Post #806779 by Sunset Mike on Mon, Dec 5, 2022 9:48 PM

Hey Mate! The 2nd season on Mourning Doves runs from mid November till end December. The Eurasian Doves are year round no limit (Yes, Invasive species) I get the Eurasian Doves when I can as yes, they are larger! The hanging has to be done at a temperature of 40-50 degrees, (5-10 degrees C) Too warm here in California too. I compensate by hanging them in a small cooler with a reusable Ice Pack in the bottom of the cooler and hanging the doves whole over the ice pack with strings about the neck. The innards should remain inside for small birds like doves, not for larger birds. The birds should go into a cooler as quickly as possible after being taken. They must be hung at the right temperature for 5-7 days. The ice pack should be refreshed twice daily to maintain the proper temperature. Aged correctly, the feathers will pluck out easily for dry plucking. If treated well, the livers, hearts and gizzards are just fine, The aging develops both flavor and tenderness and dry plucking leaves the skin to add flavor. The Heads plucked, the feet removed and then both blanched in boiling water for few seconds and then roasted along along with the legs, wings, back and ribs to make the Dove stock for sauce. I have some very good, tedious, but wonderful recipes for them too!

[ Edited by Sunset Mike on 2022-12-05 22:06:07 ]

[ Edited by Sunset Mike on 2022-12-05 22:11:12 ]

[ Edited by Sunset Mike on 2022-12-05 22:12:56 ]

[ Edited by Sunset Mike on 2022-12-11 11:38:54 ]

[ Edited by Sunset Mike on 2022-12-11 11:43:37 ]