Wildlife - Species
Species Specific Regulations
Doves - Mourning Dove
Licenses: Hunting License required. Migratory Bird Hunting and Seasons set annually. Daily aggregate bag limit for mourning doves and white-winged doves is 15.
Limits: Please see Migratory Bird Regulations for any game zones restrictions or Limitations.
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Description
- Sexes similar in appearance
- Medium-sized, slender with very thin neck
- Black bill
- Distinct pointed tail
Average Size
Length: 10.5 inches; approximate weight is between 4 to 6 ounces.
Preferred Habitat
Although doves are a migratory species, the majority of doves in South Carolina are resident birds. The resident birds breed in South Carolina, and may spend their entire lives within the state’s boundaries. Their range is over the 48 contigous states in the United States and into parts of southern Canada. Feeds on grass seed and waste grain.
Publications and Literature
Attracting Doves Legally. (Adobe PDF) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. Columbia, South Carolina
Doves of South Carolina - Identification and Status. (Adobe PDF) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. Columbia, South Carolina
South Carolina Dove Hunting Guide. (Adobe PDF) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. Columbia, South Carolina
Some of the files above are provided in the Adobe® Acrobat® (PDF) format. Adobe® Reader® is required to open these files and is available as a free download from the Adobe® Web site.
Billy Dukes - Small Game Project Supervisor
SCDNR
P.O. Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: (803) 734-3886
Fax: (803) 734-6020
E-mail: dukesb@dnr.sc.gov