The fall hunting seasons in Iowa have started.

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, mourning dove hunting started on September 1st. It was first introduced in Iowa in 2011.

“It’s really grown in popularity. I think a lot of the past pheasant hunters that kind of gave it up during low pheasant numbers converted to dove hunting, so they really like it.”

That’s Greene County Conservation Director Dan Towers who says other small game hunting like rabbit and squirrel, kick-off tomorrow.

Even though not many people hunt rabbit and squirrel anymore, Towers notes that it’s still a fun activity.

“It tests your shooting skill a little more, which is part of the challenge I guess when you’re shooting at something the size of a squirrel. It forces you to refine your shooting skills a little bit better and it’s part of the adventure of going out.”

Mourning dove season runs through November 9th and rabbit and squirrel season is from September 3rd through February 28th.