Dove Hunting - NC Wildlife Resources Commission

The mourning dove is the most hunted bird in North America. It, as well as other migratory birds, is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Federal and state regulations help ensure that mourning doves continue to thrive while providing hunting opportunities.

As a hunter, you have the responsibility to know and obey all federal and state laws pertaining to dove hunting.

It Is Illegal to Kill Migratory Game Birds:

• With the aid of baiting
• With a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells
• Outside the hours of ½ hour before sunrise until sunset
• While exceeding the daily limit
• On Sundays
• From or with the use of a motorized conveyance

Migratory game birds received, possessed or given to someone else must have a tag attached that identifies the hunter who killed the birds, with the hunter’s address, date the birds were killed and number of birds.

No person shall possess, have in custody, or transport more than the daily bag limit or aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies, of migratory game birds, tagged or not tagged, at or between the place where killed and either (a) his automobile or principal means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or temporary or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility; or (d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility.

Definition of Baiting:

Baiting is defined as the direct or indirect placement, exposing, depositing, distribution or scattering of salt, grain, fruit, or other feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory birds. Hunters should inspect areas to be hunted for signs of baiting prior to hunting. An area is considered baited for 10 days following the complete removal of all salt, grain or other feed.

Circumstances That Are Not Considered Baiting:

• Normal agricultural planting, harvesting, or post-harvest manipulation.(Planting/harvesting undertaken for the purpose of producing or gathering crops, or manipulating after such harvest and removal of grain)
• Normal agricultural operation
• Normal soil stabilization practices

Obtain information regarding agriculture and planting techniques at your local N.C. State

Extension Service or online: ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is considered manipulation?

A: The alteration of natural vegetation or agricultural crops by activities that include but are not limited to mowing, shredding, disking, rolling, chopping, trampling, flattening, burning, or herbicide treatments.

Q: Is it legal to manipulate a standing crop, such as sunflowers or wheat, and later hunt doves over that area?

A: Yes, it is legal to hunt doves over a crop that has been manipulated on the land where it was grown. However, it is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl over a crop that has been manipulated.

Q: It was very dry this summer and my sunflowers didn’t fully mature. I plan to manipulate the crop by mowing or bush-hogging. Can I add more sunflower seeds to the field?

A: No, manipulation does not include the distribution or scattering of grain, seed, or other feed after removal from or storage on the field where grown.

Q: I broadcasted wheat seed two weeks before the opening day of the season. Due to rainfall the seed that are left are starting to sprout. Can I re-plant the same area again?

A: No, this would be inconsistent with a normal agricultural practice, crops are normally seeded only once.