Hunting doves on agricultural lands in Missouri (2016)

Many hunters and landowners establish crops and manage habitats to create ideal conditions and locations to hunt mourning doves and provide food and cover for a variety of wildlife. Mourning doves are migratory birds, so they are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which specifically prohibits baiting a field for the purpose of hunting (Figure 1). Planting and managing fields using normal agricultural practices require careful planning and an understanding of the relevant regulations. This publication aims to help landowners understand baiting regulations and particularly the differences between baiting and what constitutes a normal agricultural operation in Missouri. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) are empowered to enforce regulations governing baiting migratory birds. You can find more specific information about these regulations in the Additional information section.New 2/16/Web only