Love hunting and can’t wait for the Illinois dove season? Unsure about the exact dates, rules, or liceÂnse needs? You’re in the right spot!
This detailed guide provides all the essential information you need for a successful and enjoyable dove hunting experience in Illinois for the 2024-2025 season.
Unveiling Illinois’s Dove Game Opportunities
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) establishes two dove hunting seasons each year. Here’s a breakdown of the typical season structure for reference:
- Early Dove Season: It generally commences on the first Friday after Labor Day and extends for seven consecutive days.
- Late Dove Season: Following a brief hiatus, the late dove season offers another window for hunters to pursue these swift birds. It traditionally commences on the Saturday closest to September 1st and continues until the end of September.
Key Dates for the 2024-2025
Early Dove Season:
- Sunday, September 1 – Thursday, November 14, 2024
Late Dove Season:
- Thursday, 26 Dec – Thursday, Jan 9, 2025
Illinois Dove Regulations: Need-to-Know Rules
Before heading out to the dove fields, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the regulations set forth by the IDNR. Here are some of the key regulations to keep in mind:
- Daily Bag Limit:Â The daily bag limit for doves in Illinois is 15, with a possession limit of 30 after the first day.
- Eurasian-collared Limits: There’s no daily or total bag limit for Eurasian-collared doves and ringed turtle doves.
- Hunting Time Frames: You can only take these two dove speÂcies during the times seÂt aside for hunting mourning/white-winged doveÂs.
- Lawful Hunting Tools: If you’re out hunting Eurasian-collared doves and ringeÂd turtle doves, make sure to use the same leÂgal tools and methods you would for hunting mourning/white-winged doveÂs.
- Departing the Field: Hunting spots for the Eurasian-collared or ringed turtle doveÂs can’t be occupied once the daily limit for mourning/white-winged doves is reÂached.
- Shooting Hours: Only permitted from sunrise to sunset during the designated hunting seasons.
- Shotguns Only: Shotguns are the only legal firearms allowed for taking doves in Illinois. The use of rifles, pistols, and semi-automatic shotguns capable of holding more than three shells (two in the magazine and one in the chamber) is strictly prohibited.
- Shot Size: Shot size for taking dove is restricted to #7 or smaller.
- Plugging Requirements: All harvested doves must be plugged immediately after the close of shooting hours. Plugging refers to inserting a one-piece plug or a seal through both legs just above the feet.
Additional Regulations and Considerations
- Hunting License: A valid Illinois hunting license is mandatory for all dove hunters, regardless of age.
- Habitat Stamp: Additionally, all hunters 16 years of age or older are required to possess a current Illinois Habitat Stamp.
- Nontoxic Shot: The use of nontoxic shot is mandatory for all hunting activities on public lands and waters in Illinois.
- Hunter Education: First-time hunters born on or after January 1, 1974, must successfully complete a hunter education course approved by the IDNR.
License Costs
In order to hunt doves in Illinois, you must have a valid hunting license and a Habitat Stamp.
- Resident Hunting License: $15.50
- Non-resident Hunting License: $63.50
- Habitat Stamp: $15.00
Popular Dove Locations in Illinois
Finding the perfect dove hunting spot in Illinois can significantly increase your chances of a successful outing. Doves are attracted to areas with consistent food and water sources, so prioritize locations that offer these elements. Here are some popular dove locations in Illinois, categorized by region:
Northern Illinois
- Winnebago County: This county boasts vast agricultural fields, making it a haven for doves. Public hunting opportunities can be found at Nachusa Grasslands and Shabbona Lake State Park.
- McHenry County: Similar to Winnebago County, McHenry County offers ample farmland perfect for dove scouting. Try public hunting areas like McHenry Wildlife Management Area and Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
- Lee County: Check out public hunting grounds like Green River State Wildlife Area and Amboy Marsh Wildlife Area for dove opportunities in Lee County.
- McLean County: With a mix of farmland and wetlands, McLean County provides a suitable environment for doves. Public hunting opportunities can be found at Funk Prairie State Natural Area and Evergreen Lake State Recreation Area.
- Lake County: While suburban sprawl occupies a significant portion of Lake County, there are still pockets of suitable dove hunting grounds. Check out public hunting areas like Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve and Des Plaines River State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Central Illinois
- Tazewell County: This central Illinois county provides a good mix of farmland and wetlands, ideal for dove activities. Look into public hunting options at Pekin Park and Hollis Park.
- Mason County: Mason County is renowned for having an abundance of doves, and with good reason. Public hunting areas like Banner Marsh State Wildlife Area and Havana Lake State Park attract dove hunters each year.
- Fulton County: With several public hunting grounds like Funk Prairie State Wildlife Area and Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton County offers diverse dove game possibilities.
Southern Illinois
- Jackson County: Southern Illinois boasts excellent dove opportunities. Check out public hunting areas like Randolph County State Wildlife Area and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Jackson County.
- Williamson County: Public hunting grounds like Williamson County State Wildlife Area and Crab Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area provide chances for dove scouting in Williamson County.
- Union County: Union County offers public hunting areas like Horseshoe Lake State Park and Alexander County State Wildlife Area for dove hunters.
- Piatt County: Offering a mix of agricultural fields and timbered areas, Piatt County attracts doves throughout the season. Look into public hunting grounds like Sangamon County Conservation Area and Monticello Wildlife Management Area.
- Macon County: Macon County’s vast agricultural landscape makes it a prime dove pursuing location. Public hunting options include Macon County Conservation Area and Spitler Woods Wildlife Management Area.
- Moultrie County: This southern Illinois county provides ample opportunities for dove shooting. Public hunting areas include Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area and Coles County Wildlife Management Area.
Remember: Public hunting areas often require a specific permit or hunting lottery participation. Research regulations and application processes well in advance of the season.
Private Land Hunting
For a more personalized dove game experience, consider obtaining permission to hunt on private land. This can be achieved by contacting landowners directly or through hunting lease agreements. Always be respectful of private property and adhere to any specific rules set by the landowner.
Finding Dove Hunting Locations
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website provides a helpful tool for locating public hunting areas throughout the state. You can search by county, hunting type, and other criteria to find the perfect spot for your dove hunting adventure.
