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Management Hunting and crippling loss is estimated at 70 million birds annually in North America, or about 15% of fall population (Mirarachi 1994). Mourning doves are also killed by lead shot but not more than 7% of the population. Up to 15% of deaths occurs by collision with moving objects, overhead wires and towers (Mirarachi 1994). Mourning doves are hunted in 36 of the 48 conterminous states of the United States (Mirarachi 1994). Federally protected gamebird in U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In U.S., individual states may promulgate more restrictive regulations for hunting seasons, daily bag limits etc., but can not pass regulations more liberal than federal frameworks. Considered a songbird in those states where hunting is not allowed (Mirarachi 1994). Annual harvest is estimated by many state wildlife agencies through mail or telephone questionnaire surveys, call counts and knowledge obtained from quantitative analyses of band recoveries and survival rates. The information received from these is used to make recommendations for annual hunting seasons and bag limits (Mirarachi 1994). Mourning doves respond well to restricted harvest and hunting seasons when necessary and to improvements in breeding habitats (Mirarachi 1994). Greatest threat appears to be loss of breeding habitats as result of various land use changes and practices (Mirarachi 1994). |