RALEIGH, NC (August 13, 2019) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is reminding dove hunters that it is a violation of state and federal law to take migratory game birds with the use or aid of salt, grain, fruit or other bait.
Hunters are responsible for ensuring that they do not hunt in or over a baited field. To avoid a baiting controversy, hunters should understand dove hunting regulations fully and inspect areas to be hunted for signs of baiting. Hunters also need to be aware that an area is considered baited for 10 days following the removal of all bait. The Wildlife Commission encourages hunters to ask landowners about agricultural processes for fields or if areas to be hunted are baited.
Migratory gamebirds may be hunted in agricultural areas where grain has been distributed as the result of normal agricultural operations. Information regarding agriculture and planting techniques may be obtained from your local N.C. State’s Extension Service or online at www.ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center/. Information regarding migratory game bird laws, including baiting, can be found at www.fws.gov/le/pdf/dove-hunting-and-baiting.pdf. Additional information on state regulations can be found by visiting www.ncwildlife.org/hunting.
Violations of state or federal laws can be reported at (800) 662-7137.
For questions regarding dove regulations, call 919-707-0030