I recently picked up a DNR publication, Mourning Dove Hunting in Wisconsin, to learn a little bit about the sport. According to the DNR, we are in the prime place in Wisconsin to hunt doves. In the southern third of the state doves are listed as very abundant. The midsection of Wisconsin has an abundant population, and in the far north doves are listed as common to uncommon. Overall, biologists estimate that between four and five million doves will migrate through Wisconsin, so there will be no shortage of targets.
Doves are adaptable creatures that live in many different habitats.
They feed on weed seeds and grain, and prefer to roost on dead tree limbs or utility wires. The key to dove hunting is scouting. Look for areas where waste grain or seeds are available on relatively bare ground. Harvested farm fields or weedy grass fields that are not greatly overgrown are good places to start. If you know any farmers, ask them when they plan to harvest a field that might attract feeding doves.