RALEIGH, N.C. — Shortly before dawn on Sept. 5 the 2015-16 dove hunting season will open officially. Hunting hours on opening day and throughout the season will be one half hour before sunrise and ending at sunset.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission set the 2015-16 season for mourning and white-winged dove from Sept. 5 to Oct. 10 and Nov. 23 to Jan. 15. The daily bag limit is 15 and possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. The season does not include Sundays; hunting of migratory game birds by any method is not allowed on Sundays.

The Commission provides dove hunting opportunities on its game lands throughout the state. Staff manages for dove hunts by planting crops that are attractive to doves, such as millet and sunflowers. The agency's website has a map of dove fields it maintains on game lands. By clicking on a map point, hunters can find out information about a specific game land, such as directions to the game land and how many fields have been planted with what crops to attract doves. While many of the dove hunts are on a first-come, first-serve basis, several are offered through the Commission's Permit Hunts opportunities.

Be Safe, Be Responsible

The Commission's Home From The Hunt™ campaign encourages hunters to be safe and responsible in the field, with the following recommendations:

When hunting in a group, adhere to established zones of fire.

Never shoot at low-flying birds and alert others when a bird is too low for a safe shot.

Take time prior to hunting to walk the field and inspect the area for bait.

Never place decoys on utility lines, which is trespassing and risks electrical shock.

Don't combine game bags, which is a hunting regulations violation.

Dove hunters 16 years old and older must have a valid hunting license and the federally required HIP certification in their possession when hunting. Hunters hunting on game lands also need a game land privilege license. All hunters must follow applicable licensing requirements and hunting regulations. It is an individual hunter's responsibility to know the area being hunted. Don't hunt over baited fields. According to state regulations, the placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of salt, grain or other feed that could serve as a lure for migratory game can constitute a baited area. Because birds often return to a feeding area even after the food source is exhausted, hunting within 10 days after complete disappearance of feed from a baited area is illegal.

For more information about hunting in North Carolina, including where to go and what to hunt, visit the Commission's website, www.ncwildlife.org/hunting.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.

Get N.C. Wildlife Update — news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more — delivered free to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.

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Media contact: Jodie B. Owen

919-707-0187

jodie.owen@ncwildlife.org