the Hunter's Lane
summer hunter's guide:
eurasian collared doves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Eurasian Collared Dove is a dove species native to Europe and Asia; it was introduced to Japan, North America and islands in the Caribbean. The Eurasian collared dove is a medium-sized dove, distinctly smaller than the wood pigeon, similar in length to a rock pigeon but slimmer and longer-tailed, and slightly larger than the related European turtle dove, with an average length of 32 cm (13 in). 

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Where:

In many states, like California for instance, Eurasians are considered to be an invasive and “non-game” bird species, which means certain rules do not apply to them. Typically, there are no set bag limits or shell plugs/limiters required (remember that pump/auto preference?). Be sure to check your local/state hunting regulations for specific limitations and requirements.

 

The majority of states have declared Eurasian collared doves an unprotected species and/or allow year-round hunting with no bag limits.  Other states only allow harvest of collared doves during the regular mourning dove season but there is no bag limit for collared doves.

Several states take a more conservative approach and only allow harvest during the regular dove season and a harvested collared dove counts toward a hunter’s bag limit.  Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Kansas have special seasons for collared doves which are more conservative than a year-round season but more liberal that the regular mourning dove season.

It's also important to note that many states have regulations requiring hunters to keep a fully feathered head and wing attached to a bird in the field so game wardens can distinguish between a mourning dove and collared dove in a hunter’s bag.

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When: Year-round

 

Preferred Habitat: 

Eurasian Collared-Doves are found throughout much of North America in urban and suburban settings with access to bird feeders and other seed sources. Eurasian Collared-Doves eat mainly seed and cereal grain such as millet, sunflower, milo, wheat, and corn. In agricultural areas, they seek open sites where grain is available, including farmyards, fields, and areas around silos. 

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Active Times:

Doves are more active in mornings and evenings — often the best time to hunt. Hunters can locate good areas to hunt by scouting and observing where doves are flying to food or water sources.

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Tracking:

In the southern half of the United States, Eurasian collared doves are most prolific in areas where there is waste grain and steady food sources like nut trees and fruit. Think orchards, farms, wheat fields and dairies. Eurasian Collared Doves respond very well to Pigeon and Mourning dove decoys.

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Position:

Doves are very unlikely to approach if they spot humans (or any other predators) nearby. Since you are trying to get these doves to fly within an optimal shooting range, wearing the right camo to help you blend in will be crucial. You may want to also consider a portable blind to mask your movement and position. And don’t be scared to rotate locations. 

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Recommended Caliber for Pronghorn Hunting: 

12 or 20 gauge Shotgun​

• 12 gauge is the classic go-to for wing shooters and works well for Eurasian Collared Doves

• 20 gauge shotgun options offer less recoil and work just as well for dove hunting, especially when using modern TSS shellshot

 

Taking Aim:

You want to aim over six feet in front of the bird. As a general rule, one inch of barrel movement equals one foot of lead for the bird. If you shoot like you are going to miss in front of the bird, you will likely put the dove right in the center of your shot pattern. The red target in the upper right corner roughly represents where you want to aim before pulling the trigger.​

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Recovery:

Be sure to keep your eyes on the bird as it falls, allowing you to recover your game without too much searching involved. If you are fortunate enough to hunting with trained bird dogs, well...they know what to do.