Hunting Eurasian Collared-Dove in the Summers of The United States | Written by Jorge Ramirez

The off-season. That dreaded long span of months between the end of last season and the new season to come. What is a poor upland hunter to do on the off-season?

Sure. There is spring turkey hunting and even summer bass fishing, but how does a self-respecting and dedicated upland hunter, like you, get his or her wing shooting fix? Enter the Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto).

Eurasians are a medium-sized dove, larger than a Mourning Dove, but smaller than a Wood Pigeon. They measure roughly 11-13 inches from beak to tail, with a wingspan of about 20 inches. They can also be identified by their black beaks, red-colored eyes, and feet. Plumage can vary from a creamy-white to slight gray/white coloration with a black bar across the back of their necks. Unlike Mourning Dove, they have a long squared-off tail that makes them easily identifiable in flight. A well-fed Eurasian can weigh in as much as 9 ounces. The Mourning Dove is known for its melodic and mournful, cooing. The song of Eurasians is not as pleasing to the ear, however. To me, it sounds like someone stuck a kazoo in a sock and is blowing through it! I am not even joking.