According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), opening day will kick off the season on Sat. Sept. 6.  

“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. “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.”

The official 2025-2026 dove season hunting dates are Sept. 6-Oct. 12, Nov. 22-Nov. 30, Dec. 19-Jan. 31. Statewide shooting hours for all dove seasons are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Bag limit is set at 15 per day.

Dove Season Tips and Information:

• Dove Field Forecast (GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/dove): The dove field forecast identifies available crops and anticipated field conditions for opening day.  
• Take the Dove Harvest Survey: In 2025, if you hunt on a public dove field, please consider taking the Georgia DNR Dove Harvest Survey to provide feedback on your hunt experience. You can find the survey at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/dove.
• 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 GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.
• Licenses Needed: Hunters 16 years of age and older must have a hunting license and a Georgia Migratory Bird License. Hunters may purchase licenses online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at license vendor locations (list of vendors available online).

For more information on dove hunting in Georgia, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.