This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah's 2007 dove hunt opens Sept. 1, and wildlife officials expect a comparable number of birds as last year.
Annual "coo count" surveys in May indicated a slight decline in the number of doves from 2006, but right on target with the 10-year average. The ability of doves to produce several clutches each year and a lack of summer storms mean the number of birds increased substantially since the spring.
Scouting before the hunt opens is always a good way to increase success. Doves eat seeds from agricultural plants and weeds. Among their favorites are wild sunflower seeds and waste grain. The birds will also be found near a water source.
The 2007 season runs Sept. 1 to 30.
