Bigbear
09-03-2006, 07:55 PM
Anyone hear about this?
That sure would be nice.
Doves on agenda in Newburyport
By BILL BISWANGER, Sun Outdoors Writer
On August 31 hunters will descend on the Elks Club in Newburyport for the annual waterfowl hearing, a hearing where sportsmen can make a change in the laws banning dove hunting.
For decades there has been a ban on hunting the common dove seen by every person in the region. There are so many doves that hunting is allowed in 41 other states. Harvest figures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service four years ago places the total take at about 14 million birds. This number has only grown with excellent nesting seasons since the survey figures were released.
Waterfowl Biologist and Mass. Wildlife lead biologist in the field H Heusmann said there is no reason there could not be a season on doves. This is something that will have to be brought up at the hearing and discussed with the board. "It will not be easy because many people think the bird is a backyard-only bird. The truth is they migrate and have a short life span of only a few years," stated Heusmann.
He also said the birds are very prolific,, breeding not once but several times a year, which is why there are so many. Having a short season to test the waters could take place in October if the board signs off on the hunt.
For the most part states that offer dove seasons have very liberal bag limits. Some states offer harvest limits of up to 25 birds per day. The least number I have heard of is 10 per day in Rhode Island and that may change and be increased this year.
There is a lot of shooting involved. The birds almost never fly straight, instead they fly like acrobats. They dip, twist and are very fast flying over 50 miles per hour. Hunters usually take at least 2 boxes of number 7 shells with them because they know they will miss.
Personally I would like to see a hunt last for the first 15 days of October and for the time being be held only on wildlife management units. There hunters will be in an area known for hunting and neighbors will not be bothered by the noise of the shooting.
Dove hunting is fun, fast and you don't need a dog. Nor do you chase them. Hunting doves is finding a place to stand or sit. Bring a chair and set up near a corn row and just be patient. The birds will come.
The board will convene at the Elks Club on Low Street, Newburyport, at 7 p.m. The meeting for the first time in years is in the Northeast and may not be here again for another decade. It's a chance to let them know your thoughts on doves, ducks, and goose seasons. I hope to see you there.
http://www.lowellsun.com/sports/ci_4211453
That sure would be nice.
Doves on agenda in Newburyport
By BILL BISWANGER, Sun Outdoors Writer
On August 31 hunters will descend on the Elks Club in Newburyport for the annual waterfowl hearing, a hearing where sportsmen can make a change in the laws banning dove hunting.
For decades there has been a ban on hunting the common dove seen by every person in the region. There are so many doves that hunting is allowed in 41 other states. Harvest figures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service four years ago places the total take at about 14 million birds. This number has only grown with excellent nesting seasons since the survey figures were released.
Waterfowl Biologist and Mass. Wildlife lead biologist in the field H Heusmann said there is no reason there could not be a season on doves. This is something that will have to be brought up at the hearing and discussed with the board. "It will not be easy because many people think the bird is a backyard-only bird. The truth is they migrate and have a short life span of only a few years," stated Heusmann.
He also said the birds are very prolific,, breeding not once but several times a year, which is why there are so many. Having a short season to test the waters could take place in October if the board signs off on the hunt.
For the most part states that offer dove seasons have very liberal bag limits. Some states offer harvest limits of up to 25 birds per day. The least number I have heard of is 10 per day in Rhode Island and that may change and be increased this year.
There is a lot of shooting involved. The birds almost never fly straight, instead they fly like acrobats. They dip, twist and are very fast flying over 50 miles per hour. Hunters usually take at least 2 boxes of number 7 shells with them because they know they will miss.
Personally I would like to see a hunt last for the first 15 days of October and for the time being be held only on wildlife management units. There hunters will be in an area known for hunting and neighbors will not be bothered by the noise of the shooting.
Dove hunting is fun, fast and you don't need a dog. Nor do you chase them. Hunting doves is finding a place to stand or sit. Bring a chair and set up near a corn row and just be patient. The birds will come.
The board will convene at the Elks Club on Low Street, Newburyport, at 7 p.m. The meeting for the first time in years is in the Northeast and may not be here again for another decade. It's a chance to let them know your thoughts on doves, ducks, and goose seasons. I hope to see you there.
http://www.lowellsun.com/sports/ci_4211453