The Eurasian collared dove is an invasive species that was accidentally introduced to the United States in the 1980s. Since then, their populations have exploded across North America. Many states now allow hunting of Eurasian collared doves to help control their numbers. Here is a look at where you can hunt this species across the country.
Overview of Eurasian Collared Dove
The Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a medium-sized dove species native to Europe and Asia. They are an invasive species in the United States, first being recorded in Florida in 1982 after some escaped captivity. Since then, their populations have spread rapidly across the continent.
Eurasian collared doves are now found across nearly all of the continental United States, as well as parts of Mexico and Canada. They thrive in human-altered habitats like farmlands, suburbs, and parks. The doves are considered an agricultural pest and a threat to native bird species in some areas.
Adult Eurasian collared doves have a pale gray body, darker gray wings with black spots, and a distinctive black collar on the back of the neck. They are slightly larger than mourning doves and measure 25-33 cm (9.8-13 inches) long with a wingspan around 50 cm (20 inches).
Collared doves are ground feeders and eat mainly seeds and grains. They forage in open habitats like fields, farms, residential areas, and bird feeders. The doves breed rapidly and may raise up to six broods per year. Their nests are flimsy platforms of twigs and grass made on any suitable sheltered site.
States Where Hunting is Allowed
Many states now allow hunting of Eurasian collared doves to control their populations. However, the regulations, season dates, and bag limits vary greatly across the country. Here is a state-by-state breakdown of where you can currently hunt Eurasian collared doves:
Alabama
– Considered an unprotected species – can be hunted year-round with no bag limit
Arizona
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Arkansas
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
California
– No open hunting season for Eurasian collared doves
Colorado
– Considered an unprotected species – can be hunted year-round with no bag limit
Connecticut
– No open season for Eurasian collared doves
Delaware
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Florida
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Georgia
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Hawaii
– No open hunting season for Eurasian collared doves
Idaho
– Upland game birds – open season generally September 1 – January 15 with a daily bag limit of 10 doves
Illinois
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Indiana
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Iowa
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Kansas
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Kentucky
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Louisiana
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Maine
– No open season for Eurasian collared doves
Maryland
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Massachusetts
– No open season for Eurasian collared doves
Michigan
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Minnesota
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Mississippi
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Missouri
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Montana
– Upland game birds – open season September 1 – January 1 with no bag limit
Nebraska
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Nevada
– Upland game birds – open season generally October 1 – January 31 with a bag limit of 10 collared doves per day
New Hampshire
– No open season for Eurasian collared doves
New Jersey
– No open season for Eurasian collared doves
New Mexico
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
New York
– No open season for Eurasian collared doves
North Carolina
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
North Dakota
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Ohio
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Oklahoma
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Oregon
– Upland game birds – open season generally September 1 – January 31 with a daily bag limit of 10
Pennsylvania
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Rhode Island
– No open season for Eurasian collared doves
South Carolina
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
South Dakota
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Tennessee
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Texas
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Utah
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Vermont
– No open season for Eurasian collared doves
Virginia
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Washington
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
West Virginia
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Wisconsin
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Wyoming
– Considered an unprotected species – no closed season or bag limit
Best States for Hunting Eurasian Collared Doves
While Eurasian collared doves can be hunted in the majority of states, the following states provide your best opportunities:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
These states classify the Eurasian collared dove as an unprotected or non-native species that can be hunted year-round without bag limits or closed seasons. The large and stable populations in these states provide ample hunting opportunity.
Best Time to Hunt Eurasian Collared Doves
Eurasian collared doves can be hunted year-round whenever the opportunity arises in the states where allowed. However, there are some times that are better than others to target these birds:
- Late Summer (August-September) – Hunting over bait sites before fall migrations when doves congregate.
- Fall Migration (October-November) – Target doves in harvested agricultural fields or around feedlots.
- Winter (December-February) – Hunt around grain elevators, feed lots, and large roosts.
The late summer and fall offer the best chance to find dove flocks congregating before migration or around ample food sources. Cold temperatures in the winter also concentrate birds around food sources and create feeding patterns that can be predicted.
Hunting Methods for Eurasian Collared Doves
Eurasian collared doves can be hunted using typical dove hunting methods:
- Pass Shooting – Sitting in a location doves are known to fly by and taking shots at passing birds.
- Spot and Stalk – Moving through an area and flushing doves to take shots.
- Over Decoys – Setting up dove decoys in a field and attracting doves in to shoot.
- Over Bait – Baiting a site with grain or other food and drawing in doves.
Shotguns ranging from 12 gauge to 20 gauge loaded with #6 to #9 shot work well. Non-toxic shot is required in some states when hunting on public lands or wetlands. Portable dove stools and spinning-wing decoys can improve success.
Regulations for Hunting Eurasian Collared Doves
When pursuing Eurasian collared doves, be sure to consult your state’s regulations. Important points to check include:
- Season dates and open areas
- Bag and possession limits
- Requirements for non-toxic shot
- Requirements for state and federal waterfowl stamps
- Restrictions on baiting
Even in states where collared doves are unprotected, you still must comply with regulations like using appropriate ammunition when required. Checking your state’s migratory bird hunting guide is the best place to find the specifics.
Field Care for Harvested Birds
Properly caring for harvested Eurasian collared doves improves the eating qualities of the meat. Recommended steps include:
- Remove entrails as soon as possible
- Pluck feathers or skin the bird
- Rinse thoroughly in cold water
- Place in a cooler with ice
- Keep cool until processed for consumption
Doves are best cooked soon after harvest. The breasts are most often pan-fried, grilled, or baked.
Conclusion
Hunting Eurasian collared doves provides opportunity across most of the continental United States. Regulations are most liberal in the southeastern and plains states where these birds are well-established. Dove hunting tactics like pass shooting and hunting over bait work well on this species through the summer, fall, and winter. Collared doves offer a bountiful and delicious gamebird to pursue when state regulations allow.