Hunters in Kentucky eagerly await the dove season.

Opportunities For Kentucky Dove Hunters 2024 Early Fall Season

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You’ll find some of the best dove opportunities in Ke­ntucky, thanks to its abundant fields and various dove types. Take­ a look at this comprehensive guide­ for the 2024 schedule. It’ll take you through everything – from se­ason dates and rules, to hunting lice­nse procedure and hotspots.

Can you hunt doves in Kentucky

Yes, the Kentucky dove season is segmented into three distinct periods, offering ample opportunities for hunters to bag their limit. Here’s a breakdown of the 2024 season dates:

  • First Segment: September 1 (Sunday) – October 26 (Saturday)
  • Second Segment: November 28 (Thursday) – December 8 (Sunday)
  • Third Segment: December 21 (Saturday) – January 12 (Sunday)

Remember: Dove hunting hours are generally from half an hour before sunrise to sunset. However, it’s crucial to double-check specific regulations for any wildlife management areas you plan to hunt on, as hours might differ slightly.

Kentucky Dove Regulations: Everything You Need to Know

Before heading out to the field, ensure you’re familiar with Kentucky’s dove hunting regulations. Here are some key points to remember:

  • Daily Bag Limit: 15 doves (mourning and white-winged doves combined)
  • Possession Limit: 45 doves (mourning and white-winged doves combined)
  • Shotguns: Only shotguns are permitted for doves. Furthermore, shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells total (one in the chamber and two in the magazine).
  • Nontoxic Shot: Only nontoxic shot is allowed for doves in Kentucky.
  • Migratory Bird Permit: A valid Kentucky Migratory Game Bird/Waterfowl Hunting Permit is mandatory for all dove hunters, regardless of age.

Ethical Hunting Practices: Always prioritize ethical hunting practices. These include proper identification of target species, clean kills, and respecting bag and possession limits.

What license do I need to hunt dove in Kentucky

To legally hunt doves in Kentucky, you’ll need a valid hunting license and a Migratory Game Bird/Waterfowl Hunting Permit. Here’s a breakdown of the costs and how to obtain them:

  • Hunting License:
    • Resident:
    • Nonresident:
      • 3-day Hunting License: $55
      • Annual Hunting License: $150
  • Migratory Game Bird/Waterfowl Hunting Permit: Free for all hunters

Obtaining Licenses and Permits:

Additional Considerations:

  • Federal Duck Stamp: While not mandatory for dove hunting, a Federal Duck Stamp is required for waterfowl hunting.
  • HIP Registration: The Harvest Information Program (HIP) is mandatory for all migratory bird hunters, including dove hunters. Registration is free and can be done online or at license agents.

Top Kentucky Dove Locations (Public and Private Lands)

Kentucky offers a diverse range of dove opportunities, from vast agricultural fields to managed wildlife areas. Here are some popular options for public and private land hunting:

Public Hunting:

  • Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Kentucky boasts numerous WMAs that provide excellent dove game opportunities. Some popular options include:
    • Land Between the Lakes WMA (Western Kentucky)
    • Green River Lake WMA (South-central Kentucky)
    • Dale Hollow Lake WMA (South-central Kentucky)
    • Robinson Forest WMA (Eastern Kentucky)
  • Fort Knox WMA (Central Kentucky): This expansive WMA offers excellent dove prospects, with designated fields and dispersed hunting areas.

Private Land:

  • Obtaining Permission: If you plan to hunt on private land, always seek permission from the landowner well in advance. Respect their property and adhere to any specific rules or regulations they may have.
  • KDFWR Private Lands Open to Public (PLOP) Program: The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (KDFWR) Private Lands Open to Public (PLOP) program is an excellent initiative for hunters seeking access to private lands for dove shooting. This program allows landowners to voluntarily open up a portion of their property for public hunting, providing additional opportunities for hunters while offering landowners certain benefits.

Additional Resources:

Jacob Ross
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