MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Landowners and hunters can learn in-depth management techniques for planting and managing a field that will be legal to hunt and attractive to doves and other birds during an Aug. 23 event at the Black Prairie Wildlife Management Area in southern Lowndes County.

The free, three-hour demonstration begins at 9 a.m. and is co-sponsored by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The management area is about 10 miles south of Columbus at 744 Firetower Road outside Crawford.

Wildlife biologists from the MDWFP and the MSU Extension Service will discuss planting recommendations and field management and manipulation for the benefit of doves and other wildlife species. Enforcement officials will explain state and federal regulations and answer common questions about dove hunting. Participants will tour planted fields.

Jim Miller, Extension outreach and research professor at MSU, said participants will learn estimated costs of planting dove fields as well as the potential for income from charging access fees for hunting privileges. In addition to providing useful information for the upcoming season, Miller said the event will help land managers develop plans for next year.

For more information on the demonstration field day, contact Black Prairie Wildlife Management Area personnel at (662) 272-8303 or Miller at (662) 325-3174 or by e-mail at jmiller@ext.msstate.edu.

Contact: Jim Miller, (662) 325-3174