Oklahoma needs to be on your list for next dove season. As an outdoorsy person myself, I find Oklahoma’s varied landscapes and plentiful doves captivating. It boasts expansive fields, awe-inspiring views, and a thriving hunting community. You can certainly enjoy an incredible dove hunt in Oklahoma.
Get ready for an unforgettable dove hunting journey in Oklahoma for the 2024-2025 season with our straightforward guide. Doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran hunter or a beginner! This guide has all you need for an exciting adventure.
When Do Doves Fly in Oklahoma? Understanding the Season
The Oklahoma dove chances typically kicks off on September 1st and stretches through October 30th each year. However, it’s always a good practice to double-check the latest regulations with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) just in case there are any minor variations https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/resources/mgb/dove.
Here’s a breakdown of the season to help you plan your trip:
- Early Season (September 1st – 31st October): This period is widely considered the prime time for dove games in Oklahoma. You’ll find the highest concentration of doves, particularly mourning doves, congregating around grain fields after the harvest. It closes during November
- Later Season (December 1st- December 29th): Dove activity might decrease slightly as the season progresses. But don’t despair! Hunting near water sources like ponds and rivers can still be productive as doves flock there for drinking and bathing throughout the day.
Regulations: Know Before You Go
- Doves can be hunted on numerous public lands in Oklahoma. A handy interactive map shows dove-favored spots.
- You can hunt doves at many Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
- Some WMAs have special dove fields. Watch out, they get packed on day one!
- Doves might not always be in these fields, even if managed for them. It’s good to scout ahead.
- Eye protection is key, and only aim at higher flying birds away from fellow hunters.
- You can bag up to 15 doves a day, which includes mourning, white-winged, and Eurasian collared varieties. But, no limit for Eurasian collared doves if they’re not plucked.
- Unless you’re under 16, over 64, or hunting on your own land, you need a HIP permit.
- The HIP permit is for tracking dove hunting data. This helps keep populations steady and secure future hunting.
- Get your HIP permit online for free, or pay a small charge if purchased in person.
The Cost of Dove Pursuit in Oklahoma: Licenses and Fees
Adult: If you’re 18 or older, you’ll need a hunting license to hunt doves. This license charges around $87.
Youth: Oklahoma’s fresh Youth Annual Super Hunting License is a real game changer for kids below 18. It’s essentially a loaded 1-year hunting pass from the day you buy it. It’s great for hunting lots of different game, even doves. With this license, it becomes much simpler and cheaper for parents to get their kids into hunting.
- Residents need to pay $26 for the license, while nonresidents pay $151.
- Alternatively, nonresidents might find a 5-day license for $76 more suitable.
- This license covers all hunting seasons and species that need a state license. So no extra paperwork for different hunts!
- Remember, young hunters under 18 don’t need a standalone state hunting license to go after doves.
Prime Dove Locations in Oklahoma
Now that you’re prepped with the essential knowledge and permits, it’s time to explore some of the top dove locations in Oklahoma! The state offers a diverse range of public and private lands perfect for pursuing these swift birds. Here are some of the most sought-after destinations:
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation manages numerous WMAs across the state, many of which provide exceptional dove opportunities. Here are a few standouts to consider:
- Little River WMA (Le Flore County): Renowned for its abundant dove populations, particularly mourning doves. This WMA offers a mix of habitats like grain fields, woodlands, and water sources, making it a haven for doves throughout the season.
- McFadden WMA (Hughes County): This WMA provides a diverse landscape with grain fields, woodlands, and ponds, attracting a variety of dove species. It’s a great option for hunters seeking a well-rounded experience.
- Salt Plains WMA (Kay County): Known for its vast open areas and water sources, Salt Plains WMA is ideal for doves throughout the season. With plenty of space to spread out, you can enjoy a comfortable and productive hunt.
Walk-In Hunting Areas: These designated areas offer easy public access for dove games. They are typically smaller in size than WMAs, but they can be productive, especially during the early season when doves are concentrated. Check the ODWC website for a complete list of walk-in hunting areas near you [invalid URL removed].
Public Hunting Lands: Oklahoma boasts several federal and state-managed lands that allow dove hunting. Here are a couple of popular options:
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Comanche County): This vast refuge encompasses diverse habitats like grasslands, woodlands, and mountains. With such varied terrain, you can find suitable dove seeking spots throughout the refuge.
- Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Haskell County): This refuge provides a mix of grasslands, forests, and wetlands, attracting a variety of dove species. With its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge offers a truly unique hunting experience.
Private Hunting Lands: Many private ranches and hunting clubs in Oklahoma lease land specifically for doves. These often offer guided hunts and amenities like lodging and meals, making them a great option for a luxurious and catered dove experience.
Pro Tip: Utilize the ODWC website to research wildlife management areas and public lands near you. Many public hunting lands have maps and regulations readily available online, saving you time and allowing you to plan your trip efficiently.
FAQ
What license do I need to dove hunt in Oklahoma?
If you’re 18 or older and want to hunt doves in Oklahoma, you need a yearly hunting license. This license costs around $87 and lets you hunt various game, doves included. Every hunter of migratory game birds also needs a free Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit. But, youngsters under 16, seniors of 64 and over, and owners hunting on their land do not need it. The state provides two free hunting days on the 1st and 2nd of September. On these days, you can hunt doves without a license. But, don’t forget, you still need the HIP permit.
How many doves can you shoot a day in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, you can only catch 15 doves every day. This includes mourning, white-winged, and prepared Eurasian collared doves—if you’ve taken off their head or a fully-feathered wing. But there’s no daily limit for Eurasian collared doves if you leave a head or one wing on while moving them.
Which wildlife management areas in Oklahoma are best for dove hunting?
Oklahoma is a popular spot for dove hunting. Places like Hackberry Flat, Mountain Park, Kaw, Packsaddle, Sandy Sanders, Black Kettle, Fort Gibson, Lexington, alongside Honobia Creek and Three Rivers are just some of the top spots. What makes them special? Each has unique features like sunflower fields, cultivated farms, water sources, and distinct woodland areas. Doves love these places, creating great hunting chances.
