Bill > S01482

This bill amends the New York State Environmental Conservation Law to add the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) to the legal definition of "migratory game birds", which currently includes various bird species like waterfowl, rails, shorebirds, and corvids. By including mourning doves in this category, the bill effectively allows hunters to legally hunt these birds during designated hunting seasons, subject to existing state regulations governing migratory game bird hunting. The change means that mourning doves will now be treated similarly to other migratory game birds in terms of hunting permissions and management. The bill takes effect immediately, and state wildlife authorities are authorized to develop any necessary implementing regulations. This modification reflects potential wildlife management goals, such as population control, recreational hunting opportunities, or alignment with broader regional hunting practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1482