The dove hunting season in Kansas is underway. When preparing to go dove hunting, it is also important to be prepared to clean the birds and practice common food safety tips when transporting the bird home.

K-State Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Adaven Scronce gives a list of things that should be brought along to help clean and store the bird.

Scronce also gives some tips on the safe processing and storage of the bird.

For cooking, the bird should be thawed in the refrigerator or microwave but if microwaving, be sure to cook immediately after thawing. The bird should be cooked to 165 degrees and maybe prepared like chicken.