Hunting wild birds has been a popular pastime and means of procuring food for centuries. However, some species are hunted more frequently than others. In determining the most commonly hunted bird, we must consider which birds are most abundant, which are favored by hunters, and which have the fewest protections in place to limit hunting.
Abundant Game Birds
Some of the most commonly hunted birds simply have large populations that can sustain regular hunting pressure. Prime examples in North America include:
- Ducks – There are around 40 species of ducks in North America. Many species number in the millions or even tens of millions. Popular game ducks include mallards, wood ducks, teal, wigeon, and canvasbacks.
- Geese – Canada geese and snow geese number in the millions across North America. Resident flocks are supplemented by migratory birds each winter.
- Doves – Doves like the mourning dove are found everywhere from backyards to agricultural areas across the continent. Annual harvests number in the millions.
- Grouse – Ruffed grouse and spruce grouse are plentiful in forested areas and survive ongoing hunting pressure.
Favored Game Birds
Beyond simple abundance, some birds are favored quarry for hunters and thus see greater pursuit. Examples include:
- Pheasants – Ring-necked pheasants and chukar partridge have been introduced from Asia and are commonly stocked for hunting opportunities. They are challenging to hunt and considered excellent table fare.
- Quail – Northern bobwhite and California quail provide exciting small game hunting. Hunters pursue wild birds as well as pen-raised and released birds.
- Turkeys – Wild turkey numbers have exploded over the last half century due to conservation efforts and hunting restrictions. Their wary nature makes them a prized game bird.
- Doves – Mourning doves may be so common as to be taken for granted, but their fast flight provides endless sport shooting opportunities.
Limited Protections
Lastly, birds that lack protections around hunting seasons, bag limits, and take methods will inevitably see the highest harvest rates. For example:
- Snow geese – Have extended hunting seasons and no bag limits in many areas due to overpopulation issues.
- Crows – Can be hunted year-round with no bag limits as they are considered a nuisance species.
- Pigeons – Hunting opportunities are mostly unregulated as pigeons are an introduced domesticated species.
- Coots – Bag limits are generous on this common marsh bird that frequents open water hunting areas.
The Most Hunted Bird
Taking all of this into account, the most hunted bird species in North America is:
The mourning dove
Here are some key facts that support the mourning dove as the most commonly hunted bird:
- Abundant across the continent with a stable population of over 400 million birds.
- Long hunting seasons and generous bag limits in the range of 10-15 birds per day.
- Hunted in a wider geographic area than any other game bird – including all lower 48 states.
- Accessible to hunters with minimal specialized equipment – can be hunted in backyards and open fields.
- Annual harvest totals exceed 20 million birds, more than for any other species.
The common, widespread mourning dove withstands heavy hunting pressure each year while providing plentiful opportunities for recreational hunting and an excellent source of wild game. For all of these reasons, the mourning dove emerges as North America’s most hunted bird.
Game Bird Harvest Data
This table provides estimated annual harvest totals for common game bird species across North America:
Species | Estimated Annual Harvest |
---|---|
Mourning Dove | 20+ million |
Mallard Duck | 5-6 million |
Canada Goose | 2-3 million |
Snow Goose | 1-2 million |
Wood Duck | 1-2 million |
Teal | 1-2 million |
Pheasant | 1-2 million |
Quail | 1-2 million |
Turkey | 500,000 – 750,000 |
Conclusions
In summary, the mourning dove emerges as North America’s most commonly hunted bird species when we consider:
- Huge abundance and stable populations across the continent
- Minimal legal protections or restrictions on hunting
- Enthusiasm among hunters for this challenging small game bird
- The vast geographic area open to dove hunting
With annual harvests estimated at over 20 million birds, the mourning dove clearly outpaces all other game bird species. This combination of abundance and pursuit puts the mourning dove at the top of the list of North America’s most hunted birds.