Ready for a fast-moving target game next hunting season? Think about hunting doves! TheÂy’re well-liked game birds here in Rhode Island, and theÂy’re good to eat too! Plus, hunting them will reÂally test your skills. We have all the details you need to have a great dove expeÂrience in Rhode Island heÂre. Find out when the seÂason is, learn the rules, how much a liceÂnse costs, and know the best placeÂs to hunt.
When to Dove Hunt in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) sets the hunting seasons each year. Thankfully, for the upcoming 2024 season, the mourning dove season remains unchanged:
Season Dates:
- September 9 – October 8
- October 21 – December 3
- December 9 – 24
Regulations
Before heading out for your dove hunt, it’s crucial to understand the regulations established by the RI DEM. Here’s a quick overview:
- License Requirements: You’ll need either a valid hunting license or a combination hunting and fishing license. Additionally, a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification is mandatory.
- Daily Bag Limit: The daily bag limit for mourning doves in Rhode Island is 15 birds.
- Possession Limit: The maximum number of doves you can possess at any given time is 45.
- Shooting Hours: Dove hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset throughout the entire season.
- Firearm Restrictions:Â Shotguns are the preferred firearm for doves. Remember, you cannot use a shotgun that can hold more than three shells at a time unless it’s plugged with a one-piece filler.
- Ethical Hunting: Always strive for clean kills and make a reasonable effort to retrieve all downed or injured birds.
License Costs in Rhode Island:
Here’s a breakdown of the license costs associated with dove hunting in Rhode Island:
- Resident Hunting License: $18.00 (includes a Game Bird Permit)
- Non-Resident Hunting License: $100.00 (includes a Game Bird Permit)
- Combination Hunting and Fishing License (Resident): $33.00 (includes a Game Bird Permit)
- Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP): Free (obtainable online or at license agents)
Top Dove Locations in Rhode Island:
While Rhode Island is a relatively small state, it offers a surprising variety of dove opportunities. Here are some excellent spots to consider:
Coastal Areas:
- Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge (Charlestown): This sprawling refuge provides diverse habitats, including open fields and agricultural lands, that attract doves throughout the season.
- Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge (South Kingstown):Â Field 1 within Trustom Pond offers dove opportunities alongside waterfowl hunting in designated areas. Be sure to consult the refuge regulations for specific details.
- Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge (Middletown):Â This refuge offers limited dove chances in specific areas. Check the refuge website or contact the office for the latest information.
Inland Areas:
- Great Swamp Management Area (West Warwick and Coventry): Managed by the RI DEM, this area features open fields and wooded edges, creating suitable dove habitat.
- Wallum Lake Management Area (Pascoag): This large management area offers a mix of open fields, agricultural lands, and shrublands, attracting doves throughout the season.
- Yawgoog Valley Wildlife Management Area (Richmond): This area provides a diverse landscape with open fields, agricultural zones, and scattered woodlands, ideal for dove hunting.
