Segment 2, August 31st, 2024

This is a huge weekend in the outdoor realm. Monday, September 2^nd kicks off the first stage of Dove Season in both Carolinas.  Host Bill Bartee discusses opening day, safety, and gains advice from James Buice of Buice & Associates, a specialty sales firm covering the southeast.  Buice has fished & hunted around the world but brings it back local for the upcoming dove.

Hunting of migratory game birds, including doves, by any method is not allowed on Sundays. It is illegal to dove hunt with a shotgun that can hold more than three shells unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal without disassembling the gun.

Hunting safety is a priority when in the field. Free hunter safety courses are available through NCWRC. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers advise dove hunters to follow these safety tips:

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• Adhere to established safe zones of fire.
  
• Ensure you have the correct ammunition for your firearm.
  
• Keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed in a safe direction.
  
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
  
• Do not shoot at low-flying birds.
  
• Do not place decoys on utility lines.
  

Hunters can purchase or renew their license and obtain their HIP certification online for immediate use in the field. Hunters can also purchase and renew their license at a Wildlife Service Agent office.

It is a violation of state and federal law to take migratory game birds with the use or aid of salt, grain, fruit or any other bait. Additionally, hunters need to be aware that an area is considered baited for 10 days following the removal of all salt, grain or other feed. Migratory game birds may be hunted in agricultural areas where grain has been distributed as the result of normal agricultural operations. Information regarding agriculture and planting techniques may be obtained from a local N.C. State Extension Center. Visit the agency’s website to view an interactive map of game land dove fields.

Show Highlights:

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• Dove hunting is often times a social sport unlike deer and turkey
  
• Many times a social dove hunt includes lunch for attendees
  
• Have the grains and salts removed ten days prior to the beginning of the season
  
• Buice likes sunflowers, millet, & milo for his fields
  
• Know where everyone is & always shoot at blue sky
  
• Do not shoot low
  
• Dove hunting season will be separated into three segments: Sept. 2 – Oct. 5, Nov. 9 – Nov. 30 and Dec. 16 – Jan. 31, 2025. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning or white-winged doves, either as single species or combined, and shooting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
  
• Take care of your dogs regarding weather.  Keep them hydrated and cool in the heat & protected in the cold
  

Things You’ll Learn by Listening:

Dove hunting season will be separated into three segments: Sept. 2 – Oct. 5, Nov. 9 – Nov. 30 and Dec. 16 – Jan. 31, 2025. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning or white-winged doves, either as single species or combined, and shooting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

Migratory game bird hunters, including lifetime license holders, are required to register in the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP). HIP is a survey method developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to collect more reliable estimates of migratory game bird harvests throughout the country. HIP certification is available July 1 – April 1 and expires June 30 each year.

The Carolina Outdoors is powered by the great dove hunting brands like Tundra 45 YETI, Turtlebox Speakers, & a pair of Duckhead pants from the  Charlotte fly shop, Jesse Brown’s.