Proposed seasons for 2009-2010

[ducktape]

LAKE VILLAGE – The unofficial opening of Arkansas’s fall hunting season was one of the main topics at last week’s meeting of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. As an added bonus this year, dove hunters may get extra days to enjoy their passion. The opening of dove season is the date many Arkansans point to for the fall hunting seasons in the state.

Last season, Arkansas dove hunters had a 60-day season, but under the new proposal the season would be extended to 70 days. Final approval for the seasons will take place during the Commission's meeting in July.

Two season proposals were presented to the commission:

Mourning Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove

Saturday opening:
Sept. 5 – Oct. 18
Dec. 5 – 30
Season length and bag limit: 70 days, 15 bird daily bag

Special Early Teal Season

Option 1: (16-day Framework): Sept. 12 – Sept. 27
Option 2: (9-day Framework): Sept. 19 – Sept. 27
Daily bag limit: 4 birds
Season length will depend on approved federal frameworks.

The Commission also was presented with a proposal for the statewide special early Canada goose season. If approved, the dates would be Sept. 1 to Sept. 15 with a 5 bird daily bag.

What do you guys think of the longer dove season? I am for it, will give more time with a gun in my hand in the field for sure.

[callen]

From my personal opinion i think its great to add another 10days to our dove season. Dove hunting is one of the best ways to get a chance to get youth out in the field to practice learn and just get the general idea of what hunting is really about. Its fast pace giving them plenty of chances shooting, which we all know they love to pull the trigger. its also a great time to be able to load up all of your buddies and cover a field for good shoot and relaxation. think about it. How much fun do u have hanging out with friends, family, or your kids under a shade tree or on a fence line shooting at birds cruising by at around 40mph+. I love to dove hunt for the action and just being out in the field. So i say give us the 10 days and ill enjoy every 1 of them!

[Kevin]

Dove hunting truly is one of the most fun -- and most underrated -- seasons we have.