As the summer heat begins to wane and the days grow shorter, hunters in Georgia eagerly anticipate the arrival of dove season. This year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the official dates for the 2024-2025 dove hunting season. The highly anticipated season will kick off on September 1, 2024, and run through October 15, 2024. As always, the second segment of the season will open on November 23, 2024, and conclude on January 15, 2025. Hunters will have ample opportunities to pursue these swift-flying birds during both segments of the season.
In addition to the general season dates, the DNR has also established several special youth-only dove hunts. These hunts provide young hunters with a chance to experience the thrill of dove hunting in a safe and supportive environment. The youth-only hunts will be held on September 1, 2024, and September 29, 2024. To participate in a youth-only hunt, hunters must be between the ages of 6 and 15 and must be accompanied by an adult mentor. The adult mentor must also have a valid hunting license and must be present with the youth hunter at all times.
Dove hunting is a popular tradition for many hunters in Georgia. It is a great way to get outdoors, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hunters, and put some delicious game birds on the table. The DNR encourages all hunters to follow all safety regulations and to practice ethical hunting practices. With a little preparation and planning, hunters can have a successful and enjoyable dove hunting season.
Opening Day and Season Dates
Georgia’s dove season typically spans over several weeks, offering ample opportunities for hunters to pursue these abundant birds. The exact opening day and season dates vary slightly from year to year, but the following schedule provides an overview of the upcoming seasons:
2024 Dove Season
The 2024 dove season in Georgia will officially open on Saturday, September 7, 2024, and extend through Sunday, October 13, 2024. During this period, hunters are permitted to take doves on private and public lands where hunting is allowed.
2025 Dove Season
The 2025 dove season in Georgia is scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 6, 2025, and conclude on Sunday, October 12, 2025. As with the 2024 season, the season dates may be adjusted slightly depending on factors such as weather and habitat conditions.
| Year | Opening Day | Closing Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 7, 2024 | October 13, 2024 |
| 2025 | September 6, 2025 | October 12, 2025 |
Zone B Dove Hunting Season
Georgia’s Zone B dove hunting season will open on September 16, 2024, and close on November 11, 2024. The daily bag limit is 15 doves, and the possession limit is 45 doves. Shooting hours are from 12:00 p.m. to sunset.
Legal Hunting Methods
Doves may be taken by shooting with shotguns only. No electronic calls or bait may be used. Hunters must use non-toxic shot when hunting doves.
Dove Field Safety
Always wear blaze orange when hunting doves. Be aware of your surroundings and other hunters. Never shoot at a dove that is flying towards you or another person. Keep your gun pointed in a safe direction at all times. Respect private property and always get permission from the landowner before hunting.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 p.m. | Sunset |
| Tuesday | 12:00 p.m. | Sunset |
| Wednesday | 12:00 p.m. | Sunset |
| Thursday | 12:00 p.m. | Sunset |
| Friday | 12:00 p.m. | Sunset |
| Saturday | 12:00 p.m. | Sunset |
| Sunday | 12:00 p.m. | Sunset |
Bag and Possession Limits
During the 2024-2025 dove season in Georgia, hunters will be allowed to harvest the following daily bag limits:
• 15 mourning doves, white-winged doves, and Eurasian collared doves in the aggregate
The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit, or 45 doves in the aggregate. These limits apply to all dove species combined.
It is important to note that these limits may be adjusted based on the results of the annual mourning dove population surveys and other factors. Hunters are advised to check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website for the most up-to-date information on dove season regulations.
Here is a summary of the bag and possession limits for dove season in Georgia:
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | 15 | 45 |
| White-winged Dove | 15 | 45 |
| Eurasian Collared Dove | 15 | 45 |
| Aggregate | 15 | 45 |
Shooting Hours
The daily shooting hours for the 2024-2025 dove season in Georgia are as follows:
| Day | Shooting Hours |
|---|---|
| Opening Day (September 1, 2024) | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| September 2-15, 2024 | 12:00 PM – sunset |
| September 16-November 2, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Opening Day (September 6, 2025) | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| September 7-15, 2025 | 12:00 PM – sunset |
| September 16-October 25, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Note that these shooting hours are subject to change depending on weather conditions and other factors. Please check with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for the most up-to-date information.
Safety Regulations
Eye and Ear Protection
Eye and ear protection are essential to prevent against injury from flying debris and noise. Wear shooting glasses with side shields and noise-canceling earplugs or muffs.
Muzzle Discipline
Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times, even when unloading. This means no pointing the firearm at people, animals, or property.
Identify Your Target
Make sure you can see your target clearly and know what is beyond it. Never shoot at anything you cannot see or identify.
Trigger Control
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. This will help prevent accidental discharges.
Carry Guns Safely
Unload firearms and transport them to and from hunting areas unloaded. Keep firearms secured in a gun case when not in use.
Alcohol and Drugs
Do not hunt under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This will impair your judgment and reaction time.
