Iowa’s mourning dove season is underway and DNR biologist Todd Bogenschutz says getting the food plots planted to draw the birds in was not easy.
“It’s been a challenging year for them. Some, especially the guys in the south-central and southeast, you know, a lot of rain there. when they were trying to get the plots in that hampered things,” Bogenschutz says. “And now in August here, we’ve had a lot of rain, which can make it a challenge because we do burn a lot of the plots. We do have to get in mow.”
He says you should scout the area you plan to hunt for doves before heading out. “Because, weather does impact what our staff can do as far as management. So, get out there and make sure the fields look good and make sure that doves are using them. I’d strongly recommend that,” he says.
Iowa’s dove season runs through November 29th.