Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) Harvest and Population Parameters Derived from a National Banding Study

摘要

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura; dove) is the most harvested migratory game bird in North America and a ubiquitous species that is valued and easily recognized by the general public. Informed harvest management of this important recreational resource requires knowledge of harvest attributes and population vital rates, several of which are estimable from banding and from hunter-harvested birds. We conducted a national-scale banding program in 2003 - 2005 to generate such data for estimation of band reporting rates, harvest rates, distribution and derivation of harvest, and annual survival rates. The study required training of a new cadre of biologists in field techniques and establishment of data collection and management protocols, as well as providing an opportunity to evaluate logistics and costs associated with the large-scale study design.