The highly anticipated 2025-2026 dove hunting season in Georgia officially commences today, September 6, 2025, kicking off a season designed to provide extensive opportunities for hunters across the state and serve as an ideal entry point for newcomers to the sport.

“Dove hunting is a great way to introduce kids to hunting because it’s a low pressure, engaging and exciting social atmosphere,” said Kara Nitschke, a Wildlife Biologist with the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division. Nitschke also highlighted the value of public dove fields for those seeking hunting grounds. “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 this season:

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 set from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, with a daily bag limit of 15 doves per hunter.

To help ensure a successful and responsible hunting experience, the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division offers several key tips and resources:

Dove Field Forecast: Before heading out, hunters should check the GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/dove website for the latest dove field forecast, which identifies available crops and anticipated field conditions for opening day on public areas.
Dove Harvest Survey: Hunters who utilize public dove fields in 2025 are encouraged to participate in the Georgia DNR Dove Harvest Survey. 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.

With meticulous preparation of public fields and clear guidelines, Georgia aims to provide a rewarding and accessible dove hunting experience for all participants this season. For comprehensive information and additional resources on dove hunting, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com.

Contact: Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division (Specific contact information typically goes here – e.g., Media Relations Office, phone number, email)