While dove are migratory birds, a large proportion of the birds in the harvest come from resident nests. However, the success of food plots at increasing huntable populations for a specific area has not been explored. Dove food plot management schemes are implemented for the purpose of attracting birds for harvest. The ability of food plots to attract dove is contingent on the supply of seeds, availability of bare ground, and the size of the food plot. Contrary to previously mentioned upland game, doves prefer large areas with little to no cover to forage. This is apparent in their heavy utilization of agricultural fields. To successfully attract large flocks of dove, a food plot should be no less than 2 acres. Clean ground is necessary for dove feeding; therefore, food plots on prepared seedbeds with moderate planting rates are optimal. If weed invasion and/or standing crops form horizontal screening cover, plots should be mowed, burned, disked, or grazed. Warm-season plantings should allow time for grain to ripen within 1-2 weeks of hunting season so that dove have time to locate the plot. Warm-season plantings may require brush hogging or disking to ground seeds, which can be done periodically during the hunting season to extend the availability of seeds. Cool-season grains should be left standing to allow for grain maturation. Seedbed preparation and fall plantings of cool-season grains prior to or during hunting season can also attract dove.

 Principle food plantings for mourning dove.

If planning to hunt over fall plantings, the soil should be tilled to cover seeds. Overseeding without attempting to cover seeds is considered baiting and is illegal. Note that dove are protected under federal law and have specific regulations concerning baiting. Currently, previously mentioned practices are allowable but may be subject to change.