The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announces that the 2009 dove seasons for the north and south zones are finalized with the first day of hunting in the north zone on September 5 and the first day of hunting in the south zone on October 3. Both zones will hunt under a 70-day split season with a 15-a-day bag limit.

The south zone includes Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Mobile counties. The remaining counties are in the north zone.

The season dates are:

NORTH ZONE: 15-a-day – 15 in Possession

12 O’clock noon until Sunset (Afternoon Shooting Only)       September 5

One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day)                September 6 – October 4

One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day)                October 24– November 7

One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day)                December 12 – January 5, 2010

SOUTH ZONE: 15-a-day – 15 in Possession

12 O’clock noon until Sunset (Afternoon Shooting Only)       October 3

One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day)                October 4 – November 1

One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day)                November 26 – November 29

One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day)                December 5 – January 9, 2010

The mourning dove is the most abundant game bird in Alabama and is pursued by thousands of hunters. “Dove hunting is a great way to introduce new hunters, especially youth, to hunting,” said Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Director Corky Pugh. “Hunters don’t have to be still and quiet and temperatures in the early season are not cold.”

ADCNR reminds hunters to use all safety precautions, including not shooting low birds. In addition, all hunters are encouraged to wear eye and ear protection.

For further information on Alabama hunting seasons, go to www.outdooralabama.com.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

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