MIKEMcCORMICK With today being Sep. 1, it marks the opening of the statewide dove season.
The Oklahoma Department ofWildlife Conservation also reminds hunters and potential hunters that haven’t purchased a license yet that Saturday and Sunday of this weekend, Sep. 3 and 4, are free hunting days across the state.
That means Oklahoma residents may enjoy any of the open hunting seasons on those two days without needing a state hunting license.
Most of those who dove hunt regularly know this, but for first timers and others who may not be aware, the dove season runs beginning today, Sep. 1 until Oct. 31 statewide.
The season opens again Dec. 1 and continues through Dec. 29 statewide.
The daily bag limit on dove is 15.
That may consist of any combination (aggregate) of mourning, white-winged and fully dressed Eurasian collared doves (those without a head or fully feathered wing naturally attached to the carcass).
Wildlife officials explain that there is no bag limit on Eurasian collared doves as long as the head or one fully feathered wing remains naturally attached to the carcass of all such birds while being transported to their final destination.
Allowed shooting time is 30 minutes before official sunrise to official sunset.
Due to my schedule, I won’t be able to hunt the season opener and some other plans that have developed, among them a birthday party for our grandson Liam.
So, it will be sometime next week before I can get out.
I like to remember back when I was a high schooler, when I was in college and even since then how I use to hunt with my dad and cousins north of Calumet on my cousin’s property.
Last year, I had the opportunity to hunt with my cousin Dan Snare of Oklahoma City. That was the first time in several years.
This year, Dan and I and a couple of other cousins are looking at trying our luck some afternoon and early evening to see if we can harvest some doves.
We’ve decided even if there aren’t a lot of birds, we’re still going to get together for a hunt.
It’s been such a long time since we’ve all gathered for a hunt, we just need to do it.
Last year Dan and I hunted opening afternoon and evening and cut it short because there weren’t any doves around. Between us we had one shot. That was the only bird that came within range and it kept flying.
We might have seen a half dozen doves that day. Dan and I agreed it was the worst dove hunt we’d ever been on while hunting my cousin’s land.
Dan and another cousin DaveMcCormickweregoing outTuesday morning to scout around.
Guess we’ll see if it’s any better. Even if it’s not, the camaraderie will be worth it.
Staff Column