As many of you know the 2018-2019 dove season is quickly approaching.

From the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, we are hoping you will have a safe, fun and successful season.

There will be three separate seasons:

• The first season Sept. 1 to Oct. 6;

• The second season Nov. 17 to Dec. 1; and

• The third season Dec. 10 to Jan. 31, 2019.

The daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

All hunters must follow the applicable licensing requirements and hunting regulations.

Shooting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset for the entire season, including opening day. Hunting migratory birds by any method is not allowed on Sundays.

The commission reminds 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 any other bait. To avoid a baiting controversy, hunters should inspect areas to be hunted for signs of baiting.

“We encourage hunters to get in the field and be a mentor for a future hunter, either youth or adult, and enjoy this natural resource,” said Col. Jon Evans, chief of the commission’s law enforcement division.

Visit the commission’s website — www. ncwildlife.org — for more information on migratory game bird hunting, hunter safety, hunting regulations and free Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permits.

The NC Legislature created the Wildlife Poacher Reward Fund Rule in 2014 to encourage any concerned citizen who witnesses a conservation offense to report the violation.

The NCWRC established NC Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) program as a silent witness, anti-poaching program that encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or knowledge about poaching violations.

The rewards range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the severity of the crime.

All tips remain anonymous; however, to be eligible for the reward, you must provide the NCWRC with your name and contact information.

For more information regarding NCWILDTIP you can call 1-855-WILDTIP. This phone number is only for these specific violations.

For all other wildlife violations, questions and concerns please call 1-800-662-7137.

David Ritzheimer,
NC Wildlife Resources Commission officer,
Richfield