Photo by Mark Romanack

Dove hunting in our state is getting better with each passing year -- and the improvement is largely attributable to the efforts of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

While they don't offer a private land program similar to some states', they've made a concerted effort to expand dove habitat. Their program consists mostly of planting sunflower fields, along with a smattering of wheat and other grains, for forage and habitat. All in all it's been a fairly successful program.

According to a report compiled by resource scientist John H. Schultz -- the go-to guy for doves in Missouri -- there was a 13 percent increase in dove hunters between 2002 and 2003 (the last years for which figures are currently available). And, even better, they accounted for a 17.7 percent increase in harvested doves. Anytime the harvest increases faster than the number of hunters, it's good news.

The Missouri mourning dove season runs 70 consecutive days beginning each year on Sept. 1. The bag limit has been shifted around over the years, but currently stands at 12 birds. That figure is expected to hold for the 2005 season.

Based on all available data, and the Missouri habitat program, Schultz believes that the current state of dove hunting in Missouri is good and likely to get better. "There's a major national effort to increase the mourning dove population," he said, "and all hunters across the country will benefit from it, including those in Missouri."

With that optimistic outlook in mind, let's see what the experts have to say about some of the best spots in the state.

NORTHEAST REGION
One of the best areas in the Northeast Region is the Frost Island Conservation Area. Four miles north of Wayland in Clark County on Route B, this area currently supports 25 acres of sunflowers. At least that much forage is planned for the 2005 season.

In 2004 the sunflowers were planted in two large fields east of County Road 189 and County Road 198 along the western edge of the CA. Darlene Hoffman, wildlife management biologist for the CA, reports that dove populations were solid in 2004 in this area and are expected to be remain so through 2005. "We had real good luck with Frost Island," she said. She added that hunters ought not to bypass Rose Pond CA, saying, "It's real good, too."

To hunt Rose Pond, travel north of the Lewis County line on Highway 61. Turn east on Route F, and go three miles to Route P. Proceed north until the pavement ends and continue left on the gravel road for two-tenths of a mile. Turn right on the next gravel road. This area contains 25 acres of sunflowers and 5 acres of wheat. Both the sunflowers and wheat were in the center and southern portion of the CA east of County Road 304 for the 2004 season. For detailed and up to the minute information about either of these areas or others in the Northeast Region call (660) 785-2420 or check the MDC web site at www.conservation.state.mo.us.

CENTRAL REGION
Mike Schrorer, Central Region wildlife biologist, reports that there should be several good spots available to dove hunters this fall "if we get the sunflowers in on time." That, of course, is a matter for Mother Nature and her weather. One of the best spots in this region is Eagle Bluffs CA, in Boone County 6 miles southwest of Columbia. It supports around 30 acres of wheat and 35 acres of sunflowers. In 2004 the fields were somewhat scattered; check with the MDC for details about the 2005 plantings.