Fall hunting seasons to kick off Sept. 1

September 1st, 2005

Dove season opens statewide Sept. 1. While forecasting the dove migration can be an inexact science at best, biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation have compiled the following information on the prospects for the early part of dove season in each region of the state.

Don’t forget that September 3 & 4 are free hunting days in Oklahoma. Oklahoma residents do not need a hunting license to go afield on the first Saturday and Sunday of dove season.

For complete dove hunting regulations, be sure to pick up a copy of the “2005-06 Oklahoma Hunting Guide” at a sporting goods retailer near you.

Southwest
Some large groups of doves have moved through and the number varies from day to day. Currently there are good numbers and they are using food plots and stubble fields, although rain delayed plowing of many fields. Water hole hunting will not be good as most years because of the recent rains. Whitewing doves are increasing in southwest Oklahoma, as well as collared doves which are found mostly around towns.

Northwest
No large groups seen on the wildlife management areas (WMAs). Rain has delayed plowing of fields and doves have not begun using feed patches. Water hole hunting will probably not be very good unless the weather becomes dry. Forecast is for a fair season, but this is weather dependent. Collared doves are increasing in some areas but not seen yet on WMAs.

Northcentral
Doves are beginning to form large groups and the shooting opportunities will depend on the weather before opening day. Water hole hunting will not likely be good. Collared doves are increasing around towns.

Southcentral
The outlook is fair to poor. A few fields have been mowed or disked, but these have received little use by doves. Most fields have not been worked because of the wet weather. Water hole hunting will probably not be good due to recent rains. Collared and whitewing doves are increasing mostly in and around towns.

Northeast
A few congregations of doves have been sighted and the forecast is for a fair season. Waterhole hunting will probably not be productive. Collared doves are increasing and there have been reports of whitewing doves in the region.

Southeast
No congregations of doves have been seen and the forecast is fair to poor. Water hole hunting will probably not be good except in the counties experiencing drought conditions.

Entry Filed under: Hunting & Fishing