Dove season opens Sept. 1, and Wildlife Biologist Paxton Smith says conditions are excellent due to consistent rainfall throughout the spring and early summer. "Conditions are great for both managed dove plots and natural food sources. And we're seeing indications of strong hatch success, high numbers of juveniles, and a 27 percent increase in mourning dove numbers compared to last year's dove call counts."

Hunters looking for public land dove hunting possibilities can check out our dove hunting resources webpage for tips, including a map of fields on WMAs that are managed for doves. We provide you with GPS coordinates and maps of those areas so that you'll feel comfortable and ready on Sept. 1. It's a great way to identify a starting point for dove hunting adventures.

Public Land Dove Fields

Note: In addition to a valid hunting license, dove hunters must possess a valid Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit, except youth dove hunters under 18 years of age, who are exempt from hunting license and HIP requirements when hunting doves.

Nonresidents accessing certain areas open to the public for hunting and fishing must check in and out of the area. More information, including a list of required areas, will be available starting Sept. 1 at wildlifedepartment.com/check-in. Additionally, any nonresident hunting game birds on a WMA (this includes any GMA, PHA, WRP, WDU, or WMU) must possess a game bird permit.