Welcome to Montana’s ultimate guide for the 2025-2026 wingshooting season! If you’re looking to kick off your fall hunting adventures in Big Sky Country, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive resource covers everything you need to know about pursuing these swift-flying birds across Montana’s diverse landscapes. We’ll dive into precise dates, zoning information, regulations, and pro tips to make your outings both successful and memorable. 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 for a safe, legal, and rewarding experience under that famous expansive Montana sky!
🗓️ Montana’s 2025-2026 Dove Season at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of Montana’s upcoming wingshooting opportunities:
| Species | Season Dates | Legal Methods | Management Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1 – Oct 30, 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 Montana FWP .
📅 Complete Dove Season Details
Mourning Dove Season
Montana’s primary wingshooting season for these migratory birds follows a traditional framework that provides excellent early-fall action :
- Dates: September 1 through October 30, 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 Montana dove hunt near the Yellowstone River—the way these birds zip through the golden hour light against the backdrop of the Absaroka Mountains is absolutely breathtaking! The social aspect of wingshooting here is fantastic, with many hunters treating opening day as a celebration of friendship and outdoor tradition.
Special Regulation Note
Montana has a specific regulation prohibiting shooting mourning doves resting on utility lines or fixtures adjacent to those lines, so always be mindful of your surroundings and target selection .
Eurasian Collared-Dove Regulations
While not native to Montana, 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 during the fall months:
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 generous daily bag limit of 8 birds .
Upland Birds: Montana offers various upland bird opportunities including pheasant and grouse that share similar habitats with doves and can be pursued during overlapping seasons .
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 snipe hunt by simply shifting my position to nearby wetland areas.
📜 Montana Dove Hunting Regulations
Understanding and following Montana’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
- Utility Line Prohibition: Specifically prohibited to shoot doves resting on utility lines or adjacent fixtures
🎟️ License Requirements and Fees
To hunt doves in Montana, you must have the appropriate licenses and stamps :
Resident Licenses:
- Conservation License: $8-10
- Base Hunting License: $10
- HIP (Harvest Information Program) Registration: Free (required)
Non-Resident Licenses:
- Conservation License: $10
- Base Hunting License: $15
- HIP Registration: Free (required)
Additional Notes:
- Youth hunters may qualify for reduced rates
- Seniors may 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 when purchasing my license—it takes just seconds but provides valuable data for conservation efforts.
❓ Montana Dove Hunting FAQs
When does dove season open in Montana for 2025?
The season opens September 1, 2025, and runs through October 30, 2025—always verify dates closer to the season as adjustments can occur based on migration patterns and regulatory approvals .
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 Montana?
Yes, lead shot is permitted for dove hunting as they are not waterfowl species.
Are there public lands available for dove hunting in Montana?
Yes, Montana offers over 30 million acres of public land through state, BLM, and Forest Service properties—check the FWP Hunt Planner for specific locations and regulations .
What’s the best choke for dove hunting?
Improved cylinder or modified chokes work well for the varied shooting distances you’ll encounter in Montana’s diverse landscapes.
✅ Final Thoughts
Montana’s dove season offers a fantastic way to begin your fall hunting adventures in Big Sky Country. With accessible opportunities statewide, challenging wingshooting action, and breathtaking early autumn settings, it provides excellent practice and outdoor enjoyment. Remember to obtain proper licenses, follow all regulations (especially those utility line restrictions!), 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 under that big Montana sky!
Always verify current regulations with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at fwp.mt.gov before your hunt, as regulations may change .
