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English: Waterfowl hunters have long known to check harvested ducks for the presence of the band. However, most hunters are not aware that other species, including Mourning Doves, are also banded. Since 2003, personnel from SCDNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have banded over 13,500 doves on public and private lands across the state.

Banding remains the primary method of determining harvest rates and survival rates of mourning doves and other migratory game bird species. Understanding these important demographic parameters allows biologists to identify the driving forces behind fluctuations in mourning dove populations and make informed decisions regarding harvest management regulations.

Hunters are the critical link in assuring the success of any banding study. By reporting any banded doves harvested, you add valuable information which will help us manage this important migratory bird resource. If you harvest a banded mourning dove, please call 1-800-327-BAND (1-800-327-2263) to report the band number. Bands can also be reported by accessing the U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory web site at www.reportband.gov. Hunters can keep the bands and will be provided a certificate identifying the age and sex of the bird, as well as the date and location the bird was banded.