North Carolina bird hunters, listeÂn up! Dove season is a beloveÂd pastime here, a chance to show off your talent and share in outdoor fellowship. DoeÂsn’t matter if you’re a hunting pro or a novice, this guide has it all to make your North Carolina dove hunting season 2024-2025 a hit.
When Do Doves Take Flight in North Carolina
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) dove hunting season is typically divided into three segments, providing ample opportunities for hunters to bag their limit. Here’s a breakdown of the season dates:
- First Segment: September 2, 2024 – October 7, 2024
- Second Segment: November 11, 2024 – November 25, 2024
- Third Segment: December 9, 2024 – January 31, 2025
Pro Tip: Stay updated on the official season dates and any regulation changes by visiting the NCWRC website.
Regulations: Know Before You Go
Before you head out to the dove field, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the state’s hunting regulations. Here’s a quick overview:
- Daily Bag Limit: 15 mourning or white-winged doves, combined or single species
- Possession Limit: 3 times the daily bag limit
- Shooting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset
- Sunday Hunting: Prohibited
- Shotguns: Only shotguns with a capacity of 3 shells (plug required) can be used
- Shot Size: Non-toxic shot sizes are mandatory
Remember: It’s your responsibility to ensure you’re following all hunting regulations. Refer to the NCWRC Hunting Regulations Summary (https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing/regulations) for a complete list of rules.
North Carolina Dove Licenses: Securing Your Permission to Hunt
To legally hunt doves in North Carolina, you’ll need to obtain the proper licenses. Here’s a breakdown of the essential licenses:
- Hunting License: All hunters 16 years of age and older require a valid North Carolina hunting license. Residents can purchase licenses online or through authorized vendors. Non-residents can purchase licenses online or upon arrival in the state. License fees vary depending on residency and license type (https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing/hunting-fishing-trapping-licenses).
- Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Permit (if applicable): If you plan to hunt on a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), you’ll need an additional WMA permit in addition to your hunting license. Permits can be purchased online or at designated vendors.
Federal HIP Certification: Additionally, all migratory bird hunters, including dove hunters, are required to register for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (https://www.fws.gov/). HIP certification is free and can be obtained online or by phone.
Cost Considerations: The total cost of hunting doves in North Carolina will vary depending on your residency status and license type. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 (resident hunting license) to $110 (non-resident 10-day hunting license) for licenses and permits.
Cost of Licenses
Here’s a quick reference table for the approximate costs of North Carolina hunting licenses (subject to change):pen_spark
| License Type | Residents | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License (Annual) | $25 | $110 |
| Wild Boar Stamp | $10 | $10 |
Top Dove Game Locations in North Carolina: Where to Find Your Feathered Quarry
North Carolina boasts diverse landscapes that provide excellent opportunities for dove hunting. Here are some of the top locations to consider, categorized by region:
Coastal Plain:
- Pungo Unit (Croatan National Forest): Located in Carteret County, this sprawling unit offers a mix of open fields, woodlands, and agricultural lands, attracting doves throughout the season.
- Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge:Â Situated in Tyrrell and Washington Counties, this refuge provides ample dove opportunities in its managed fields and agricultural areas.
- Pocosin Lakes Wildlife Management Area: This Dare County Wildlife Management Area (WMA) features a mix of wetlands, forests, and agricultural fields, creating a prime habitat for doves.
Piedmont:
- Uwharrie National Forest:Â Spanning multiple counties in the central Piedmont, this vast national forest offers diverse hunting opportunities, including fields and agricultural areas bordering the forest.
- Sandhills Game Land:Â Located primarily in Moore County, this expansive game land features a mosaic of habitats, including fields and agricultural lands, ideal for doves.
- Yadkin River Basin Wildlife Management Areas:Â Several WMAs along the Yadkin River, such as High Rock Lake WMA and Uwharrie Ridge WMA, offer dove opportunities in managed fields and agricultural borders.
- Mountains:
- Nantahala National Forest:Â Encompassing parts of western North Carolina, this national forest provides opportunities for doves in open fields bordering agricultural areas and clearings within the forest.
- Pisgah National Forest:Â Similar to the Nantahala, the Pisgah National Forest offers dove possibilities in open areas near farmland and clearings within the mountainous landscape.
- Davidson River Wildlife Management Area: Nestled in Transylvania County, this WMA features open fields and agricultural borders that attract doves throughout the season.
