Welcome to Mississippi’s premier dove hunting guide! If you’re looking to kick off your fall hunting adventures in the Magnolia State, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive resource covers everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 wingshooting season – from precise dates and zoning maps to regulations and pro tips. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or trying this exciting sport 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 swift-flying birds in Mississippi such a rewarding experience!
🗓️ Mississippi’s 2025-2026 Dove Season at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of Mississippi’s upcoming wingshooting opportunities:
| Species | Season Dates | Legal Methods | Management Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1 – Sept 30, 2025 | Shotgun, Falconry | North & South Zones |
| White-winged Dove | Same as Mourning Dove | Shotgun | North & South Zones |
| 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 MDWFP.
📅 Complete Dove Season Details
Mourning & White-winged Dove Seasons
Mississippi offers excellent opportunities for both mourning and white-winged doves, with seasons split into three segments to maximize hunting opportunities while supporting conservation efforts .
North Zone (Areas north of U.S. Hwy. 84 plus areas south of U.S. Hwy. 84 and west of MS Hwy. 35):
- September 1 – 30, 2025
- October 18 – November 16, 2025
- December 27, 2025 – January 25, 2026
South Zone (Areas south of U.S. Hwy. 84 and east of MS Hwy. 35):
- September 1 – 30, 2025
- October 18 – November 16, 2025
- December 27, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Regulations:
- Daily Bag Limit: 15 birds (singly or in aggregate of both species)
- Possession Limit: 45 birds
- Legal Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
- Legal Methods: Shotgun (must be plugged to 3-shell capacity) and falconry
I’ll never forget my first Mississippi dove hunt near the Delta region – the way these birds zip through the air at lightning speed will test your shooting skills like nothing else! The social aspect of dove hunting here is fantastic, with many hunters treating opening day as a celebration of friendship and outdoor tradition .
Eurasian Collared-Dove Regulations
While not native to Mississippi, these birds have established populations in some areas:
- Season: No closed season (year-round)
- Bag Limit: No limit
- Identification: Essential – learn to distinguish them from mourning doves
🌾 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 November 14 through February 28, with a daily bag limit of 8 birds .
Bobwhite Quail: A classic southern game bird that shares similar habitats with doves. The season runs from November 27 through March 7, with a daily bag limit of 8 birds .
These species can provide additional action when dove numbers are low or flights are slow. I’ve had days where a slow dove morning turned into an exciting quail hunt by simply shifting my position to adjacent cover.
📜 Mississippi Dove Hunting Regulations
Understanding and following Mississippi’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
- WMA Regulations: Special rules may apply on Wildlife Management Areas – always check specific area regulations before hunting
🎟️ License Requirements and Fees
To hunt doves in Mississippi, you must have the appropriate licenses and stamps:
Resident Licenses:
- All Game Hunting License: $25.00
- Wildlife Management Area User Permit: $15.00 (required for WMA access)
- HIP (Harvest Information Program) Registration: Free (required)
Non-Resident Licenses:
- Small Game Hunting License: $106.00
- Wildlife Management Area User Permit: $32.00 (required for WMA access)
- HIP Registration: Free (required)
Additional Notes:
- Youth hunters (under 16) require a youth license at reduced rates
- Seniors (65+) qualify for discounted licenses
- Military personnel and veterans may be eligible for special rates
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.
❓ Mississippi Dove Hunting FAQs
When does dove season open in Mississippi for 2025?
The season opens September 1, 2025, coinciding with Labor Day weekend – a traditional kickoff to hunting seasons in Mississippi .
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 Mississippi?
Yes, lead shot is permitted for dove hunting as they are not waterfowl species.
Are there public lands available for dove hunting in Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi offers numerous Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with dove fields – some even offer special draw hunts for opening day .
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
Mississippi’s dove season offers a fantastic way to begin your fall hunting adventures. With accessible opportunities across both zones, 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 Magnolia State!
Always verify current regulations with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks at mdwfp.com before your hunt.
