An official website of the State of Georgia.
Eyes to the skies, Georgia hunters! The 2026-2027 dove season is almost here and it’s time to start making your opening day plans.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), opening day will kick off the season on Sat. Sept. 5.
“Few hunting experiences are better for beginners than dove season. Its low-pressure pace, exciting action, and social atmosphere make it the perfect way to introduce kids to hunting,” says Kara Nitschke, Wildlife Biologist with the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division. “Looking for a place to dove hunt? Consider visiting a public dove field this season. Whether it's located on a Wildlife Management Area or a Voluntary Public Access Area, these fields are carefully managed and prepared to attract large numbers of doves, helping provide hunters with the best opportunity for a successful and enjoyable hunt.”
The official 2026-2027 dove season hunting dates are Sept. 5-Oct. 11, Nov. 21-Nov. 29, 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 2026, 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).
- Reminder: Power lines are popular roosting spots for doves. This makes them easy targets. Though it may be tempting to shoot at a bird while it is sitting on a line, firing at power lines is always a bad idea and can result in extensive damage that could cost thousands of dollars to repair.
For more information on dove hunting in Georgia, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.
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