Nevada’s vast landscapes, ranging from arid deserts to lush valleys, provide a unique habitat for various bird species, including mourning doves, white-winged doves, and Eurasian collared-doves. If you’re an avid wing-shooter looking for an exciting dove adventure, Nevada offers a thrilling opportunity to test your skills amidst breathtaking scenery. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about dove hunting in Nevada, from regulations and licensing to top hunting locations.
How long is dove season in Nevada
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) meticulously manages dove activities within the state. Here’s a breakdown of the key season dates and regulations to keep in mind:
- Season Dates:
- Mourning Doves & White-winged Doves: Starting from September 1, 2024 – September 15, 2024 (Southern Nevada) & September 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024 (Northern Nevada)
- Eurasian Collared-Doves: Open year-round (except for designated closed areas)
Important Note: The season dates and bag limits differ slightly between Northern and Southern Nevada. Always double-check the specific regulations for your intended hunting area.
Essential Nevada Dove Regulations
- Mourning dove season in Nevada generally aligns with the Pacific Flyway Federal Frameworks, but final dates may be adjusted based on federal approval.
Limits:
- Daily bag limit: 15 doves
- Possession limit: 45 doves
- (singly or in the aggregate of mourning and white-winged doves)
Special Regulations:
- Shotguns must be plugged to hold a maximum of 3 shells while hunting dove.
CA Harvest Information Program
- All hunters 12 years or older must obtain a HIP number annually.
National Wildlife Refuges:
- Desert National Wildlife Refuge: Closed to migratory game bird hunting (except the Sitting Dog Unit).
- Sitting Dog Unit: Open for dove hunting daily during the state season, except from October 1st onwards when hunting is allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only.
- Non-toxic shot is mandatory for dove and upland game hunting.
- From October 1st to February 1st, hunters can only possess a maximum of 25 shells on the refuge.
- Contact the Refuge for details (702) 879-6110.
- Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge:
- Dove hunting is permitted daily in September. From October 1st onwards, hunting is allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only.
- During opening day and the first weekend, a maximum of 60 hunters can access the Moapa Valley portion by reservation. Stand-by hunters can fill vacancies on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where to hunt doves in Nevada: Prime Locations
Nevada boasts diverse landscapes that attract doves throughout the season. Here are some popular public hunting areas known for their dove populations:
- Southern Nevada:
- Overton Wildlife Management Area (WMA): Situated near Moapa Valley, this popular WMA offers excellent dove opportunities. Doves frequent agricultural fields bordering the area and riparian zones along the Muddy River. During peak season, the NDOW implements a reservation system for opening day and the first weekend to manage hunter pressure.
- Desert National Wildlife Refuge (DNWR): Located near Las Vegas, the DNWR provides a haven for desert wildlife, including doves. Doves can be found in suitable habitats throughout the refuge, particularly near agricultural fields and scattered mesquite trees. Be sure to consult the refuge regulations and map for designated hunting zones.
- Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: Nestled in southern Nevada, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge offers unique desert landscapes and opportunities to hunt doves alongside other small game species
- Northern Nevada:
- Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe Reservation: Located east of Fallon, Nevada, this reservation offers dove chances with a valid tribal hunting permit. Diverse habitats within the reservation, including agricultural fields, riparian areas, and scattered woodlands, attract doves throughout the season. Contact the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe for specific hunting regulations and permit information.
- Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge: Situated near Fallon, Nevada, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge protects wetlands and desert habitats crucial for wildlife. Doves can be found in suitable areas throughout the refuge, particularly near agricultural fields bordering the wetlands. Check the refuge regulations and map for designated hunting zones.
- Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest: Encompassing vast stretches of mountains, valleys, and meadows across northern Nevada, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest provides dispersed hunting opportunities for doves. Look for doves near agricultural fields bordering the forest and scattered riparian zones along streams and rivers. Be sure to consult forest regulations and maps to identify areas open for hunting.
