NEWTON, Miss. — The Newton Police Department says a large number of reports of shots fired around the city Tuesday morning have been attributed to dove hunting outside the city limits.
Police Chief McKenzie Patrick said the department received numerous calls and messages from residents reporting what sounded like gunfire around Newton.
According to Patrick, the reports were investigated and attributed to the start of dove hunting season in areas outside the city limits.
The department issued a public announcement Tuesday to make residents aware of the hunting activity.
The first segment of dove season runs from Sept. 5 through Oct. 4. The second season is scheduled for Oct. 24 through Nov. 22, followed by a third season from Dec. 26 through Jan. 24.
Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Residents may continue to hear gunfire associated with hunting activity in areas outside Newton during the designated seasons.
