from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) announces that Alabama’s 14th Annual Youth Dove Hunts are scheduled for the following counties in 2014: Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Calhoun, Chilton, Clay, Colbert, Covington, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dale, Dallas, DeKalb, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Lowndes, Macon, Marshall, Mobile, Monroe, Talladega, Tallapoosa and Walker.
South zone counties include Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Mobile. All other counties are included in the north zone.
The north zone hunts begin on September 6. The south zone hunts begin on September 20.
For the complete hunt schedule and registration information, visit www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/youth-hunts/youthdove/reservations.cfm.
Although the hunts are free, pre-registration is necessary. The preferred method of registration is online at www.outdooralabama.com. Online registration begins on August 15 at 8 a.m. for the September hunts and September 19 for the October hunts. 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 25 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.
Wildlife Control Permits
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ WFF Division can provide a Wildlife Control Permit (WCP), which is designed to allow citizens the opportunity to control nuisance wildlife problems similar to the examples previously described. This permit is issued to people who incur personal or property damage or where humans or public health could be at risk. A WCP is normally issued through a WFF district office, but in some circumstances are issued by the nearest wildlife biologist or conservation officer. This permit is issued to a homeowner, landowner or, per their consent, the landowner’s agent. The WCP is issued for a specified time to include a beginning and ending date. These permits must be renewed as needed after the listed expiration date. Those who are permitted to assist with control efforts are listed on the permit as well as the landowner and/or agent.
The WCP often provides methods, times and dates for control activities that are outside the parameters of general regulations governing wildlife species in Alabama. It is important to note, particularly in situations involving residential damage, wildlife control permits do not supersede local ordinances governing the discharge of firearms within city or municipal limits.
Individuals who are provided WCPs are required to report the total number of nuisance animals removed under each permit. For those who are less inclined to a do-it-yourself approach, the WFF Division also permits many nuisance wildlife control businesses across the state. T
hese vendors offer wildlife damage control services on a fee basis.
As Alabama’s population continues to grow, much of this expansion pushes further into previously undeveloped wildlife habitat.
WFF will continue to explore effective ways to assist the citizens of Alabama with nuisance wildlife issues.
For more information or assistance regarding wildlife damage complaints in Alabama, contact the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.