MDC and partners provide mentored dove hunts for first-time hunters

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Interested in dove hunting but have never given it a try? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Forever, Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, the Missouri Prairie Foundation, and private landowners will provide mentored dove hunts for first-time hunters on 12 fields primarily located on private land across the state. Field locations will be in or near Cape Girardeau, Chillicothe, Joplin, Kahoka, Lynchburg, Marceline, Mokane, Paris, Pittsburg, Rolla, St. Genevieve, and Washington.

There will be three hunts offered on each field including one on opening day of dove season, Sept. 1, and then two other days with dates to be determined. Field assignments will be determined on a first-come-first-served basis. First time hunters can attend multiple hunts as registration space permits. 

Each participating new hunter will be assigned a mentor and pre-hunt workshops will provide basic hunter safety in addition to information about dove biology and management, the importance of hunters and hunting, and the opportunity to practice shooting a shotgun. Participants are encouraged to attend a dove hunting workshop or hunter education prior to participating in a hunt.

Each field will be limited to two first-time hunters and their mentors per acre to maximize safety and provide a quality experience. Priority will be given to anyone 11 and older that is hunting for the first time. Second priority will be given to new migratory-bird hunters and youths 11-15.

Register for the mentored dove hunts at tinyurl.com/nuv6gos. Get info on MDC dove-hunting workshops at mdc.mo.gov/events. Get information on hunter education at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education-skills-training.

For more information, contact John Burk at 573-676-5994 or jburk@nwtf.net, or Elsa Gallagher at 660-277-3647 or EGallagher@quailforever.org.