The Missouri Department of Conservation - in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Forever, the Missouri Prairie Foundation, The Conservation Federation of Missouri, and private landowners - will provide a mentored dove hunt for first-time hunters in Mokane.
It's one of 10 such hunts across the state that will take place on fields primarily on private land, according to an MDC news release.
New hunters will be assigned a mentor but are encouraged to attend pre-hunt workshops or a hunter safety class prior to participating in a hunt. Workshops provide basic hunter safety in addition to information about dove biology and management, the importance of hunters and hunting, and the opportunity to practice shooting a shotgun.
Three hunts will be offered on each field, including one or two on opening day of dove season, Sept. 1, then one or two other days with dates to be determined. Each field will be limited to two first-time hunters and their mentors per acre to maximize safety and provide a quality experience. Priority will be given to anyone 11 and older who is hunting for the first time. Second priority will be given to new migratory-bird hunters and youths 11-15 who may have hunted doves previously.
Field assignments will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First-time hunters can attend multiple hunts as registration space permits.
Register for the mentored dove hunts at tinyurl.com/nuv6gos.