Welcome to Nevada’s ultimate guide for wingshooting enthusiasts! If you’re looking to kick off your fall hunting adventures in the Silver State’s diverse landscapes, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive resource covers everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 dove hunting 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 across Nevada’s beautiful backcountry such a rewarding experience!
🗓️ Nevada’s 2025-2026 Dove Season at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of Nevada’s upcoming wingshooting opportunities:
| Species | Season Dates | Legal Methods | Management Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1 – Oct 30, 2025 | Shotgun, Falconry | Statewide |
| White-winged Dove | Same as Mourning Dove | Shotgun | Southern Nevada |
| 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 Nevada Department of Wildlife.
📅 Complete Dove Season Details
Mourning Dove Season
Nevada’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 Nevada dove hunt near the Carson River – watching these acrobatic birds dart through the desert air against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada 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.
White-winged Dove Opportunities
While less common than mourning doves, white-winged doves can be found in southern Nevada:
- Season: Same as mourning dove season
- Bag Limit: Combined with mourning doves in aggregate limit
- Areas: Primarily southern Nevada counties
Eurasian Collared-Dove Regulations
These non-native birds have established populations in urban and agricultural areas:
- Season: No closed season (year-round)
- Bag Limit: No limit
- Identification: Essential – learn to distinguish them from native species
🌾 Related Small Game Opportunities
While pursuing doves, you might encounter these other small game species that offer complementary hunting experiences:
Gambel’s Quail: These desert-adapted birds provide excellent wingshooting opportunities from October 12 through February 9 in most areas.
Snipe: These migratory birds offer challenging shooting from September 1 through December 16 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 desert wash areas.
📜 Nevada Dove Hunting Regulations
Understanding and following Nevada’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
- Public Land Regulations: Special rules may apply on Wildlife Management Areas – always check specific area regulations before hunting
🎟️ License Requirements and Fees
To hunt doves in Nevada, you must have the appropriate licenses and stamps:
Resident Licenses:
- Hunting License: $38.00
- Nevada HIP (Harvest Information Program) Registration: Free (required)
Non-Resident Licenses:
- Hunting License: $142.00
- Nevada HIP Registration: Free (required)
Additional Notes:
- Youth hunters (under 12) require a youth license at reduced rates
- Seniors (65+) qualify for discounted licenses
- Military personnel and veterans may be eligible for special rates
- All hunters must complete Hunter Education if born after January 1, 1960
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.
❓ Nevada Dove Hunting FAQs
When does dove season open in Nevada 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.
What’s the best time of day to hunt doves in Nevada?
Early mornings and late afternoons are typically most productive, as birds move between roosting, feeding, and watering areas. The extreme desert heat often makes evening hunting more productive.
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 Nevada?
Yes, lead shot is permitted for dove hunting as they are not waterfowl species.
Are there public lands available for dove hunting in Nevada?
Yes, Nevada offers numerous BLM lands and Wildlife Management Areas – check the NDOW website for locations and specific regulations.
What’s the best choke for dove hunting in desert environments?
Improved cylinder or modified chokes work well for the varied shooting distances you’ll encounter in Nevada’s diverse landscapes.
✅ Final Thoughts
Nevada’s dove season offers a fantastic way to begin your fall hunting adventures. With accessible opportunities statewide, challenging wingshooting action, and beautiful desert 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 Silver State!
Always verify current regulations with the Nevada Department of Wildlife at ndow.org before your hunt.
