Your Guide to the 2024 Dove Season Georgia

With 500,000 acres of public land and generous bag limits in Georgia, it's the perfect way to pass the late afternoon in ideal weather conditions.

To begin your preparation for the upcoming dove season, Georgia, familiarize yourself with the state hunting laws, current season dates, and additional regulations we'll discuss below! 

2024 Dates for Dove Season Georgia

The statewide mourning dove season dates are divided into three separate segments, providing plenty of opportunities for hunters to target these birds.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR) sets and manages wildlife seasons and regulations based on annual surveys of bird numbers (among other factors). 

General Dove Season Dates

Hunters can plan to hunt during one, two, or all three annual dove hunting phases in Georgia. While season dates may change depending on bird numbers and ecological factors, they generally follow the same three-phased openings, which are: 

• Phase 1: Early September to mid-September 
• Phase 2: Mid-October to early November 
• Phase 3: Late November to mid-January 

Dates are subject to change, so always check the GDNR website for the latest openings and regulations. 

What Are the 2024 Season Dates?

The three-phased dove season dates for 2024 are as follows: 
 

• First segment: September 7 – October 13
• Second segment: November 23 – December 1 
• Third segment: December 19 – January 31

Make sure you stick to these dates to avoid fines or losing out on the birds you harvest this year.

Hunting Hours

Dove hunting hours are typically statewide and run from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Violations are taken very seriously, and you are encouraged to report any poaching or illegal hunting outside of specified hours to the ranger hotline to keep the sport fair, equitable, and legal for all. 

On the opening day of Phase 1, shooting hours sometimes start at noon to reduce crowding and ensure safety; however, this has not been practiced since 2021. 

Bag Limits

The bag limit for Georgia dove is 15, and the possession limit is 45. An easy way to remember these regulations is that the possession limit is always three times the bag limit. 

An exception is the Eurasian Collared Dove, which can be hunted all year round with no bag limit applied. 

Licensing Requirements for Dove Hunting in Georgia

A Georgia hunting license and migratory bird stamp are mandatory for dove hunting. Additionally, if you were born on or after January 1, 1961, you will need a hunter education certificate to receive your Georgia hunting license. For those 16 and older, a Federal Duck Stamp may be needed if you also plan to hunt other migratory birds.

The licensing costs are as follows: 
 

• Resident Hunting License: $15 annually or $20 for a one-day license.
• Non-Resident Hunting License: $100 annually or $30 for a one-day permit.
• GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License: $5 annually (required for dove hunting). This license is free for some residents with other hunting licenses.

Make sure you have your license and required stamps with you on the day of your hunt.

What Are the Legal Hunting Methods?

Doves can only be taken with a shotgun, and the gun must be plugged to hold no more than three shells. Non-toxic shots are highly recommended and may even be mandated in some instances.

Lastly, your shot size must be #2 or smaller. 

How to Prepare for Your Dove Hunt 

With the season dates in mind, it's time to get ready for a fun and successful hunt.

Start your preparation by scouting for public and private fields planted with millet, corn, or sunflowers, which attract doves. Remember that this must be part of the standard agricultural crop rotation and that baiting or hunting in baited areas is highly illegal. 

If you plan to hunt private land, you'll require landowner permission. One of the easiest ways to kickstart this process is to use the HuntWise mapping feature, which shows contact information for private landowners and allows you to access permission to hunt on their land.

If private land hunting is not possible, the public dove fields, managed by the Georgia DNR, can be excellent hunting spots. 

Hunting Strategies for Harvesting More Doves

Doves are some of the most challenging birds to hit, so make sure you put in plenty of time practicing and getting comfortable with your shotgun. Also, remember to keep the movement fluid and constant. 

Timing

While doves can be taken at any stage during the hunting hours, the highest chance of success is in the early mornings and late evenings. This is when birds fly between their roosting sites to feeding areas and back. 

Scout a spot where you can observe the doves' flight path and be ready to fire when they take flight.

Utilize Decoys

Consider setting up some decoys in your hunting area if you have range issues.

However, don't overdo it; focus on around five decoys with a couple doubled up. For that extra attraction, consider mixing in some spinning-wing decoys to close the distance. 

Be Patient

Although it's easier said than done, patience plays a critical role in bagging out on doves. Be ready for fast shooting, as doves are agile and swift, so practice shooting for various positions, including sitting and standing. 

Enjoy the Georgia Dove Season With HuntWise 

Dove season is always an exciting time on the Georgia hunting roster. To get in on the action and bring home plenty of birds, prepare before the season opens with HuntWise.

Whether you're local or traveling to Georgia for your hunt, you'll benefit from the mapping insights, private landowner details, weather forecasting, season insights, and more. Using the map features to locate some hard-to-reach or less popular locations will be the key to bagging out in this popular season. 

The time to start scouting and planning is now! If you've never used HuntWise before, download it today and explore for your first week – free.