone in 1960: Eastern Management Unit (EMU), Central Management Unit (CMU) and the Western Management Unit (WMU). These units are used by state and federal wildlife biologists in developing dove regulations in much the same way the Waterfowl Flyway System is used for duck and goose management. Missouri is one of 15 states in the CMU.
