(i02 GAME BIFDS OF CALIFORNIA 



pation. five say that the dove population lias remained constant, and 

 four report that the birds have increased, although it is not stated 

 whether this inci'ease has reached former numbei's or exceeded them. 

 Nine of those reporting reduction in numbers attribute it to the 

 increase in the efficiency of shotguns, and better modes of travel 

 such as that afforded by the automobile ; two correspondents, in the 

 central coast district, state that doves have perished in large numbers 

 by eating poisoned grain put out for the destruction of ground squir- 

 rels; while two others, in the northwestern part of the state, attribute 

 the decrease to the work of predatory birds and mammals. Consider- 

 able diversity of opinion exists as to the means to be used in bringing 

 the dove population back to normal ; some of our correspondents 

 believe that a closed season of a few years would suffice. 



The matter of a proper open season is also diversely reported upon, 

 ten persons deeming the three months beginning with September 1 

 satisfactory, while twelve recommend changes. Four recommend a 

 later season, while four others would open it earlier, two even sug- 

 gesting July 15 as an opening date I Happily this latter view of the 

 situation is not shared by many : the majority believe that the Mourn- 

 ing Dove merits more consideration during the time that it is rearing 

 its young than many hunters of the tj^pe of the two just mentioned are 

 willing to grant it. In fact seven deputies recommend that the dove 

 be entirely removed from the list of game species. 



To sum up the situation, we find that the Mourning Dove is valued 

 by many sportsmen for its high qualities as an object of pursuit as 

 well as article of food.* On the other hand very many persons urge 

 that the Mourning Dove be once and for all removed from the list 

 of game birds and be placed on the list of fully protected species. 

 This dove is admired by many as an attractive feature in the wild 

 life of the state ; as an article of food it is of but small size ; its forage 

 habits are such that it is at least wholly harmless to agricultural 

 interests, and a majority of bird studentst claim for it a distinctly 

 beneficent role as a destroyer of weed seeds ; it is feared that decrease 

 will continue in spite of restricted hunting season ; and stress is laid 

 on file extreme difficulty of arranging an open season which will 

 permit hunting after the birds have finished nesting and yet before 

 they have commenced to migrate. It is difficult to make a recommen- 

 dation that is fair to all interests. If the dove shows no further 



* Present information would seem to indicate that in most parts of the state under the 

 restricted open season from September 1 to November 30 the dove will be able to hold its 

 own, and thus continue to subserve the wishes of the hunter. 



■f The three authors concerned in the preparjition of this account of the Mourning Dove 

 are disagreed as to the weight which should be given the evidence thus far available concern- 

 ing the value of the bird to agriculture. Mr. Grinnell is unable to grant that valid proof 

 has yet been presented establishing beyond scientific question any practical or considerable 

 service on the part of the dove to agriculture. On the other hand. Mr. Bryant and Mr. 

 Storer are convinced that the evidence thus far ndducod sufficiently proves that the dove is 

 highly beneficial to the fanner's interests. 



