NC 2023 Dove Season

Fall is one of our favorite seasons here at Legacy Farms and Ranches of North Carolina. As the summer heat simmers down and you feel the cool crisp in the air brings excitement to every outdoor enthusiast. We cherish friends, family and fellowship and one thing that brings people together in the South is dove hunting where you gather as community over Labor Day weekend to celebrate the kickoff of the hunting season.

Dove, often referred to as pigeon or squab, is a tender and flavorful game bird that can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways. Here are some of the best dove recipes to try:

Grilled Dove Breasts with Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños:

Marinate dove breasts in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.

Wrap each breast with a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Stuff a slice of jalapeño pepper into each breast.

Grill over medium-high heat until the bacon is crispy and the dove breasts are cooked through.

Dove Breast Poppers:

Season dove breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika.

Wrap each breast with a piece of thinly sliced jalapeño and a slice of cream cheese.

Wrap the entire bundle with bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Grill or bake until the bacon is crispy and the dove is cooked.

Dove and Wild Mushroom Risotto:

Sear dove breasts in a hot pan with butter or olive oil until browned on all sides.

Remove the dove and add chopped wild mushrooms (e.g., chanterelles or porcini) to the pan with shallots and garlic.

Add Arborio rice and white wine, then slowly add chicken or vegetable broth while stirring until the rice is creamy.

Slice the dove breasts and fold them into the risotto just before serving.

Dove Fajitas:

Marinate dove breasts in a mixture of lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and olive oil.

Grill or pan-sear the breasts until they are medium-rare.

Slice the dove thinly and serve as fajitas with tortillas, grilled onions, bell peppers, and your choice of toppings.

Dove in Red Wine Sauce:

Brown dove breasts in a hot skillet with olive oil.

Remove the dove and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.

Add red wine, chicken or game broth, and herbs like thyme and rosemary.

Return the dove to the pan and simmer until the sauce thickens and the meat is tender.

Dove Stuffed with Herbs and Citrus:

Stuff cleaned and gutted doves with a mixture of fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, and sage) and slices of lemon and orange.

Season the outside with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Roast in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.

Dove Gumbo:

Use dove breasts along with other game meats like rabbit and venison to make a hearty gumbo.

Combine with the traditional gumbo ingredients like roux, onions, bell peppers, celery, and a variety of spices.

Serve over rice for a rich and flavorful dish.

Remember to follow safety guidelines and local hunting regulations when cooking dove or any game meat. Dove is a lean meat, so take care not to overcook it to keep it tender and flavorful. We hope that you have a plentiful harvest as you take the dove field this season. Enjoy these recipes and get creative with your dove dishes!