Dove Hunt permits go on sale at 10 a.m. on Sept. 18 for special-opportunity dove fields throughout the state, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced.

Each daily permit will cost $35, which enables one adult and one youth (under age 16) to hunt together. However, that only allows one daily bag limit of birds to be harvested between them.

Daily permits are available for the following special-opportunity dove fields: Allapattah (Martin County - 17 permits), Bayard (Clay County - 10 permits), Caravelle Ranch (Putnam County - 40 permits), Frog Pond (Dade County - 37 permits), Fussel Road (Polk County - 15 permits), Hilochee (Polk County - 15 permits), Lake George Dexter/Mary Farms Unit (Volusia County - 12 permits), Parker Road (Alachua County - 17 permits) and Schneider Farms (Escambia County - 15 permits). They can be obtained at MyFWC.com, by calling 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356), from county tax collectors' offices or licensed agents.

Sportsmen also have the option of buying a $10 Youth Permit at the same time a Dove Hunt Permit is purchased. This enables youths under 16 to hunt under the supervision of an adult permit holder, and to be able to harvest his or her own daily bag limit of birds.

“Quality dove hunting opportunities are in high demand but are often hard to find,” said FWC’s small-game biologist, Kurt Hodges. “These special-opportunity dove fields are planted and managed by the FWC and offer great hunting opportunities in a friendly, social atmosphere that provides the perfect setting for friends and family, including youngsters, to hunt together.”

Beginning Sept. 30, up-to-date information on field conditions and bird numbers will be available by visiting the Dove Hunter's Hotline at MyFWC.com/dove or by calling (850) 875-BIRD (2473). For more information, call Kurt Hodges (850) 627-1773, ext.102.

FS