6 Things You Need to Know About Arkansas' 2024-2025 Dove Season

Arkansas Dove Hunting

Early Season Opportunities

Arkansas dove season kicks off early in September, providing ample opportunities to bag your limit of mourning doves. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice just starting out, there are plenty of places to hunt doves in Arkansas during the early season.

The first split of the dove season in Arkansas runs from September 1-15. During this period, hunting hours are from 12:00 pm until sunset. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning doves, with a possession limit of 45.

There are several reasons why hunting doves in Arkansas during the early season can be an excellent experience. The doves are typically more concentrated in their nesting areas, making them easier to find. Additionally, the weather is often milder during early September, making for a more comfortable hunting experience.

Key Hunting Locations

Some of the best places to hunt doves in Arkansas during the early season include:

Sunflower fields
Milo fields
Grain fields
Power line rights-of-way
Agricultural fields
Fallow fields

To find specific hunting locations, check with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) or contact local landowners. You can also use online mapping tools to identify potential hunting areas.

Hunting Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your early season dove hunt in Arkansas:

Scout the area before hunting to identify potential dove concentrations.
Set up your decoys in a realistic pattern that will attract doves.
Be patient and wait for the doves to come to you.
Use a shotgun with a modified or full choke for improved accuracy.
Wear camouflage clothing and cover your face and hands to avoid spooking the doves.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of having a successful early season dove hunt in Arkansas.

Zone and Season Dates

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) recently announced the 2024-2025 dove season dates. Dove hunting in Arkansas is divided into three zones, each with its own set of season dates. The zones are:

Zone	Start Date	End Date
North Zone	September 1, 2024	November 9, 2024 December 13, 2024-January 15, 2025
Central Zone	September 7, 2024	November 23, 2024 December 13, 2024-January 15, 2025
South Zone	September 14, 2024	November 30, 2024 December 13, 2024-January 15, 2025

The daily bag limit is 15 doves per day. The possession limit is 45 doves. Shooting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

Special Youth Season

There will be a special youth dove season on September 1, 2024, for youth hunters 16 years of age and younger. The daily bag limit and possession limit for the special youth season are the same as the regular season. Shooting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

Bag Limits and Possession Limits

Daily Bag Limit

The daily bag limit for mourning doves is 15 birds per day.

Possession Limit

The possession limit for mourning doves is 30 birds in the field and double the daily limit at the permanent residence.

Split Limit

There is no daily bag or possession limit split between mourning and white-winged doves. A combined daily bag limit of 15 and possession limit of 30 applies to all doves.

Special Regulations for Western Arkansas

In the following counties in western Arkansas, the daily bag limit is 12 birds and the possession limit is 24 birds:

<table>
<tr>
<th>County</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Logan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Crawford</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Franklin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sebastian</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Polk</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scott</td>
</tr>
</table>

Safety Considerations

Dove season is an exciting time for hunters, but it’s important to remember to put safety first. The following tips will help ensure you and others have a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Be aware of what’s happening around you at all times. This includes other hunters, animals, and potential hazards like downed power lines or barbed wire.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Wear brightly colored clothing to make yourself visible to other hunters. Additionally, wear long pants and sleeves to protect yourself from thorns and insects.

Handle Firearms Safely

Always treat firearms with respect and follow the four rules of gun safety: Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, be aware of your target and what’s beyond it, and never point a gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot.

Respect Other Hunters

Be respectful of other hunters sharing the hunting area. Don’t crowd their hunting spot or shoot in their direction.

Hunting in Groups

Hunt in groups of two or more people whenever possible. This will help ensure your safety in case of an emergency and make the experience more enjoyable.

Additional Safety Tips:

Tip	Explanation
Carry a whistle or air horn	To signal for help in case of an emergency
Bring a first-aid kit	To treat minor injuries
Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back	This helps ensure that someone knows your whereabouts if something happens

Dove Habitat Management

Food Sources

Doves primarily feed on seeds, especially those of sunflowers, sorghum, millet, and corn. Providing these food sources near dove hunting areas can attract and hold birds.

Water Sources

Doves need access to water for drinking and bathing. Creating or maintaining shallow pools or ponds on hunting sites can attract and benefit doves.

Nesting Sites

Doves nest in trees and shrubs, often in areas with dense vegetation. Enhancing nesting sites by planting trees and shrubs, or providing artificial nesting structures, can encourage dove use.

Perching Areas

Doves often perch on power lines, telephone poles, and dead trees. Creating or maintaining these perching areas near food and water sources can attract and concentrate birds.

Cover

Doves need cover to escape predators and inclement weather. Establishing dense stands of vegetation, such as tall grasses, shrubs, or trees, can provide this cover and make hunting sites more attractive to doves.

Field Manipulation

Modifying fields to create a mosaic of different cover types, such as food plots, fallow areas, and harvested crops, can attract a variety of doves. Leaving rows of grain standing or creating crop strips can provide additional feeding and nesting opportunities.

Dove Management	Benefits
Planting sunflowers or other dove-preferred food sources	Attract and hold doves in hunting areas
Creating shallow pools or ponds	Provide water for drinking and bathing
Establishing dense vegetation for nesting	Encourage nesting and increase dove populations
Maintaining perching areas near food and water sources	Concentrate doves for better hunting opportunities
Providing cover in the form of tall grasses or shrubs	Provide escape from predators and inclement weather
Creating a mosaic of cover types	Attract a variety of doves and improve hunting success

Regulations and Enforcement

Dove Hunting Seasons

The dove hunting season in Arkansas for 2024 and 2025 is as follows:

2024	2025
September 1 – October 30	September 1 – October 30

Bag Limits

The daily bag limit for doves is 15, with a possession limit of 45.

