Dove hunting returns to Iowa, with lead shot

Sept. 1 marked the first time since 1918 that hunters can legally hunt mourning doves in Iowa. This legislation could lure "an estimated 20,000 Iowa dove hunters" and possibly "contribute $6.9 million to the state's economy," according to Iowa's Natural Resource Commission. Based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's annual mourning dove harvest report for similar states, the National Resource Commission estimates dove season could bring $462,000 in state sales tax revenue and 90 jobs to the state, Elizabeth Weise and Adam Belz of USA Today report. (Iowa Natural Resource Commission image)

The reinstatement of dove hunting was not without controversy. A legislative committee removed a request by the commission to include a lead-ammunition ban for this year's season, electing to consider the ban next session, Weise and Belz report. Currently 35 states have some regulations against lead ammunition and 27 Iowa counties require non-toxic ammunition when hunting migratory game birds and some other game or target shooting. (Read more)