Doves are a popular game bird across the country, with millions of hunters participating in the annual hunt. However, New York remains one of the few states that hasn’t embraced dove hunting. This raises the question: is the Empire State missing out on an opportunity?
Doves in New York is one of missed opportunities
New York currently classifies doves as songbirds, making hunting them illegal. Hunting of the mourning dove is prohibited in New York State since it is not considered a migratory game bird here. Thus, the implementation of a hunting season for doves is contingent upon their reassignment as game birds.
In New York State, it is illegal to hunt mourning doves since they are not regarded as migratory game birds.
The official hunting regulations for the 2024-2025 season are still under proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Nonetheless, we may always consider other New York hunting seasons adhere to a comparable framework based on prior years and comparisons with neighboring states:
- Early Season: Labor Day weekend (typically falls in early September) to the end of the third Saturday in September.
- Late Season: Saturday closest to December 1st through the end of January.
Important Note: These are estimated dates and assumptions only. Always double-check the official New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations for the most up-to-date information on season dates, bag limits, and other regulations (https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting).
Regulations: Safety and Responsible Hunting Practices
Before heading out on your hunt, it’s crucial to be familiar with the state’s hunting regulations. Here’s a quick overview:
- Hours:Â Half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.
- Bag Limit:Â Not Applicable
- Shotguns Only: Only shotguns with a plug that restricts capacity to no more than three shells are permitted.
- Non-Toxic Shot Required:Â All shotguns must use non-toxic shot.
- Plugged Shotgun: Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells (one in the chamber and two in the magazine).
Additionally, here are some essential safety tips to remember:
- Always identify your target before shooting.
- Be aware of your surroundings and ensure a safe shooting background.
- Wear hunter orange for increased visibility.
- Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
- Never climb a tree or fence with a loaded firearm.
- Have a plan for communication and emergencies.
By following these regulations and prioritizing safety, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable hunting experience.
Licenses and Permits: Costs Explained
Though it is illegal to hunt doves in New York, here’s a breakdown of the different licenses and their associated costs:
NY Hunting License & Permit Costs (USD)
| License/Permit | Residents | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game Hunting License | $28.00 | $100.00 |
| Hunting License | $70.50 | $160.50 |
| Combined Hunting & Fishing License | $98.50 | $190.50 |
Other Licenses
| License Type | Cost (USD) |
| Small Game Hunting License | $28.50 |
| Junior Hunting License (Ages 11-16) | $11.50 |
| Senior Hunting License (Ages 70+) | $11.50 |
| Hunting License with Bowhunting Privilege | $38.50 |
| Sportsman License | $88.50 |
Please note: These are base license fees. Additional hunting privileges or tags may incur extra costs.
Licenses can be purchased online through the DEC’s website (https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses) or at authorized license vendors across the state.
Additional Considerations:
- HIP Registration:Â All bird hunters, including hunters, must register for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) for free. You can register online through the USFWS website (https://www.fws.gov/).
- Wildlife Management Area Permits:Â Some Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) may require additional permits for hunting. Check the specific WMA regulations on the DEC website.
Top Dove Locations in New York by Region
New York’s diverse landscapes offer a wealth of possibilities for dove watchers, with potential locations scattered throughout the state. Here’s a quick glimpse:
- Western NY: Montezuma and Iroquois National Wildlife Refuges, along with Allegheny State Park, boast open fields and varied habitats.
- Central NY: Howland Island and Sonny Tubbs WMAs, plus the Montezuma Muck Preserve (private), offer a mix of grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields.
- Eastern NY: John Boyd Thacher State Park, Rensselaer County public lands (like Grafton Lakes), and the Greenkill Wildlife Demonstration Area provide opportunities for doves.
- Long Island: Sunken Meadow Refuge, the Long Island MacArthur Airport Wildlife Sanctuary (with safety measures), and Huntington Township WMA offer open areas and potential dove habitat.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity or a Conservation Conundrum
While shooting mourning doves is illegal in New York, there are concerns over lost recreational opportunities and conservation goals when there is no dove hunting season. While opponents emphasize ecological effects and doves’ position as songbirds, supporters point to increased hunter engagement and economic advantages. In the end, the choice rests with public discourse and wildlife management organizations, which balance economic benefits against ecological issues in order to balance public preferences and conservation aims.
