For many Georgia hunters, the opening of dove season is more than the start of another hunting season. It’s a tradition — one often shared among family and friends and, for many young hunters, an introduction to the outdoors. Georgia’s 2026-2027 dove season opens Saturday, Sept. 5, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
“Few hunting experiences are better for beginners than dove season. Its 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.
Nitschke said hunters looking for a place to go this season may want to consider one of Georgia’s public dove fields located on Wildlife Management Areas or Voluntary Public Access Areas. Those fields are managed and prepared to attract doves and provide hunting opportunities for the public.
2026-2027 Georgia Dove Season Dates
The season is divided into three periods:
- Sept. 5 – Oct. 11
- Nov. 21 – Nov. 29
- Dec. 19 – Jan. 31
Statewide shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, and the daily bag limit is 15 doves.
Hunters age 16 and older must have a Georgia hunting license and Georgia Migratory Bird License. Licenses can be purchased through Go Outdoors Georgia, by calling 1-800-366-2661 or through a license vendor.
For those planning to hunt private property, DNR reminds hunters to make sure the field complies with state and federal regulations regarding agricultural practices and dove hunting. Information is available through the Georgia DNR Migratory Bird Information page.
Hunters planning to use public land can also check the state’s Dove Field Forecast for available crops and anticipated field conditions. DNR is also asking hunters using public dove fields this year to consider completing its Dove Harvest Survey following their hunt.
Hunters should also check harvested birds for leg bands. Georgia participates in an ongoing dove banding project designed to provide wildlife managers with information about dove populations. If a banded dove is harvested, the band number can be reported through the federal bird banding program.
DNR is also reminding hunters never to shoot at doves sitting on power lines. Power lines can be popular roosting locations for doves, but firing toward them can damage electrical equipment and potentially result in thousands of dollars in repairs.
With opening day just days away, hunters across South Georgia will soon be gathering in fields for one of the state’s longstanding early-fall outdoor traditions. For dove field forecasts, public hunting information and additional season resources, visit the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division Dove Hunting page.
