No dove season in Massachusetts?
 

Why is there no dove hunting/season in Massachusetts? What's the story here?

They are considered a 'songbird' here in MA.

IMHO woodcock have a much prettier song than mourning doves and we have always been allowed to shoot woodcock.






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many years ago - a local outdoors writer - the late Floyd King wrote a column about trying to legalize dove season in NY

he asked - "what tone deaf person decided the dove was a songbird?"

Years ago the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department implemented a Dove season at the request of some hunters. When the season was introduced that summer public opinion came out ripping the Fish and Game Department for there decision. Literally a few days before the opening of the new Dove season, the Director of Fish and Game cancelled the season and then repealed it. So much for dove hunting in New Hampshire:bigbye: We just watch them on our bird feeders.

you boys are sure missing probably the best shoot of them all...charlie

And some damn fine eating after the shoot.

Gary, what other bird would you compare the flavor of dove breast to?




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Dean, I'm not sure how to answer your question. To me, all wild birds have a taste all their own. Doves are a mild, tender, tasty morsel if not over cooked. If I had to compare I guess I might equate them to chukar. Pigeon is very close but a bit stronger in my opinion. However, an old pigeon is like chewing on a tennis ball and unfit for human consumption. I have never encountered that with doves.

So there, now you know as much as you did before. You need to try them. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Dean,I believe dove's are also considered song birds in New Jersey. J.J.

And Michigan... after HSUS ran many TV ads they stopped the season, after the DNR started to open up the season on a trail basis.:banghead: This is why you can't allow politicians an inch as they will take the Whole Yard (same as proposed or recent executive orders ..:cuss: ). !