Brochure Outlines Legal Dove Field Preparation

By Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division

Published: August 23, 2010

Georgians curious about the differences between legitimate dove field preparation and illegal baiting should read “Dove Hunting and Agricultural Practices in Georgia,” available at http://www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

Baiting is the illegal practice of intentionally luring doves to a field by placing grain or feed. Federal and state laws prohibit hunting migratory game birds over such areas. 

“The key to hunting doves legally in Georgia is to understand the difference between ‘baiting’ and ‘recommended agricultural practices,’” says Wildlife Resources Division Chief of Law Enforcement Col. Homer Bryson. “Agricultural lands can provide excellent dove hunting opportunities, but hunters need to make sure that the fields they are hunting over have been prepared in a manner consistent with official agricultural recommendations relative to planting dates, planting methods and rates of application.”

The brochure explains the legalities of dove fields, provides strategies for legally attracting doves, answers common questions and contains additional information for dove hunters.

Designed by the Wildlife Resources Division in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Service, the brochure is available on the Wildlife Resources Divisions Web site at http://www.gohuntgeorgia.com . For more information, call (770) 918-6416.

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