Shooting Hours

Shooting hours for doves are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

Area Closures

Certain areas in Arkansas are closed to dove hunting, including state parks and wildlife refuges. For a complete list of closed areas, please consult the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website.

Enforcement

Game wardens will be patrolling dove hunting areas to enforce the regulations. Violators may face fines and penalties.

Dove Hunting Etiquette

Dove hunters should follow the following etiquette guidelines:

Respect private property and obtain permission before hunting.
Be aware of other hunters and avoid shooting in their direction.
Pick up your spent shells and litter.
Report any violations to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Economic Impact of Dove Season

Job Creation

Dove season in Arkansas generates a significant number of jobs in the state, particularly in the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors. Hunting guides, lodging providers, and food vendors experience increased business during this period.

Increased Sales

Dove season also leads to increased sales for businesses involved in hunting supplies, such as firearms, ammunition, and hunting gear. Restaurants, gas stations, and convenience stores also benefit from the influx of hunters during this time.

Tourism

Dove season attracts hunters from within and outside the state, resulting in increased tourism revenue. Hunters may stay in local hotels or motels, dine at restaurants, and purchase souvenirs, contributing to the local economy.

Statewide Economic Impact

A study conducted by the University of Arkansas estimated that the dove season in 2018 had a total economic impact of $22.6 million on the state. This included:

Category	Economic Impact
Hunting Supplies	$10.2 million
Hospitality	$6.5 million
Transportation	$2.8 million
Retail	$2.1 million
Other	$1.0 million

Conservation Efforts

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has implemented several conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of dove populations in the state.

Habitat Management

The AGFC manages over 1 million acres of public land for dove hunting, including wildlife management areas, natural areas, and game and fish refuges. These lands provide critical habitat for doves, offering nesting, roosting, and feeding areas.

Banding Programs

The AGFC participates in bird banding programs to monitor dove populations and determine migration patterns. Banding data helps biologists assess the effectiveness of conservation measures and identify areas where populations are declining.

Research and Monitoring

The AGFC conducts ongoing research and monitoring to gather information on dove populations and their habitats. This information is used to inform management decisions and identify areas where further conservation efforts are needed.

Hunter Education

The AGFC provides hunter education courses that teach ethical hunting practices, including responsible dove hunting. These courses emphasize the importance of bag limits, season dates, and proper field care of harvested birds.

Partnerships

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The AGFC collaborates with private landowners, conservation organizations, and other agencies to enhance dove hunting opportunities and promote conservation efforts. These partnerships help to expand habitat management, research, and hunter education programs.

Dove Stamp Program

The AGFC sells a dove stamp that provides revenue for dove conservation projects. Hunters are required to purchase a dove stamp in addition to their hunting license. Proceeds from the dove stamp are used to fund habitat improvements, research, and hunter education programs.

Doves in Declining

In recent years, dove populations in Arkansas and other states have been declining. The AGFC is working to address this issue through increased conservation efforts, including habitat management, banding programs, research, and hunter education.

Current Dove Regulations

The AGFC sets dove hunting regulations each year to ensure the sustainability of dove populations. These regulations include bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours. Hunters are encouraged to check the AGFC website for the latest regulations before hunting.

Additional Dove Information

The AGFC provides additional information on dove hunting in Arkansas, including hunting locations, season dates, and hunting tips. Hunters can find this information on the AGFC website or by contacting local AGFC offices.

Future Outlook for Dove Season

Expected Hunting Conditions

The future outlook for dove season in Arkansas is optimistic, with projections indicating favorable hunting conditions. Weather patterns, habitat availability, and dove populations are expected to support successful outings, promising an enjoyable experience for hunters.

Dove Population Trends

Dove populations have been relatively stable in recent years, indicating a healthy and sustainable resource. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to maintain these populations, ensuring the longevity of dove hunting in Arkansas.

Habitat Conservation

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) continues to prioritize habitat conservation, including the establishment and maintenance of dove fields. These efforts create optimal nesting and feeding conditions for doves, further supporting population growth.

Youth and Beginner Opportunities

The AGFC recognizes the importance of introducing youth and novice hunters to the sport of dove hunting. Programs and workshops designed to teach safe hunting practices and provide mentoring support are available, encouraging the next generation of dove hunters.

Additional Hunting Opportunities

In addition to the traditional dove season, hunters may also participate in early and late dove seasons. These extended opportunities provide hunters with more time to pursue doves, accommodating their schedules and preferences.

Dove Field Management

Dove field management practices, such as disking, planting, and water availability, play a vital role in attracting and holding doves. Hunters can actively participate in these efforts to enhance their hunting experiences.

Regulations and Safety

The AGFC regularly reviews and updates dove hunting regulations to ensure the sustainability of the resource and promote safe hunting practices. Hunters are encouraged to stay informed about these regulations and to follow proper safety protocols to ensure a responsible and enjoyable hunting experience.

Dove Banding Program

The AGFC participates in the federal dove banding program, which contributes to research on dove populations. Hunters are encouraged to report banded doves to aid in this important conservation effort.

Hunting Locations

Arkansas offers numerous public and private hunting locations for dove hunting. Hunters can access information on available locations through the AGFC website and other resources.

Dove Season in Arkansas: 2024 and 2025 Outlook

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has proposed a dove hunting season for 2024 and 2025 with a 15-day opening in the eastern zone and a 10-day opening in the western zone.

The proposed season dates are as follows:

Eastern Zone: September 1, 2024, to September 15, 2024
Western Zone: September 1, 2025, to September 10, 2025

The bag limit for doves is 15 per day and 30 in possession. The daily limit for mourning doves is 15 and the daily limit for white-winged doves and Eurasian collared doves combined is 15.