The final open-season segment for mourning doves in North Carolina begins Dec. 12 and closes Jan. 10. Shooting hours allowed for doves is a half-hour before sunrise until sunset.

Incorrect dates for dove season were published in the December 2008 issue of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine, in the "In Season" calendar of the Back Porch section. The correct season dates are Dec. 12 through Jan. 10.

When dove hunting, wildlife officers with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission advise hunters to have all appropriate licenses and permits, including the HIP Certification, in their possession while hunting. Other dove hunting guidelines:

Be safe when hunting in a group, know where others are and communicate. Never shoot at low-flying birds and alert companions when a bird is too low to safely allow a shot. Wearing proper eye and ear protection is advised.

Shoot responsibly, know your field of fire and don't pepper people, nearby buildings or vehicles with falling shot. Check shotguns to ensure a plug is in place and operating correctly to limit the number of shells to three.

Know the rules, and don't hunt over baited fields. According to state regulations, placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of salt, grain or other feed that could serve as a lure for migratory game can constitute a baited area.

First-time hunting license buyers must successfully complete a Hunter Education Course, offered free across the state.

For more information, consult the online version of the 2008-2009 N.C. Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest at www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0031.