The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) announces that the state’s 16th Annual Youth Dove Hunts have been scheduled for 2016. The north zone hunts begin on Sept. 10. The south zone hunts begin on Sept. 17. For the complete hunt schedule and registration information, visit www.outdooralabama.com/youth-dove-hunts.

Although the hunts are free, pre-registration is necessary. Online registration is now open for the September hunts. Registration for the October hunts will begin on Sept. 28. Participants without internet access may register by calling their Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries district office listed in the hunt schedule. District office personnel will complete the electronic registration form for you over the phone.

Alabama’s Youth Dove Hunt events are held in open fields and staffed by ADCNR personnel, which encourages a safe, secure environment for both parents and participants. The program also makes use of private lands and fields opened for use by community members, thus fostering good relationships between hunters and private landowners.

To participate in the hunts, youth hunters must be age 15 or younger and accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old (or a parent) who holds a valid state hunting license and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp. Hunters should obtain their license and HIP stamp before the hunt since they will not be available on-site.

Before each hunt, a short welcome session with reminders on hunting safety will be conducted. All hunters are encouraged to wear eye protection and earplugs. While ADCNR and the private land cooperators make every effort to provide quality hunts, there is no guarantee the hunt will be successful.

Doves are migratory and covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has special rules and regulations that apply to dove hunting which all hunters must follow. To review the Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommendations for plantings related to dove management, visit www.outdooralabama.com/mourning-doves.