Doves? I’ll have a limit, please

Little gray bombers highlight September’s return of hunting

Mississippi hunters, idled so long by the spring and summer offseason, should appreciate September’s arrival almost as much as football fans.

At least, that is, the wing-shooting segment can celebrate. Bird season is upon us.

The countryside will erupt in gunfire as early as Sept. 1, when dove season opens statewide. The fleet, little gray birds will get most of the attention, although there are other migratory species that are in peril.

The early Canada goose season, originally designed to give Mississippi hunters a crack at the increasingly abundant resident population, also opens Sept. 1, and for the second-straight year will run through the entire month.

Two less popular — but equally sporting — seasons open Sept. 1, allowing hunters a chance to take some tasty gallinules and rails. Those birds will be available the entire month, in addition to a second season that starts in November. 

Mississippi hunters can hunt gallinules (and rails), the entire month of September.

Duck hunters also get some shooting time, when the 16-day early teal season opens Sept. 14.

Don’t worry deer hunters, you still get several weekends to work at your hunting camps to get food plots in, stands in order and trails cleared before the archery season opens on Oct. 1.

Hunt safe, fish wisely and let’s get this party started.

About Bobby Cleveland 1340 Articles
Bobby Cleveland has covered sports in Mississippi for over 40 years. A native of Hattiesburg and graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Cleveland lives on Ross Barnett Reservoir near Jackson with his wife Pam.