The Utah mourning dove season will open Sept. 1.

Those hunters going afield can expect to see fewer adults than last year, but more young-of-the-year birds.

"The number of adult doves our biologists heard during surveys in May was down from the spring before, but it was still in line with the 10-year average," said Tom Aldrich, migratory game bird coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Doves breed from early May through August. They will lay several clutches of eggs during that time. Storms often kill young doves, but a lack of storms this summer means most of the young doves survived.

"The number of young birds might be really good," Aldrich said. "That might offset the lower number of breeding adults we heard this past spring."

The Utah dove and band-tailed pigeon hunts always open on the first day of September.

"Having the hunt start on a Saturday will allow kids to get out and hunt on a day when a lot of doves are normally around," he added.

Aldrich reminds parents that the minimum age to hunt doves and other small game in Utah has been removed. Young hunters must pass the DWR's hunter education course before they can hunt, however, and must be accompanied by an adult while hunting.

For more information on the classes visit www.wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation.

For best success, hunters should spend time scouting prior to the hunt.

Hunters are reminded that seeds are the only food they eat. Doves eat seeds from agricultural plants and from weeds. Some of their favorite seeds include wild sunflower seeds; seeds from harvested agricultural crops, such as waste grain; and seeds from weeds. Some of the best weed-producing areas are areas that have been disturbed by road building.

Doves also need roosting cover and shade during the middle of the day. They also need water.

"When you find these three things in close proximity to each other — seeds, cover and water — you've probably found a good dove hunting spot," Aldrich explained.

Aldrich said hunters can find doves in almost every county in Utah. Box Elder and Utah counties are typically two of the better areas.

"No matter what the weather does, doves start moving south in mid-August," he added. "This is tied in with the length of the day. As soon as the days start to get shorter, the doves start their southward migration."

Doves usually migrate in flocks of 50 to 100 birds. The young leave first, followed by the females and then the males. They can travel about 50 to 100 miles a day.

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"When the doves start to leave, the doves you saw yesterday are probably one county south of you the next," Aldrich said. "But remember, doves north of Utah will often move in and take their place."

Utah's 2007 dove season and band-tailed pigeon season run through Sept. 30.

Those planning to hunt are required to register in the Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program for the 2007 season. Hunters can register by going on line to www.uthip.com

"It's a good idea to wear hunter orange during the dove hunt, especially during the opening weekend," Aldrich said.

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