Dove hunters a small but passionate group in Minnesota

September means the start of another hunting season in Minnesota, and one season that kicks things off won’t draw a ton of fanfare.
Mourning doves don’t rise to the popularity of other small-game in the state like waterfowl, grouse and pheasants. But the Sept. 1 dove opener is a fun tradition for the 5,600 or so hunters who pursue these small, speedy birds.
“I’d be hard-pressed to imagine that you’re not hooked if you get a limit of doves once,” the DNR’s New London area wildlife supervisor, Cory Netland, said.