Hey Ohio hunteÂrs! Love the rush of taking doves? WeÂll, early fall is bringing some exciteÂment your way. This comprehensive guide has all the info you neeÂd for the 2024-2025 dove hunting season in Ohio. It includeÂs season schedules, reÂgulations, licensing requiremeÂnts, and top spots for dove hunting. It’s all here for you.
Understanding Season Schedule for Doves in Ohio
The mourning dove is the primary dove species hunted in Ohio, and its season is federally regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Specific dates are typically finalized in August each year, but for the 2024-2025 season, you can expect dove games to be open from September 1st through September 15th. and Second Split Season from December 9, 2023 through January 1, 2024.
Remember: Dove season coincides with the early weeks of archery season for white-tailed deer in Ohio. Be sure to double-check regulations and hunting areas if you plan to pursue both species.
Important Regulations
Every state establishes its own hunting regulations on top of federal guidelines. Here’s a quick rundown of key dove regulations to remember in Ohio:
- Shooting Hours: Daily shooting hours for doves are from sunrise to sunset.
- Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit for doves is 15, with a possession limit of 45.
- Shotguns and Ammunition: Only shotguns with a capacity of no more than three shells (including one in the chamber) are permitted. Plugged shotguns can hold more shells as long as the plug is permanent and reduces capacity to three or less.
- Shot Size: Shot size should be #7 or smaller to avoid damaging the birds excessively.
- Baiting and Electronic Calls:Â Baiting of any kind is strictly prohibited for doves. Electronic calls are also not allowed.
Always consult the official Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations for the most up-to-date information. These regulations are available online or at any wildlife license vendor in the state.
Licenses and Costs (Resident and Non-Resident)
To legally hunt doves in Ohio, you’ll need a valid hunting license. Here’s a breakdown of license types and costs:
- Resident Hunting License: ($29) This license allows Ohio residents to hunt all legal game in the state, including doves.
- Non-Resident Hunting License: ($158) This license is required for non-residents to hunt any game in Ohio, including doves.
- Hunter Education Course: All first-time hunters in Ohio, regardless of age, must successfully complete a hunter education course.
Optional Hunting Permits:
- Wildlife Habitat Stamp:Â ($11) While not mandatory for doves, purchasing a Wildlife Habitat Stamp helps fund wildlife conservation efforts in Ohio.
- Federal Duck Stamp: ($25) This stamp is required for waterfowl hunting, but not specifically for dove hunting. However, if you plan on hunting waterfowl later in the season, you’ll need to have it.
License and Permit Costs
| License/Permit | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License | $29 | $158 |
| Wildlife Habitat Stamp | $11 (Optional) | $11 (Optional) |
| Federal Duck Stamp | N/A (Optional) | $25 (Optional for Waterfowl Hunting) |
Remember: Licenses and permits can be purchased online through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website or at any authorized wildlife license vendor.
Top Dove Locations in Ohio by Region
Ohio offers a diverse landscape with plenty of opportunities for doves. Here are some popular regions and public hunting areas to consider:
Northwest Ohio:
- Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge: Located near Toledo, this refuge offers a variety of habitats suitable for doves, including fields, grasslands, and woodlands.
Northeast Ohio:
- Pymatuning State Park: This sprawling park on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border boasts fields, forests, and wetlands that attract doves.
- West Branch State Park: Situated near Cleveland, this park provides open fields and agricultural areas frequented by doves.
Central Ohio:
- Delaware Wildlife Area: This large wildlife area near Columbus offers diverse habitats, including fields, grasslands, and woodlots.
- A.W. Marion State Wildlife Area: Located south of Columbus.
Southwest Ohio:
- Caesar Creek State Park: This park near Dayton features open fields, agricultural lands, and wooded edges that attract doves.
- Tar Hollow State Park:** Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this park offers a mix of open fields, forests, and riparian areas suitable for doves.
Southeast Ohio:
- Mohican State Park:Â Located in Ashland County, this park provides a scenic backdrop for dove game with its fields, forests, and lakes.
- Zaleski State Forest:** This sprawling forest in southeastern Ohio offers some open areas and agricultural fields on the fringes that can attract doves.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Dove Hunting Location:
- Public vs. Private Land: Public hunting areas offer readily accessible opportunities, but competition can be higher. Private land hunting requires permission from the landowner and may offer a more secluded experience.
- Habitat: Look for areas with a mix of open fields, agricultural lands (especially harvested crops), and scattered trees or woodlots. Doves often feed in open fields and roost in trees in the evenings.
- Food Sources:Â Fields with abundant waste grain (corn, soybeans, etc.) from recent harvests are prime dove spots. Research local agricultural practices to find areas with attractive food sources for doves.
- Water Sources: Doves need readily available water, so look for fields near ponds, streams, or other water features.
