Dove hunting is a popular sport in Georgia, but it’s important to understand all the rules and regulations before you head out into the field.
This guide provides essential information for anyone interested in Georgia dove hunting season, from dates and licenses to bag limits and legal shooting hours.
Georgia dove hunting season dates and hours
Georgia’s dove hunting season is split into three segments. Here are the dates for the 2024-2025 season:
- September 7 – October 13
- November 23 – December 1
- December 29 – January 31
Legal hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
Licenses and Permits
If you’re 16 or older, you’ll need to purchase two licenses to hunt doves in Georgia:
- Basic Hunting License – Required for all hunters.
- Georgia Migratory Bird License – Required for anyone hunting migratory birds, including doves.
You can purchase these licenses online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, or you can find them at local license vendor locations.
Where to Hunt Doves in Georgia
Now that you know when you can hunt doves, here’s where you might go.
Public Hunting Locations
Many Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) maintain public dove fields that are open to hunters during the season. Voluntary Public Access Areas (VPAAs) may also be an option.
Private Land Hunting
If you’d rather hunt on private land, make sure you get the landowner’s permission first. It’s your responsibility to make sure your hunt is legal.
Georgia Dove Hunting: Field Forecasts and Resources
Before you head out, you can find out what to expect. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources publishes dove field forecasts with information about available crops and anticipated field conditions.
You can find these forecasts at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/dove.
Georgia’s Dove Banding Program
The state of Georgia participates in a dove banding project to learn more about dove populations. If you harvest a dove with a band, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources asks that you report it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at www.reportband.gov.
The Bottom Line
If you’re planning to hunt dove in Georgia, be sure to keep an eye on the season dates, bag limits, and other regulations. You’ll also want to make sure you have the required licenses and permits.
Above all, practice safe and ethical hunting. That way, everyone can enjoy Georgia’s dove hunting season for years to come.