Based on the fact the birds were likely inactive this spring and that dove habitat conditions across the state are better than they were in 2004, hunters will probably see a similar number of doves as in years past when the Utah dove hunt opens Sept. 1 and closes on Sept. 30.

Hunters frequently complain that most of Utah's mourning doves leave the state for southern destinations prior to the Sept. 1 opening, but Division of Wildlife Resources officials are required to wait until at least that date to open the hunt due to stipulations in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Many people believe doves start heading south when the weather starts to cool, and that is true to a point, but birds are actually triggered more by the shortening of sunlight than weather.

As a result of the required opening, dove hunters typically head to southern Utah for the best shooting. Millard, Beaver, Iron, Washington, Emery and San Juan counties offer some of the best dove hunting in the state.

Mourning doves will be in most sights during the season, but Utah hunters are also allowed to harvest white-winged doves. These migratory birds are expanding their range and are becoming more common in the state. White-winged doves will count in the aggregate limit of 10 birds daily with a possession limit of 20 birds.

Another bird, the Eurasian collared-dove, has also been increasing its range across the state. Hunters are allowed to shoot these birds during the season and they will not count in the daily or possession limits. Law enforcement officials ask that hunters leave harvested Eurasian collared-doves unplucked to help prevent over limit tickets from being handed out.

The 2005 dove season will remain open through Sept. 30.

Dove Hunting Tips

* Doves normally feed early in the morning and again late in the day. Sunflowers often harbor many doves and provide birds with an excellent source of food and cover.

l After feeding, doves pick up grit along roadways and then fly to water. The middle part of the day is spent loafing and roosting in trees.

l Although not required by law, it's a good idea to wear hunter orange during the first week of the dove hunt.

l Respect private property. Pick up and pack out spent shotgun hulls and other trash when exiting the shooting field.

- Division of Wildlife Resource