A migratory bird hunting season opens today in the state.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Aron Arthur says dove season is from September 1st through November 29th. He reminds those that participate in this season to make sure that non-toxic ammunition is used in a plugged shotgun and that individuals not only have their valid hunting license and habitat fees paid for, but that they are also hip registered. Arthur explains that hip registrations are a federal law and why it is also important to comply with that requirement.

“There is no additional fee for it, it’s just a federal requirement. Migratory birds are migratory, so the feds keep track of the amount of harvest. They want to know because that’s how they set the season dates and the season limits with that.”  

Arthur adds that people can hunt for doves from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. The public areas in Greene County that have dove plots include Dunbar Slough and Pound Pits. Click here to learn more about the Iowa DNR hunting seasons.