Hunt Sober and Drug-Free
Hunting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous and illegal. Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and reaction time, making you more likely to have an accident or injure yourself or others.
Be aware of your surroundings
Be aware of other hunters, wildlife, and potential hazards such as downed power lines or trees. Always wear blaze orange or other high-visibility clothing while hunting to help others see you.
Respect private property
Always obtain permission from the landowner before hunting on private property. Respect the property and leave it as you found it.
Know the hunting regulations
Make sure you are familiar with the hunting regulations for the area you are hunting. This includes knowing the season dates, bag limits, and legal hunting methods.
Report accidents
Report any hunting accidents immediately to the proper authorities.
Youth Hunting Opportunities
Georgia offers ample opportunities for young hunters to participate in dove season. Here’s an overview of the regulations and resources available:
Eligibility
Youth hunters under the age of 16 are eligible to hunt doves during designated youth hunts. They must be accompanied by a licensed adult, who may assist with the hunt but cannot carry a firearm or take any game.
Dates and Locations
Youth hunts are held on select weekends prior to the regular dove season opening date. Visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for specific dates and locations.
Harvest Limits
Youth hunters are subject to the same daily bag and possession limits as adult hunters. For the 2023-2024 season, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning doves and white-winged doves combined, with a possession limit of 45.
Firearm Restrictions
Youth hunters may use shotguns with non-toxic shot only. Shotguns must not exceed 10 gauge, and the bore diameter cannot exceed .75 inches.
Adult Supervision
The accompanying adult must be at least 21 years old and must remain within sight and sound of the youth hunter at all times.
Hunter Education
Youth hunters born on or after January 1, 1961, must complete a Georgia Hunter Education Course before hunting.
Additional Resources
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division | 1-800-366-2661 |
| National Shooting Sports Foundation | (203) 426-1320 |
Dove Management Areas
Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has established Dove Management Areas (DMAs) to provide high-quality dove hunting opportunities and promote the conservation of doves. These areas are managed through habitat improvements, prescribed burns, and other practices that benefit dove populations.
Location and Access:
DMAs are located in strategic areas throughout the state to offer diverse hunting experiences. They are typically open to public access, allowing for first-come, first-served hunting. However, some DMAs may require a permit or have specific regulations.
Hunting Regulations:
Hunting regulations for DMAs may differ from statewide regulations, so it’s important to check the specific regulations for each area before hunting. Common regulations include bag limits, shooting hours, and allowed hunting methods.
Habitat Management:
Habitat management is crucial in DMAs, as it provides food, cover, and nesting sites for doves. Common management practices include planting dove food plots, creating brush piles, and prescribed burns to enhance habitat conditions.
Dove Surveys:
DNR conducts annual dove surveys to monitor population trends and assess the effectiveness of management practices. These surveys help guide future management decisions and ensure the sustainability of dove populations.
Public Access:
DMAs provide public access for hunting, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities. Visitors are encouraged to follow established trails and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Additional Resources:
For more information about Dove Management Areas in Georgia, please contact the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division or visit their website.
List of Dove Management Areas:
Below is a table listing the current Dove Management Areas in Georgia:
| DMA Name | County |
|---|---|
| Ashburn DMA | Turner |
| Blackshear DMA | Pierce |
| Cairo DMA | Grady |
| Columbus DMA | Muscogee |
| Dublin DMA | Laurens |
| Fitzgerald DMA | Ben Hill |
| Folkston DMA | Charlton |
| Lafayette DMA | Walker |
| Macon DMA | Bibb |
| Marshallville DMA | Macon |
| Moultrie DMA | Colquitt |
| Perry DMA | Houston |
| Rome DMA | Floyd |
| Savannah DMA | Chatham |
| Statesboro DMA | Bulloch |
| Thomasville DMA | Thomas |
| Thomson DMA | McDuffie |
| Tifton DMA | Tift |
| Valdosta DMA | Lowndes |
| Waycross DMA | Ware |
| White Oak WMA | Coweta |
Dove Season Georgia 2024-2025 Schedule
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the tentative dove season dates for 2024 and 2025. The dates are subject to change, but are as follows:
- 2024: September 1-October 14
- 2025: August 30-October 13
The daily bag limit is 15 doves, with a possession limit of 45. Shooting hours are from 12:00 p.m. to sunset.
Dove hunting is a popular pastime in Georgia, and the DNR encourages hunters to follow all safety regulations and to respect private property.
People Also Ask About Dove Season Georgia 2024-2025 Schedule
When is dove season in Georgia 2024?
Dove season in Georgia in 2024 is from September 1 to October 14.
When is dove season in Georgia 2025?
Dove season in Georgia in 2025 is from August 30 to October 13.
What is the daily bag limit for doves in Georgia?
The daily bag limit for doves in Georgia is 15.
What is the possession limit for doves in Georgia?
The possession limit for doves in Georgia is 45.
What are the shooting hours for dove season in Georgia?
The shooting hours for dove season in Georgia are from 12:00 p.m. to sunset.
