Dove is a type of migratory game bird that is popular among hunters in the United States. There has been some debate over whether dove should be classified as an upland game bird or a migratory game bird. In this article, we will examine the characteristics of dove, how it is currently classified, and the reasoning behind this classification. We will also look at the arguments for and against considering dove an upland game species. With nearly 20 million dove hunted each year in the U.S., this is an important issue for hunters and wildlife managers alike.
What is Dove?
Dove refers to a few species of small pigeons and doves that are commonly hunted in the United States. The main species are:
- Mourning Dove – The most widespread and abundant species, hunted in all lower 48 states.
- White-winged Dove – Found in the southwestern U.S. and increasingly hunted.
- Eurasian or European Collared-Dove – An invasive species that has recently expanded its range and is hunted in some states.
Doves are slim, small-headed birds with tapered bodies and long, pointed wings. They range in size from about 9 to 13 inches long and weigh between 3 to 6 ounces. Their relatively small size and agile flight make them challenging hunting targets.
Doves primarily eat seeds, fruits, and grains. They forage on the ground in open habitats like grasslands, agricultural fields, and backyards. During the breeding seasons, they nest in trees, on buildings, or on cliff ledges.
Many species of doves, including the mourning dove, are migratory and travel between breeding and wintering habitats each year. Their annual migrations take them across much of North America.
Current Classification of Dove
Most dove species are currently classified as migratory game birds by wildlife agencies in the United States. This means they are afforded certain protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The regulation of dove hunting and conservation is coordinated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with state wildlife agencies. Dove hunting seasons, bag limits, and possession limits are set each year by the individual states within a framework established by the USFWS.
Unlike upland game, no dove hunting license is required on top of a basic hunting license in most states. Also, mourning doves are the only migratory game bird that can be hunted without requiring a duck stamp from the USFWS.
So while classified as a migratory game bird, dove hunting is regulated much more like an upland game species than like waterfowl. The loose federal oversight gives states more autonomy in setting dove hunting regulations.
Arguments for Classifying Dove as Upland Game
There are several reasons why it could make sense to classify mourning doves and other common dove species as upland game birds rather than migratory game birds:
Limited Migration
Many mourning dove populations are non-migratory or only make short migrations between breeding and wintering habitat. Their migration patterns are much different than classic long-distance migratory birds like waterfowl, shorebirds, and neotropical songbirds. Year-round resident populations of mourning doves are common across the southern U.S.
Non-wetland Habitat
Doves utilize a variety of open, upland habitats like grasslands, meadows, agricultural areas, savannas, and woodland openings. They are commonly hunted in non-wetland areas designated for upland game.
Hunting Seasons
Dove hunting seasons are structured more like those for upland game than for waterfowl. Season lengths, bag limits, and possession limits can vary significantly between states and regions. This flexibility is more characteristic of upland game management.
Lack of Federal Oversight
There is minimal federal regulation involved in dove hunting compared to other migratory game species. No federal permit or duck stamp is required. The loose federal framework gives states much more control. This decentralized management is more typical for upland game animals.
Traditional Pairing With Upland Species
Hunters often pursue doves on the same outings where they hunt popular upland game like quail, grouse, pheasant, turkey, and rabbits. Doves fit well into a mixed bag upland hunt.
Arguments Against Classifying Doves as Upland Game
While the arguments above highlight reasons dove could potentially be designated as upland game, there are also some valid reasons why dove may not meet the criteria for upland game species classification:
Extensive Migration
Some dove species like the white-winged dove are still migratory over long distances in some portions of their range. The mourning dove also migrates fairly extensively between the United States and Central America. These longer migrations are more characteristic of migratory game bird patterns.
Distinct From Other Upland Species
Doves belong to an entirely different taxonomic order than traditional upland game birds like grouse, quail, pheasants, and turkeys. Those species are Galliformes while doves are members of Columbiformes. Their distinct evolutionary lineage separates them from other upland game.
Wetland Habitat Use
While they utilize many upland areas, doves also make significant use of wetland habitats like riparian areas, wet meadows, pond edges, and agricultural wetlands. This ties them ecologically to the migratory bird groups that utilize wetlands.
History of Migratory Bird Classification
Mourning doves have traditionally been grouped with migratory game bird species under federal regulations since establishment of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918. Changing this long-standing classification could disrupt coordination between state and federal agencies.
Requires Federal Action
Reclassifying doves as upland game is not something states could do independently. It would require action by the USFWS to remove doves from the list of migratory game bird species regulated under the MBTA. This federal rulemaking process could take years.
Conclusion
After looking at dove natural history and how doves are currently classified and managed, there are good arguments on both sides of the issue. Doves share some characteristics with both migratory game birds and upland game species.
From a hunter’s perspective, mourning doves function more like an upland game species given the decentralized regulation and typical hunting methods. However, the migratory behavior of some dove populations and the long history of dove management under the federal migratory bird framework remain valid reasons for continuing the current classification.
There is no objectively right or wrong answer on whether mourning dove should be reclassified as an upland game bird. State wildlife agencies seem satisfied with the status quo and federal oversight of dove management remains minimal. The current balance of state and federal coordination has worked well for dove management so significant changes seem unlikely in the near future.
While the issue continues to periodically come up for discussion, most wildlife professionals feel the question of whether dove is an upland game species or a migratory game species is largely semantic. Managing doves effectively for sustainable hunting and conservation can be readily accomplished under either classification system.
Species | Key Points |
---|---|
Mourning Dove |
|
White-winged Dove |
|
Eurasian Collared-Dove |
|
Upland Game Bird Species
Species | Key Points |
---|---|
Quail |
|
Pheasant |
|
Grouse |
|
Turkey |
|
Key Points on Classification of Doves
Reasons Supporting Upland Designation | Reasons Favoring Migratory Designation |
---|---|
|
|
Summary
In summary, while reasonable arguments can be made both for and against classifying doves like mourning doves as upland game, the current system of managing them as migratory game birds under state and federal oversight appears to be working well. Doves remain extremely popular among hunters with stable, sustainable populations nationwide. Revisiting their classification seems unlikely to improve management or hunting opportunities. The debate remains an interesting thought exercise but the status quo classification as migratory game seems suitable given dove natural history and successful management track record.