The last paragraph in Lawdwaz's post about sums it up. To do that first an education campaign must be started. Then involve the USSA (US sportsmans alliance), a national prohunting organization that has been succesful in establishing bear & dove seasons in a number of states. Then it is key to syncronize the intro of legistlation with other states; simply because the opposition from major national ant-hunting groups would be diluted.
Regarding the survey: 5,000 is not an adequete sample size. The survey was conducted in an era of all time low participation in small game & waterfowl hunting. Why would it be expected to show different stats?
The downward trend in biggame & turkey hunting is negligable; but the decline small game & waterfowl hunting is very significant, and is several decades old. Dove hunting would open up opportunities for youth, women, handicapped persons, and older hunters. Why? Its done in mild weather. There is no water, mud, hills, brush, long hikes, heavy or expensive equipment, low recoil, low noise ammo is used, you can hunt with or without your dog. Tradtional dove hunting is in harvested fields, however doves can be found about anywhere, and thats a big issue for many hunters.
Even people concerned about the lack of recruitment of young hunters dont always agree with special youth hunts. The fact there is a youth hunt for many species, but not deer, makes it obvious. IMO, a dove season should have been implemented; not an early waterfowl, spring turkey, nor an early & extra release of pheasant for kids. Not with 4 million doves on the North American continent.
The economic studies I have read have also shown that dove hunting is a disportionally larger revenue source then other forms of hunting. A large portion of that revenue is to local economies; and another large portion is put back into conservation mostly via excise tax on shotshells.
Doves are quite sporty - hard to hit, and excellent tablefare. A dove season is win-win and its about time!