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Minnesota's dove hunting season begins Wednesday, Sept. 1, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 30.

A small game license and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification are required for hunters 16 and older. Hunters younger than 16 must obtain a free small game hunting license and the HIP certification.

The daily bag limit is 15 doves, with 30 in possession. Mourning doves are not a migratory bird, so nontoxic shot is not required - however it is recommended.[[In-content Ad]]Dove hunting requires only a bucket to sit on, a box of shells, shotgun and earth-tone clothing.

"This is a great way to introduce youngsters to hunting" said Bill Penning, DNR farmland wildlife program leader. "It's a sedentary activity in a controlled environment, which makes it easy for mentors to work with inexperienced hunters under very safe conditions."

Minnesota has allowed dove hunting since 2004. The state has about 13,000 dove hunters, who harvest more than 100,000 doves each year. Nationwide there are about 4 million mourning doves.

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