Dove hunting in Georgia is more than just the pursuit of birds. It's an opportunity for friends, family, and hunters to get together at the start of the season, practice shooting, and fill the freezer with some quality game — for many, it's a tradition they take seriously every season.
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!
Updated August 11, 2026
When is Dove Season in 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).
The three-phased dove season dates for 2026 are as follows:
Georgia Dove Season Dates 2026 | |
|---|---|
| First segment | September 5 – October 11, 2026 |
| Second segment | November 21 – 29, 2026 |
| Third segment | December 19, 2026 – January 31, 2027 |
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 general licensing costs are as follows:
- Resident Hunting License: $15 annually.
- Non-Resident Hunting License: $100 annually or $20 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.
Georgia also has licenses for big game, senior and disabled hunters, and more options to consider as you plan your hunts. 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, public dove fields managed by the Georgia DNR can be excellent hunting spots.
Use HuntWise to help you find the best public hunting land for your Georgia dove hunt!
How to Hunt Doves in Georgia
Dove hunting rewards preparation more than any other skill, so a little groundwork before opening day goes a long way toward a full game bag. Follow these steps to set yourself up for a successful hunt.
- Scout your field early. Look for public or private fields planted with millet, corn, or sunflowers, since these crops draw doves in for feeding.
- Confirm the field is legal. Baiting is illegal, so make sure any crop you're hunting over is part of a standard agricultural rotation and not placed to attract birds.
- Secure permission or apply for access. For private land, get landowner permission using a tool like the HuntWise mapping feature to find contact information. For public land, apply for a quota hunt or check which fields are open to walk-in access.
- Pattern the birds' flight path. Arrive before shooting hours and watch how doves move between roosting and feeding areas so you can position yourself along their route.
- Set up your decoys. Place around five decoys near your position, doubling up a couple for realism, and add a spinning-wing decoy if you want extra visibility.
- Load and check your shotgun. Use a plugged shotgun holding no more than three shells, and load shot sized #2 or smaller.
- Hunt the early morning or late evening. These windows see the most consistent dove movement, so plan your time in the field around them.
- Stay ready and patient. Doves fly fast and change direction quickly, so keep your gun up and stay alert between flurries of activity.
With your field scouted, your gear ready, and your timing dialed in, you're in position for a productive day in the field. Pair your preparation with the HuntWise app's mapping and weather tools to fine-tune your hunt as opening day approaches.
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.
Content most recently reviewed for the latest season dates and details August 11, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it dove season in GA right now?
A: Not yet. The 2026–27 Georgia dove season opens Saturday, September 5, 2026, with additional segments running November 21–29, 2026, and December 19, 2026–January 31, 2027.
Q: What colors not to wear when dove hunting?
A: Doves don't have the same alarm response to bright colors that deer do, but most hunters still avoid white and other high-contrast colors that stand out against a dove field, since sudden movement in a bright color can spook incoming birds. Blaze orange or blaze pink isn't required for dove hunting in Georgia unless the hunt is happening concurrently with a firearms deer or bear season on a WMA.
Q: Where are the best dove quota hunts in Georgia?
A: Di-Lane WMA, Perry Dove Field, and Clybel WMA consistently draw the most applicants of Georgia's public dove quota hunts, making them the most competitive and, by hunter demand, the most popular. Georgia DNR is offering 21 quota hunts across 17 WMAs, VPAs, and PFAs for the 2026–27 season, including 18 Opening Day hunts on September 5.
Q: When's the best time to go dove hunting?
A: Early morning and late evening produce the most consistent action, since these are the windows when doves move between roosting sites and feeding areas. Hunting the full legal hours, one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, gives you the best shot at catching multiple flights throughout the day.
Q: Is it illegal to drink beer while dove hunting?
A: Hunting while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is against Georgia law, and on WMAs, alcohol consumption is restricted to designated campsites. Outside of WMAs and short of impairment, Georgia doesn't have a blanket ban on having a beer in the field, but staying sharp and legal is always the safer call, especially with a loaded shotgun in hand.
Q: Are there paid dove hunts in Georgia?
A: Yes. Private landowners across the state lease dove fields or charge per-gun fees for hunts, ranging from a few thousand dollars to lease an entire field for the season to under $200 per gun for a single shoot, often with amenities like meals or blinds included. Georgia Outdoor News publishes an annual list of these pay dove shoots each August ahead of the season opener.
