Opening day of dove hunting season is on the way – what field will you be visiting?
Georgia’s dove hunting season opens Sat. Sept. 5, 2020, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
“The start of September brings one of my favorite times of the year. Georgians span out across our great state to enjoy a sporting tradition that goes back generations – the dove hunt,” says Georgia DNR Commissioner Mark Williams. “With over 50 DNR-managed dove fields and some of the best habitat around, Georgia presents our great sportsmen and sportswomen significant opportunity to enjoy the upcoming season. This year more than ever it is time to head outdoors and have a distanced way to be together with family and friends. I wish everyone a good hunt and safe season!”
The official 2020-2021 dove seasons are Sept. 5-30, Nov. 21-Nov. 29 and Dec. 8 – Jan. 31. Shooting hours are noon until sunset on opening day (Sept. 5) and one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for the remainder of the season dates.
More Dove Season Tips and Information:
- Dove Field Forecast (https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/dove): The dove field forecast identifies available crops and anticipated hunting conditions for opening day.
- Regulations Quick Review: The daily bag limit is 15 doves per hunter. Collared doves may be taken and do not count toward your daily limit. Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shot shells while hunting doves. Hunters must obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private property.
- Report Banded Doves: In 2003, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with several states, including Georgia, initiated an ongoing dove banding project. Hunters can participate in this conservation effort by examining harvested doves for leg bands and reporting band numbers to the USFWS at www.reportband.gov.
- Private Field Plans? Make Sure the Field is Legal: Check out the online brochure, “Dove Hunting and Agricultural Practices in Georgia,” available at http://georgiawildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.
- Licenses Needed: Hunters 16 years of age and older need to have a hunting license and a Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp. This stamp is how Georgia participates in the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP). Some licenses allow the license holder to get the Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp at no cost. Hunters may purchase licenses online at www.GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at license vendor locations (list of vendors available online).
