Calling all hunting enthusiasts! With Missouri’s sprawling landscapes and diverse wildlife, the state offers a haven for dove hunters seeking an exhilarating experience. This comprehensive guide equips you with everything you need to know about dove game in Missouri for the 2024-2025 season, from season dates and regulations to license costs and top hunting locations.
Understanding Missouri’s Dove Season
Dove season in Missouri traditionally kicks off on September 1st and stretches through November 29th, providing ample opportunities to bag these swift-flying birds. During this period, hunters can enjoy hunting doves from half an hour before sunrise to sunset.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key dates to remember:
- Season Opener: September 1st, 2024
- Season Closer: November 29th, 2024
- Daily Hunting Hours: Half hour before sunrise to sunset
Remember: Dove regulations are subject to change, so it’s crucial to stay updated by checking the official Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website (https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/dove) closer to the season.
Know Your Limits: Missouri Dove Regulations
Understanding hunting regulations is crucial for a safe and lawful dove game experience. Here’s a quick rundown of the key regulations to remember:
- Daily Limit: The daily bag limit for doves in Missouri is a combined 15 birds of mourning doves, Eurasian collared doves, and white-winged doves.
- Possession Limit: The maximum number of doves you can possess at any given time is a combined 45 birds.
- Shot Size:Â Only shotguns with shot sizes no larger than #7 1/2 steel shot are permitted for doves.
- Plugging: Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells in the chamber and magazine combined.
- Electronic Calls: The use of electronic calls to attract doves is strictly prohibited.
Licensing Up for Missouri Dove Pursuit
To legally hunt doves in Missouri, you’ll need to obtain the following licenses and permits:
- Small Game Hunting Permit: This permit allows you to hunt small game animals, including doves.
- Migratory Bird Hunting Permit: A federal Migratory Bird Hunting Permit is mandatory for all dove hunters above 16 years of age. You can obtain this permit online through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) website.
Resident Hunters:
- Missouri residents aged 16 and over require both a small game hunting permit (around $10 – $15) and a federal migratory bird hunting permit (free, obtainable online at https://www.fws.gov/service/duck-stamps).
Non-Resident Hunters:
- Non-resident hunters need a non-resident small game hunting permit costs $100 (vary depending on the duration) and a federal migratory bird hunting permit.
Additional Considerations:
- HIP Registration: The Harvest Information Program (HIP) is mandatory for all migratory bird hunters. Registration is free and can be done online or by phone.
- Conservation Area Permits: If you plan on hunting doves in a specific Conservation Area (CA), you might need an additional permit. Check the MDC website for details on specific CAs.
Remember: Always carry your licenses and permits while hunting and be prepared to present them to a conservation officer upon request.
Prime Dove Locations in Missouri: Unleashing Your Inner Marksman
Missouri boasts a diverse landscape, offering a plethora of excellent dove opportunities. Here are some of the top locations to consider for your next dove expedition:
- Conservation Areas:Â The Missouri Department of Conservation manages over 900,000 acres of conservation areas that often provide exceptional dove opportunities. These areas frequently feature strategically planted food plots like sunflowers and cornfields, which attract doves in abundance. Some popular conservation areas for dove games include:
- Wetterau Prairie Conservation Area (Jefferson County): This 3,700-acre conservation area offers a mix of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. Doves are frequently found near the managed food plots.
- Squaw Creek Conservation Area (Buchanan County): Spanning over 8,000 acres, Squaw Creek Conservation Area is a haven for doves, particularly in the fall when they congregate near agricultural fields.
- James S. McDonnell Conservation Area (St. Louis County):Â This 6,200-acre conservation area provides diverse hunting opportunities, including doves. It can be found near the numerous wetland areas and managed fields.
- Private Lands:Â With proper permission from landowners, private lands can be fantastic spots for doves. Look for areas with abundant agricultural fields, especially those bordering woodlands or riparian zones. These areas provide doves with both food and cover, making them prime hunting grounds.
- Corps of Engineers Managed Lands: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages several lakes and reservoirs in Missouri that offer dove hunting.
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