Are you an avid hunter looking for a thrilling challenge? Or perhaps you’re a newcomer eager to experience the camaraderie and excitement of the hunt? Then look no further than dove hunting in Nebraska! Nebraska boasts abundant dove populations and offers a generous hunting season, making it a prime destination for dove seekers of all skill levels.
This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know about doves in Nebraska for the 2024-2025 season. We’ll cover season dates, regulations, licensing information, and even explore some of the top dove locations in the state.
Dove Activities Kicks Off on Sep 1 in Nebraska
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) regulates dove season within the state. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates for 2024-2025:
- Mourning Doves, White-winged Doves: September 1, 2024 – October 30, 2024
- Eurasian Collared-Doves: October 31, 2024 – August 31, 2025
Important Note: Eurasian collared-doves have a separate season extending beyond the mourning and white-winged dove season.
Do you need a permit to hunt doves in Nebraska?
Absolutely, dove hunting in Nebraska requires a permit, but don’t worry, getting one is straightforward! Here’s the breakdown:
Resident Hunters (16 and over):
- Think of it like a club membership – you’ll need a Nebraska Hunting License. Get it online at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website (think of them as the gatekeepers!) or from any authorized vendor. Prices vary depending on your age, but expect to pay around $35 for a standard license.
Non-Resident Hunters:
Visiting from out of state? No problem! You’ll need a Non-Resident Hunting License. Similar to the resident license, you can grab it online or from an authorized vendor. Prices typically range from $100 to $150 for a non-resident small game hunting license specifically for critters like doves.
Extras to Consider:
- Habitat Stamp: Think of this as a contribution to dove-friendly habitats. All hunters, residents and non-residents alike, need a Nebraska Habitat Stamp. You can usually buy it along with your hunting license.
- HIP Registration: This stands for Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. It’s basically a way to keep track of dove hunters and help manage the population. Registration is free and can be done online in a flash at [https://outdoornebraska.gov/permits/] – just a few clicks and you’re good to go!
Here’s a breakdown of the license costs associated with doves in Nebraska
| License/Permit | Resident Cost (USD) | Non-Resident Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License (Annual) | $35.00 | $100.00 |
| Habitat Stamp | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| HIP Registration (Free) | Free | Free |
Hunter Education Requirement: First-time hunters born after 1978 must complete a hunter education course certified by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) before purchasing a hunting license.
Essential Dove Regulations in Nebraska
Doves Galore and Generous Limits:
- You can hunt mourning doves, white-winged doves, and Eurasian collared-doves all season long.
- The daily bag limit is 15 doves total, with a possession limit of 45.
- Shooting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
Gear Up and Get Permission:
- Resident hunters 16 and older and all nonresidents need a Nebraska small game hunting permit, habitat stamp, and Harvest Information Program (HIP) number (free online at OutdoorNebraska.org).
- Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells.
- Federal and state duck stamps are not required for doves.
- Remember, always get permission from landowners before hunting on private property.
Finding Doves and Helping with Research:
- Sunflowers, millet, and wheat fields are dove magnets. Check the 2024 Dove Hunting Fact Sheet on OutdoorNebraska.gov for a list of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with dove fields.
- Look for leg bands on harvested doves. Biologists use them to track dove populations, and your report helps with research (reportband.gov).
- Some hunters may be selected to contribute to wing collection efforts. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will provide instructions.
Drought Conditions and Scouting:
- Dry weather is affecting parts of Nebraska. Be extra cautious to prevent wildfires while hunting.
- With changing habitats, pre-season scouting is highly recommended. Find all publicly accessible lands (federal, state, and private lands enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters Program) in the 2024-2025 Public Access Atlas (OutdoorNebraska.gov).
Eurasian Collared-Doves:
- Unlike other doves, Eurasian collared-doves can be hunted year-round with the same bag and possession limits as other doves during the regular season.
Prime Dove Locations in Nebraska
Nebraska boasts a variety of landscapes ideal for dove seeking. Here are some popular public hunting areas known for their dove populations, along with some additional options to consider:
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
- Sandhills WMAs: The vast Sandhills region offers numerous WMAs scattered across central Nebraska. These areas provide excellent opportunities to hunt doves in fields bordering riparian areas and agricultural lands. Some popular Sandhills WMAs include:
- Merritt Reservoir WMA: This 6,800-acre WMA near Valentine, Nebraska, offers diverse habitats including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. Doves frequent fields bordering the reservoir and surrounding agricultural lands.
- Long Pine WMA: Spanning over 22,000 acres, Long Pine WMA is a haven for wildlife, including doves. Located southwest of Valentine, Nebraska, this WMA features a mix of grasslands, meadows, and scattered woodlands. Doves can be found near grain fields and stock tanks throughout the area.
- Valentine State Fish Hatchery WMA: Situated near the Merritt Sandhills, this 1,200-acre WMA offers opportunities to hunt doves alongside pheasants and quail. Look for doves near grain fields and scattered trees within the WMA.
- Rainwater Basin WMAs: Located in south-central Nebraska, the Rainwater Basin is a haven for waterfowl and doves. The basin’s shallow wetlands and agricultural fields create prime dove grounds. Popular WMAs in the Rainwater Basin include:
- Oak Marsh WMA: This 5,200-acre WMA near Gibbon, Nebraska, features a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields. Doves frequent these diverse habitats, particularly near sunflower fields and scattered trees.
- Crescent Lake WMA: Encompassing over 12,000 acres, Crescent Lake WMA is a premier waterfowl hunting destination. However, the area also offers good opportunities for doves, especially near grain fields bordering the lake and surrounding agricultural lands.
- Funk WMA: Located near Sutton, Nebraska, Funk WMA provides over 7,000 acres of public hunting grounds. Doves can be found in agricultural fields throughout the WMA, particularly near water sources like ponds and stock tanks.
National Wildlife Refuges
Nebraska has several national wildlife refuges that offer dove opportunities during designated open seasons. Check with the specific refuge for regulations and hunting maps. Some refuges to consider include:
- DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge: Situated along the Missouri River near Missouri Valley, Iowa, DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge extends into eastern Nebraska. The refuge offers dove chances in designated areas with suitable habitat.
- Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge: Located along the Missouri River in north-central Nebraska, Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge provides diverse habitats for wildlife, including doves. Doves can be found in agricultural fields bordering the refuge and near scattered woodlands.
Additional Options
- Walk-In Hunting Areas: The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offers a Walk-In Hunting Area program that provides public access to private lands enrolled in the program. These areas can be excellent spots to find doves, particularly in areas with suitable food sources like grain fields or sunflower fields.
- State Recreation Areas: Some Nebraska state recreation areas allow hunting in designated zones. Check with the specific recreation area for regulations and maps to identify areas open for dove games.
