Welcome to the Land of 10,000 Lakes, where fall brings not just stunning foliage but also fantastic opportunities for wingshooters! If you’re looking to kick off your autumn hunting adventures, Minnesota’s dove season offers an accessible and exciting way to test your skills against these swift-flying birds. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need for the 2025-2026 season—from precise dates and regulations to license info and pro tips. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or trying this for the first time, we’ve got you covered with all the essential information to make your outings safe, legal, and successful. Let’s dive into what makes pursuing these migratory birds in Minnesota such a rewarding experience!
🗓️ Minnesota’s Dove Season at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of Minnesota’s upcoming wingshooting opportunities:
| Species | Season Dates | Legal Methods | Management Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1 – Oct 30, 2025 | Shotgun, Falconry | Statewide |
| Eurasian Collared-Dove | Year-round* | Shotgun | Statewide |
*Eurasian collared-doves are not protected under federal law and may be taken throughout the year without bag limits, but always verify current regulations with the Minnesota DNR.
📅 Complete Dove Season Details
Mourning Dove Season
Minnesota’s primary wingshooting season for these migratory birds follows a traditional framework that provides excellent early-fall action:
- Dates: September 1 through October 30, 2025
- Daily Bag Limit: 15 birds
- Possession Limit: 45 birds
- Legal Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
- Legal Methods: Shotgun (must be plugged to 3-shell capacity) and falconry
- Zones: Open statewide
I remember my first Minnesota dove hunt near Fergus Falls—the way these birds zip and dart through the air will test your shooting skills like nothing else! The golden hour before sunset, when birds come in to roost, offers particularly fantastic action.
Eurasian Collared-Dove Regulations
While not native to Minnesota, these birds have established populations in some areas and provide additional hunting opportunities:
- Season: No closed season (year-round)
- Bag Limit: No limit
- Identification: Essential—learn to distinguish them from mourning doves to avoid accidental violations
🌾 Related Small Game Opportunities
While pursuing doves, you might encounter these other small game species that offer complementary hunting experiences:
Snipe: These migratory birds provide excellent wingshooting practice with their erratic flight patterns. The season typically runs from September 1 to November 30, with a daily bag limit of 8 birds.
Hungarian Partridge: Found in open agricultural areas similar to dove habitats, these birds offer challenging shooting opportunities from September 15 through November 30.
These species share similar habitats with doves and can provide additional action when your primary targets aren’t cooperating. I’ve had days where a slow dove morning turned into an exciting partridge hunt by simply shifting my position to adjacent cover.
📜 Minnesota Dove Hunting Regulations
Understanding and following Minnesota’s hunting regulations ensures both your safety and the sustainability of bird populations:
- Shotgun Requirements: Must be plugged to hold no more than three shells in magazine and chamber combined
- Baiting Restrictions: Strictly prohibited—cannot hunt over baited areas where grain or other feed has been placed to attract birds
- Electronic Calls: Not permitted for dove hunting
- Tagging: No tagging requirement for harvested doves
- Transportation: Must leave one fully feathered wing attached for identification during transport
- Blaze Orange: Not required specifically for dove hunting, but recommended for safety during other concurrent seasons
🎟️ License Requirements and Fees
To hunt doves in Minnesota, you must have the appropriate licenses and stamps:
Resident Licenses:
- Small Game License: $34.00
- HIP (Harvest Information Program) Registration: Free (required)
Non-Resident Licenses:
- Small Game License: $106.00
- HIP Registration: Free (required)
Additional Notes:
- Youth hunters (under 18) require a youth license at reduced rates
- Seniors (65+) qualify for discounted licenses
- Military personnel and veterans may be eligible for special rates
- All licenses include access to public hunting lands
The HIP registration is crucial for monitoring migratory bird harvests and helps wildlife managers make informed decisions about future seasons. I always complete mine online when purchasing my license—it takes just seconds but provides valuable data for conservation.
❓ Minnesota Dove Hunting FAQs
When does dove season open in Minnesota for 2025?
The season opens September 1, 2025, and runs through October 30, 2025—always verify dates closer to the season as adjustments can occur based on migration patterns.
What’s the best time of day to hunt doves?
Early mornings and late afternoons are typically most productive, as birds move between roosting, feeding, and watering areas. The last two hours of daylight often provide the hottest action.
Do I need a federal duck stamp for dove hunting?
No, a federal duck stamp is only required for waterfowl hunting (ducks, geese, etc.).
Can I use lead shot for dove hunting in Minnesota?
Yes, lead shot is permitted for dove hunting as they are not waterfowl species.
Are there public lands available for dove hunting in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota offers numerous Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other public lands—check the DNR’s Recreation Compass for locations and specific regulations.
What’s the best choke for dove hunting?
Improved cylinder or modified chokes work well for the varied shooting distances you’ll encounter in the field.
✅ Final Thoughts
Minnesota’s dove season offers a fantastic way to begin your fall hunting adventures. With accessible opportunities statewide, challenging wingshooting action, and beautiful early autumn settings, it provides excellent practice and outdoor enjoyment. Remember to obtain proper licenses, follow all regulations, and prioritize safety in the field. Whether you’re introducing someone new to hunting or sharpening your own skills, pursuing these swift-flying birds creates lasting memories and helps develop fundamental shooting skills that transfer to other types of hunting. Here’s to a successful and enjoyable 2025-2026 season in the North Star State!
Always verify current regulations with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at MN DNR Website before your hunt.
