The Missouri Department of Conservation — in partnership with several wildlife agencies and private landowners — will provide mentored dove hunts for first-time hunters on 10 fields across the state later this year.
According to MDC, three hunts are scheduled to be held on each field including one or two on the opening day of dove season on September 1, with the other hunting dates to be determined soon. Each field will be limited to two first-time hunters and their mentors per acre to maximize safety and provide a quality experience. Hunting locations will be in or near Chillicothe, Joplin, Lynchburg, Mokane, Paris, East Prairie, Washington, Mountain Grove, Hartsville and Cabool.
Each participating new hunter will be assigned a mentor, but hunters are also encouraged to attend pre-hunt workshops or a hunter safety class prior to participating in a hunt. Workshops provide basic dove-hunting safety tips, as well as the opportunity to practice shooting a shotgun.
For more information and to register for the mentored dove hunts, visit www.mdc.mo.gov.