Why It Matters: The irony that one of the most difficult birds to harvest is the first to open for hunting each year does not stop the dedicated sportsmen and women from being excited about their state’s upcoming dove opener. As the first fall hunting opportunity for many, dove seasons represent a great opportunity to get outdoors and provide hunters an ideal chance to become familiar with any changes to their state’s hunting license requirements or regulations.
Highlights:
- The beginning of September marks the beginning of fall hunting seasons in many states throughout the Midwest and across the country. For many sportsmen and women, this is represented in the form of their state’s dove hunting season.
- Dove hunting is a great entry for many. While doves present quite a challenge for wing shooters, opportunities are often abundant.
- Hunters should pay close attention to any updated license requirements and changes to their state’s hunting regulations before heading afield in pursuit of these aerial acrobats.
Though the days may still carry the heat of the summer, those who rise before dawn have already noticed the sun creeping its way back south in the morning sky. Fall is drawing near. With this change of season comes the moment that many of us have been waiting for: the start of the fall hunting seasons and, for certain members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s (CSF) States Program Team (myself among them), pumpkin spice lattes. For many sportsmen and women, this is best represented by the beginning of their fall dove hunting seasons, many of which will open within the next couple weeks.
Doves are a notable challenge for wing shooters given their speed and agility, humbling many while forcing hunters to further their support of the ammunition industry. However, dove hunting remains one of the most approachable entry points for those with an interest in the outdoors. As such, they provide an excellent recruitment opportunity. This is particularly true among adult-onset hunters, including non-resident college students who stand to benefit from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s efforts to increase the availability of discounted non-resident college student hunting and fishing licenses. While college football may dominate Saturday afternoons, dove hunting represents a great alternative to the all-day tailgating on non-SEC campuses.
As you head afield for the 2024 dove hunting season, hunters should check their state fish and wildlife agency’s website to ensure that they are aware of any changes related to license requirements or updated regulations. CSF works tirelessly to keep sportsmen and women informed, but this extra step can be critical to ensuring that we all start the 2024 season on the right note. For more information on doves and dove hunting opportunities near you, check out your state agency’s website for tips and potential unique opportunities.
