Attention Georgia dove hunters: the wait is almost over! The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) has announced that the 2025-2026 dove season will begin next Saturday, September 6.

Opening day will mark the start of a season designed to offer ample opportunities for hunters across the state.

“Dove hunting is a great way to introduce kids to hunting because it’s a low pressure, engaging and exciting social atmosphere,” says Kara Nitschke, Wildlife Biologist with the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division. Nitschke also encourages hunters to explore public dove fields. “Looking for a place to hunt dove? Consider visiting a public dove field this year. Whether found on a Wildlife Management Area or a Voluntary Public Area Access area, these fields undergo a great deal of preparation to attract as many doves as possible to try and ensure you have a successful hunt.”

Hunters will have three distinct periods to pursue doves:

First Season: September 6 – October 12, 2025
Second Season: November 22 – November 30, 2025
Third Season: December 19, 2025 – January 31, 2026

Statewide shooting hours for all dove seasons are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit is set at 15 doves per hunter.

Key Tips and Information for Hunters:
Dove Field Forecast: Before heading out, check the GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/dove website for the latest dove field forecast. This resource identifies available crops and anticipated field conditions for opening day on public areas.
Take the Dove Harvest Survey: Hunters who utilize public dove fields in 2025 are encouraged to participate in the Georgia DNR Dove Harvest Survey. Your feedback on your hunt experience can be provided at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/dove.
Report Banded Doves: Contribute to conservation efforts by examining harvested doves for leg bands. Since 2003, Georgia has participated in a dove banding project coordinated by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Report band numbers to the USFWS at www.reportband.gov.
Private Field Legality: If planning a hunt on private land, ensure the field complies with regulations. Consult the online brochure, “Dove Hunting and Agricultural Practices in Georgia,” available at GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info, to confirm the legality of your hunting area.
Licenses Needed: All hunters 16 years of age and older are required to possess a valid hunting license and a Georgia Migratory Bird License. Licenses can be conveniently purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661, or at various license vendor locations across the state (a list of vendors is available online).

For comprehensive information and additional resources on dove hunting in Georgia, hunters are encouraged to visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.