Attention, Georgia dove hunters: The 2024-2025 dove season begins Saturday, September 7, providing an excellent opportunity to introduce new hunters to the sport while enjoying well-groomed public dove fields across the state.
Attention Georgia dove hunters! The 2024-2025 dove hunting season is upon us. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), the season will open on Saturday, September 7.
“Dove season kicks off the fall hunting season in Georgia and is a great opportunity to take a new hunter out to a field and get them excited about hunting,” says Kara Nitschke, WRD wildlife biologist. “Consider visiting a public dove field this year. Whether in a wildlife refuge or an area with voluntary public access, these fields are extensively prepared to attract as many doves as possible to your hunt.”
The official hunting dates for the 2024-2025 dove hunting season are September 7 to October 13, November 23 to December 1, and December 19 to January 31. Statewide hunting hours for all dove hunting seasons are half an hour before sunrise to sunset.
Tips and information about the pigeon season:
- Dove Field Forecast(GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/dove): The Dove Field Forecast identifies available crops and expected field conditions for opening day.
- Take the Dove Harvest survey: If you hunt on a public dove field in 2024, please complete the Georgia DNR Dove Harvest Survey to provide feedback on your hunting experience. You can find the survey at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/dove.
- Report on banded pigeons: In 2003, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with several states, including Georgia, established an ongoing dove banding project. Hunters can participate in this conservation project by examining harvested doves for leg bands and reporting the number of rings to the USFWS at www.reportband.gov.
- Private field plans? Make sure the field is legal: View the online brochure “Dove Hunting and Agricultural Practices in Georgia,” available at GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.
- Required licenses: Hunters age 16 and older must have a hunting license and a Georgia Migratory Bird License. Hunters can purchase licenses online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661, or from license vendors (list of vendors available online).
For more information about dove hunting in Georgia, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.
