SOCIAL CIRCLE – Eyes to the skies, Georgia hunters, the 2026-2027 dove season arrives Saturday, September 5, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division said.
“Few hunting experiences are better for beginners than dove season. It’s low-pressure pace, exciting action, and social atmosphere make it the perfect way to introduce kids to hunting,” said 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 hunting dates are September 5-October 11, November 21- 29, December 19-January 31. Statewide shooting hours for all dove seasons are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Bag limit is 15 per day. Hunters 16 years of age and older must have a hunting license and a Georgia Migratory Bird License. Hunters may purchase licenses at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at (800) 3662661 or at license vendor locations, a list of which is available at the site above.
Those planning to participate are encouraged to check the dove field forecast by visiting GeorgiaWildlife. com/hunting/dove. The service identifies available crops and anticipated field conditions for opening day.
Hunters also are encouraged to take the Georgia DNR Dove Harvest Survey to provide feedback on your hunt experience. The survey can be found at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunt ing/dove.
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.
If you’re planning on hunting in a private field, you’ll need to make sure it’s legal. The online brochure “Dove Hunting and Agricultural Practices in Georgia,” available at GeorgiaWildlife.com/migra tory-bird-info.
Be reminded 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 sits on a line, firing at power lines can result in extensive damage that could cost thousands of dollars to repair.
For more information on dove hunting gia, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory- bird-info.
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