August-September 2021 • Nebraskaland 35
A Eurasian collared-dove perches near a feeder in Chadron.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
in towns. During the overlapping hunting seasons, I'll
occasionally encounter Eurasians while hunting near a stock
pond far from any buildings, indicating there is some habitat
sharing.
Hunting
Regardless of where they're found, Eurasian collared-doves
offer Nebraska hunters another hunting option. Game and
Parks considers them a non-native species, Lusk said, which
is why harvest is allowed year-round. "They were included
in the dove season regulations mainly to protect mourning
doves from accidental harvest, which is why it is an aggregate
bag during the regular dove season."
The total number of doves of any species that can be
harvested daily is 15 during the regular season. During the
collared-dove season, there is still a 15 bird daily bag limit
which, obviously, must contain only collared-doves."
The same hunting tactics that put mourning doves in
the bag also will work on Eurasians. Staking out a stock
pond, harvested wheat field, or flyway in between can all
produce doves of both species. Collared-doves also are just as
responsive to decoys, both static and spinning-wing, as their
mourning dove counterparts. Both species are social and
seek out other doves, especially if they think it'll lead them
to better feeding or watering opportunities.
The best time to hunt collared-doves is probably during the
general September/October dove season and into November,
although I have bagged them earlier and later as noted. It's
been my unscientific observation that Eurasians tend to
"flock up" in late December or early January, disappear for
a month or so, and then reappear in late February or early
March.
"They're not migratory," Lusk reiterated, "but may shift
their habitat use seasonally." Any lateral migration that
occurs is likely caused by changing availability of food sources
or protective cover during the harshest winter months.
Enjoyable Exotics
As I wrote this, a pair of collared-doves had taken up
residence in my backyard cedar tree, likely drawn to my yard
by an unlimited availability of straw nesting material in my
dog's kennel.
They may be an invasive species, but Eurasian collared-
doves provide Nebraskans with yet another hunting and
bird watching opportunity in a state already known for its
avian diversity. Although their strange, belch-like calls differ
greatly from the peaceful cooing of mourning doves, I still
enjoy their presence, both in the field and at home.
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