Are you an avid hunter looking for a thrilling challenge in the upcoming season? Look no further than North Dakota, a haven for migratory game birds like doves. This detailed guide delves into everything you need to know about dove hunting in North Dakota for the 2024-2025 season, from regulations and licenses to prime hunting locations.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this comprehensive resource will equip you with the knowledge to have a successful and enjoyable dove game experience in the Peace Garden State.
Regulations for Hunting Doves in North Dakota
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) sets the dove hunting season dates annually. For the 2024-2025 season, the tentative opening date is September 1st, 2024. Be sure to check the NDGFD website closer to the season for any final adjustments or confirmations (https://gf.nd.gov/hunting).
Regulations
Here’s a quick rundown of the essential regulations to remember in North Dakota:
- Shotguns only: Only shotguns are permitted for dove hunting.
- Shot size restrictions: Use shot sizes no larger than #7 1/2 steel or #7 copper.
- Daily bag limit: The daily bag limit for doves is 15, with a possession limit of 30.
- Shooting hours: Shooting hours begin at noon on opening day and continue until sunset each day thereafter.
- Nontoxic shot: Only nontoxic shot is allowed for hunting all migratory birds, including doves.
Dove Licenses
The good news for dove hunters in North Dakota is that there’s no special license required. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Valid hunting license: A valid North Dakota hunting license is mandatory for all dove hunters, regardless of residency.
- Habitat conservation stamp: All hunters 16 years of age and older must possess a current North Dakota Habitat Conservation Stamp.
License costs:
| License Type | Resident Cost (USD) | Nonresident Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game Hunting License | $16 | $100 |
| Habitat Conservation Stamp | $10 | $10 |
Licenses can be purchased online through the NDGFD website or at authorized license vendors across the state.
Top Dove Locations in North Dakota
North Dakota offers a diverse landscape with plenty of opportunities for doves. Here are some prime locations to consider:
- Red River Valley: This fertile valley in eastern North Dakota provides excellent habitat for doves, with abundant grain crops and riparian areas. Popular areas include the Pembina River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and the Lake Traverse WMA.
- Missouri Coteau:Â Rolling hills, grasslands, and scattered trees characterize the Missouri Coteau region in central North Dakota. The Lake Sakakawea WMA and the Sheyenne River WMA are hotspots for doves in this region.
- Turtle Mountains:Â This unique ecosystem in north-central North Dakota boasts a mix of forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge and the Rock Lake WMA offer good opportunities for doves.
- Golden Valley: The grasslands and scattered pothole lakes of the Golden Valley in western North Dakota provide suitable habitat for doves. The Lake Ilo WMA and the Sanger WMA are popular hunting destinations.
Remember: Landownership in North Dakota is a complex mix of public and private lands. Always obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private property. Utilize resources like the NDGFD’s Walk-In Hunting Access Program (WIHAP) to find public hunting lands (https://gf.nd.gov/).
