Get ready to experience some of the best wingshooting action in the Midwest! Missouri’s dove season offers the perfect opportunity to kick off your fall hunting adventures in the Show-Me State. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need for the 2025-2026 season—from precise dates and zoning information to regulations and pro tips. Whether you’re a seasoned wingshooter 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 explore what makes pursuing these swift-flying birds in Missouri such a rewarding experience!
🗓️ Missouri’s Dove Season at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of Missouri’s upcoming wingshooting opportunities:
| Species | Season Dates | Legal Methods | Management Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1 – Nov 9, 2025 | Shotgun, Falconry | Statewide |
| 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 Missouri Department of Conservation.
📅 Complete Dove Season Details
Mourning Dove Season
Missouri’s primary wingshooting season for these migratory birds follows a traditional framework that provides excellent early-fall action:
- Dates: September 1 through November 9, 2025
- Daily Bag Limit: 15 birds
- Possession Limit: 45 birds
- Legal Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
- Legal Methods: Shotgun (must be plugged to 3-shell capacity) and falconry
- Zones: Open statewide
I’ll never forget my first Missouri dove hunt near Columbia—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 Missouri, 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 to avoid accidental violations
🌾 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 September 1 through December 16, with a daily bag limit of 8 birds.
Bobwhite Quail: A classic game bird that shares similar habitats with doves. The season runs from November 1 through January 15, with a daily bag limit of 8 birds.
These species can provide additional action when your primary targets aren’t cooperating. I’ve had days where a slow dove morning turned into an exciting quail hunt by simply shifting my position to adjacent cover.
📜 Missouri Dove Hunting Regulations
Understanding and following Missouri’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
- Conservation Area Regulations: Special rules may apply on MDC areas—always check specific area regulations before hunting
🎟️ License Requirements and Fees
To hunt doves in Missouri, you must have the appropriate licenses and stamps:
Resident Licenses:
- Small Game Hunting License: $19.00
- Conservation Order Permit: Free (required for all migratory bird hunters)
- HIP (Harvest Information Program) Registration: Free (required)
Non-Resident Licenses:
- Small Game Hunting License: $130.00
- Conservation Order Permit: Free (required for all migratory bird hunters)
- 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.
❓ Missouri Dove Hunting FAQs
When does dove season open in Missouri for 2025?
The season opens September 1, 2025, and runs through November 9, 2025—always verify dates closer to the season as adjustments can occur.
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 Missouri?
Yes, lead shot is permitted for dove hunting as they are not waterfowl species.
Are there public lands available for dove hunting in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri offers numerous conservation areas with designated dove fields—some even offer special managed hunts.
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
Missouri’s dove season offers a fantastic way to begin your fall hunting adventures. With accessible opportunities statewide, 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 Show-Me State!
Always verify current regulations with the Missouri Department of Conservation at mdc.mo.gov before your hunt.
