“TenneÂssee” commonly known as the VolunteÂer State, a paradise for bird hunteÂrs! As we approach dove hunting season, our surroundings start reÂflecting the vibrant shades of goldeÂn and red that mark the arrival of October. TeÂnnessee’s abundant dove population, diverse hunting terrains, and firm hunting traditions promise exciting hunting adventures eÂvery time.
This all-inclusive schedule gives you all the knowledge you need to have a successful and enjoyable dove game trip in Tennessee in 2024.Â
Dove Games Schedule in Tennessee
The dove season in Tennessee normally begins on September 1st and lasts until January 15th of the following year. But it’s always a good idea to confirm any little changes to the most recent rules with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
To assist you in organizing your search, the distinctive three-segment season structure in Tennessee is broken down as follows:
- Early Segment (September 1–September 28): Many people believe that this is the best time of year to go dove hunting in Tennessee. After harvest, grain fields are where you’ll find the largest number of doves, especially mourning doves.
- Middle Segment (October 14–November 5): Following the first surge, dove activity may gradually decline. But don’t give up! Even fields with newly disturbed ground or strewn crops might attract doves looking for sustenance.
- Late Segment (December 8th – January 15th): Doves often congregate close to dependable water sources, such as rivers, ponds, and marshes, as winter draws closer. Throughout the late season, concentrate your hunting efforts in these locations.
Recall that ethical hunting is very important. Remember to always respect bag limitations, shooting hours, and exclusive hunting regions. A sustained dove population for next hunting seasons is ensured by adhering to these rules.
Which Doves Are Available for Hunting in Tennessee?
There are two primary dove species that are authorized to hunt in Tennessee:
- Mourning Dove: The most common species of dove in the state is the mourning dove, which is distinguished by its swift and unpredictable flying patterns. Many hunters consider these migrating birds to be their favorite prey.
- Eurasian Collared-Dove: The black neckband of the Eurasian Collared-Dove, an invasive species that is often seen close to suburban and urban areas, makes it easy to identify. Seasonal or bag limitations do not apply to Eurasian collareddoves.
Identification Tip: Before you go, familiarize yourself with the physical traits of each species of dove. This prevents going over the allotted number of bags for mourning doves and guarantees ethical hunting.
Tennessee Dove Regulations
Make sure you are familiar with the TWRA’s hunting laws before starting your Tennessee trip. Here’s a brief summary of the requirements:
- Hunting License: Regardless of age, all dove hunters in Tennessee must possess a current hunting license.
- Harvest Information Program (HIP) permission is mandatory for all migratory game bird hunters, including those holding lifetime permits. There are certain exceptions, such as hunters under 16, elderly persons (64 years of age or older), and landowners who only hunt on their own land.
- Daily Bag restriction: There is no possession restriction and a daily bag limit of fifteen for mourning doves. Nine doves maximum, but, may be mourning doves.
- Shooting Hours: Every day from 30 minutes before dawn to dusk, duck hunting is allowed.
- Weapons & Ammunition: Only firearms that can hold up to three rounds total—one within the chamber—are permitted. A shotgun with a plug may store up to five rounds in total. For doves , only shot sizes #7 or #8 are permitted.
- Safety First: When hunting, safety should always come first. To ensure maximum visibility, wear blaze orange clothes; always follow weapon safety procedures; and be alert of your surroundings to prevent unintentional injury.
Fees and License Costs
Obtaining the necessary permits is necessary in order to engage in Tennessee dove games. This table lists the licenses along with the associated fees:
| License Type | Resident Cost (USD) | Non-Resident Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License (Annual) | $28 | $100 |
| Small Game Hunting License (Annual) | $16 | $36 |
| HIP Permit (Free) | Free | Free |
Licenses can easily obtained online at https://www.tn.gov/twra.html, the website of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. This guarantees that you are in compliance with the law before taking the field, saving you time.
Tennessee’s Best Places to Hunt Doves
Tennessee provides both eastern and western sportsmen with options in a varied terrain ideal for doves. Here are a few of the most sought-after spots, broken down by area:
East Tennessee
- East Tennessee Farmlands: Doves have easy access to a variety of food sources because to the region’s lush valleys and undulating hills, especially in the vicinity of Chattanooga and Knoxville. Seek for fields of newly harvested corn or sunflowers, or areas close to rivers and lakes where doves congregate to drink.
- Cherokee National Forest: With its combination of open fields, woodland regions, and natural water sources, this enormous national forest provides a unique hunting experience. Public hunting is available throughout the Cherokee National Forest, while access to some private property inside the forest boundaries may need permission.
Tennessee’s middle region:
- West Tennessee Farm Belt: Throughout the year, doves find refuge in the broad, agricultural plains of West Tennessee, which include the regions around Jackson and Memphis. This area provides excellent prospects for doves, with long expanses of grain fields interspersed with patches of sunflowers. Public Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with a variety of habitats, such as the Lobdell and Chickasaw WMAs, provide great hunting locations.
- Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area: The vast Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area provides a unique combination of farmland, woodlands, and rivers along the shores of Barkley Lake and Kentucky Lake. These are dove-rich locations, especially around the many coves and inlets and the agricultural fields nearby. For information on particular hunting zones, don’t forget to refer to the Land Between the Lakes hunting laws.
Tennessee’s West:
- Mississippi River Delta: Doves find refuge in the lush floodplains and farmlands that border West Tennessee’s Mississippi River Delta, close to the communities of Dyersburg and Ripley. During the feeding season, look for regions where crops like rice or soybeans have just been harvested, since they attract big flocks of doves. There are public hunting areas in WMAs such as the Richard C. Mangus WMA and the Hatchie River WMA.
- West Tennessee Wildlife Refuges: During certain seasons, Tennessee has a number of wildlife refuges under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that provide doves possibilities. For detailed rules and hunting maps for refuges such as the Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge and the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, see the USFWS website.
Pro Tip: To examine interactive maps and rules for certain Wildlife Management Areas around the state, use the WMA search tool on the TWRA website. For more information on current dove activity in your favorite hunting region, check with nearby sporting goods shops or hunting organizations.
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