SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYVANIA
The southwestern portion of the state contains an abundance of Christmas tree plantations, as well as former and active strip mine operations. Coupled with plenty of agricultural areas, numerous decent, localized dove-hunting opportunities exist.

Mel Schake, regional I&E specialist, said western Armstrong County is noted for good dove hunting. Hunters will find a network of gravel backcountry roads, dairy farms and old strip mines.

The Ambrose area in Indiana County has many farms that offer good dove hunting. The Elders Ridge area in extreme southwestern Indiana County also sees dove-hunting activity.

A new state game lands, SGL 232 in Washington County, has a mix of farmland and reclaimed wetlands that Schake believes would be attractive to doves.

NORTHWEST REGION
Regis Senko, regional I&E specialist, said the vineyard country in Erie County contains the best dove grounds in this region.

He added that while Erie County is best known for its dove hunting, good opportunity exists in Lawrence and Butler counties. Surface mines where doves can find water, grit and food are nearby.

"The birds move around, so the dove hunting can run hot and cold," Senko said. "Smart hunters will secure permission to hunt several areas to help them stay on the birds."

NORTHCENTRAL REGION
The rugged, mountainous Northcentral Region understandably is more noted for its black bear and wild turkey populations rather than for doves. Still, some opportunities are present, and chances are you will have little or no competition.

According to Rick Maclem, regional I&E specialist, the biggest draw for doves in the region occurs in the southern portion, where numerous limestone quarries exist. The crushed limestone provides a good source of grit.

Maclem suggested scouting areas in Centre County near the towns of Bellefonte and Allenwood for a good dove connection. Lycoming County has similar cover and terrain.

Game Lands 252, which covers about 3,000 acres in Lycoming and Union counties, provides some good dove shooting. This game lands is surrounded by agricultural areas.

Tim Conway, regional I&E specialist, said dove-hunting opportunities are limited in his area. Much of the region is mountainous and heavily forested. Also, the area has undergone a great deal of development in recent years, which has not gone to the benefit of hunters.

Conway said the best bet for dove hunters in the region would be in Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties, where one can expect to find farmland surrounded by mountains.

Dove seasons in recent years have provided hunters with a three-way split season. Biologist Dunn expects a similar setup this year. The early-season hunt, by far the most popular, has shooting hours that run from noon to sunset. Last year's limits were 12 birds daily, with a 24-bird possession limit after opening day. Be sure to check this year's seasons and bag limits, typically released in mid-August.

In addition to a general hunting license, dove hunters must also purchase a state migratory game bird license. This permit, available at license issuing agents as well as the Game Commission's Web site, registers you in the mandatory federal Harvest Information Program (HIP). Information gleaned from the HIP program provides extensive data on populations of all migratory game birds. A federal migratory bird stamp (duck stamp) is not needed to hunt doves.

Hunters bagging banded doves are urged to report them by calling (800) 327-BAND, or by going online at www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl.

Additional information on Pennsylvania's many hunting opportunities, doves included, is available on the agency's Web site at www.pgc.state.pa.us.