"We are in the second year of the wing survey," said Palmer. "Wing collection gives us lots of information, the most important of which is the recruitment level of doves, and how well they're doing and how many reach maturity.

"If hunters receive an envelope, it's important that they send in their wings. The same thing goes when a banded bird is shot."

Palmer said that hunters should be aware that there's been a change in banding.

"Traditional bands for ducks and doves have a call-in phone number on them," he explained. "This year, half of our doves will have bands with a Web address on them."

Followings is a specific look at dove hotspots around the state, based on information provided by the PGC's wildlife conservation officers and land management officers:

SOUTHEAST REGION
Dave Brockmeier, a Berks County WCO, said the area east of Yellowhouse at the intersection of routes 562 and 662 is a good location.

"This is mainly Oley Township," he said. "There are quarries, water and agricultural land. This land is primarily private, but we do have some co-op farms at this point.

"Scouting and seeking permission to hunt are a must."

Northampton County WCO Brad Kreider said his first choice in is Lower Mt. Bethel Township along the Delaware River north of Easton (Martins Creek Area).

"This area contains some large farms, open spaces and food, water and shelter -- which should mean good population of doves," he said.

"For the same reasons, the second area I would suggest is Plainfield Township. Even though development has started to encroach, the area still hosts some good-sized farms and open areas."

Chad Eyler, a York County WCO, suggested that dove hunters explore the possibilities of SGL 416 in New Salem Township.

"It has excellent dove shooting potential," said Eyler. "The site always tends to have mowed fields for the first few weeks of dove season. However, it gets hunted pretty hard."

York County WCO Guy Hansen said Hopewell and North Hopewell townships (near Stewartstown and Shrewsbury) have decent populations of doves.

"Pre-season scouting is a must in this area," Hansen noted, "but historically, the birds have been quite plentiful. Manchester Township (near Manchester) has a large dove population and is a popular place to shoot, even though there are corporate buildings nearby."

Also in York County, land manager Mike Reeder recommended SGL 242.

"Over the years there have been high numbers of doves in the fields north of Old York Road west of Rossville. These fields are planted in grains and grass and seem to hold a lot of birds."

The best area that I know as of now," said Dennis Warfel of Lancaster County, "is at the Muddy Run area on the lands outside Muddy Run Park in Martic Township.

"I've heard hunters say there was a good roosting area where the hemlock trees are grouped together."

Chester County WCO Keith Mullin said that in his district, Highland and West Fallowfield townships are very good areas.

"There are large agricultural areas, and it's on a flyway for migrating birds. Cochranville is in West Fallowfield Township, as well as most of farm-game Project No. 45."