Hunters, farmers and land managers who do not understand the differences between legitimate dove field preparation and baiting in dove fields can seek clarification in a brochure entitled “Dove Hunting and Agricultural Practices in Georgia,” available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com.  This brochure was created by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Service. Baiting is the illegal practice of direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering salt, corn, wheat or any other grain or feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for doves to, on or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them. Both federal and state laws prohibit the hunting of migratory game birds over such areas.

“The key to hunting doves legally in Georgia is understanding the differences between ‘baiting’ and ‘recommended agricultural practice’,” says WRD Chief of Law Enforcement Col. Terry West. “Agricultural lands often provide excellent dove hunting opportunities, but hunters need to make sure that the fields they are hunting over have been prepared in a manner consistent with official agricultural recommendations relative to planting dates, planting methods and rates of application.”

This brochure defines baiting and the legalities of hunting over recently planted and manipulated fields. It also provides tips and strategies for successfully and legally attracting doves, answers to common questions plus additional items for dove hunters to keep in mind when they are out in the fields.

This brochure is available on the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com . For more information, call (770) 918-6416.

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