There’s nothing quite like the sound of whistling wings at dusk to get a hunter’s heart pumping! If you’re ready to kick off the fall hunting calendar, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about wing-shooting for doves in Tennessee for the 2025-2026 period. We’re covering all the crucial details: split-season dates, license info, top public land spots, and a few pro tips I’ve picked up from years in the field. Let’s get you prepared for a fantastic and successful hunt!
🗓️ At a Glance: 2025-2026 Season Snapshot
Tennessee’s dove season is famously split into three segments, giving you plenty of opportunities to get afield. Here’s the quick breakdown for the primary species, the mourning dove:
| Dove Type | Season Dates (2025-2026) | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1 – Sept 28, Nov 1 – Dec 15, Dec 23 – Jan 15 | 15 | 45 |
Always confirm with the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) before your hunt.
🕊️ All Dove Seasons: Dates, Zones & Details
While the mourning dove is the main event, Tennessee is also home to other dove species like the Eurasian collared-dove. Here’s the full scoop on the 2025-2026 regulations.
Mourning Dove
- Season Dates:
- First Segment: September 1 – September 28, 2025
- Second Segment: November 1 – December 15, 2025
- Third Segment: December 23, 2025 – January 15, 2026
- Bag Limits: 15 daily, 45 in possession.
- Hunting Hours: Noon to sunset on opening day (Sept 1). One-half hour before sunrise to sunset for all other days.
- Zones: Statewide.
- Methods: Shotguns only, must be plugged to hold no more than three shells. Non-toxic shot is not required for doves in Tennessee.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
- This non-native species has a year-round open season with no bag limit and can be hunted even when mourning dove season is closed. They are a great way to practice your shooting skills in the off-season!
🌾 Related Small-Game Opportunities
A dove field often holds more than just doves! While you’re out there, keep an eye out for these other game birds that share similar habitats and can make for an exciting mixed-bag day.
Snipe
- Season Dates: November 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026
- Bag Limits: 8 daily, 24 in possession.
- Zones: Statewide. These cryptic birds love wet, muddy areas around field edges and are a fun challenge for any wing-shooter.
Bobwhite Quail
- Season Dates: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Bag Limits: 8 daily, 16 in possession.
- Zones: Primarily found in the open agricultural lands and grasslands that doves also love, though quail populations are more localized.
Hunting these species requires the same basic small game license, making it easy to switch your focus if the doves aren’t flying.
📜 Tennessee Dove Regulations: The Rulebook
Playing by the rules keeps you legal and ensures the future of the sport. Here are the key regulations for dove hunting in Tennessee:
- Licenses & Permits: All hunters must carry a valid hunting license, plus a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit.
- HIP Certification: You must register for the Harvest Information Program (HIP). It’s free and can be done when you buy your license.
- Shotgun Requirements: Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
- Shooting Hours: Remember the special noon start on opening day! Standard hours apply thereafter.
- Baiting: It is illegal to hunt over a baited area. Know the difference between a legally harvested crop field and an illegally baited one.
- Field Identification: Only mourning doves, Eurasian collared-doves, and white-winged doves may be harvested.
- Public Land: Tennessee boasts numerous Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with excellent dove hunting opportunities. Always check the WMA-specific regulations brochure before you go.
🎟️ License & Permit Fees for 2025-2026
Here’s what you’ll need to invest to get out in the field:
| License/Permit Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License | $30 | $151 |
| Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit | $3 | $3 |
| Type 094 Waterfowl Permit (Includes Dove) | $21 | $81 |
| Sportsman License (Includes all permits) | $171 | N/A |
Note: All hunters must have the free HIP certification. Youth under 13 and seniors over 65 may qualify for discounted or free licenses.
✅ Who Needs a License? The Requirements Broken Down
- Residents: Anyone born after January 1, 1969, must have a Hunter Education certificate or a mandatory apprentice license. All residents need a hunting license and the Migratory Bird Permit.
- Nonresidents: Must possess a nonresident hunting license and the Migratory Bird Permit.
- Youth: Hunters age 6-15 require a license but can hunt without Hunter Ed if directly supervised by an adult.
- Landowners: Residents hunting on their own property are generally license-exempt but still need the Migratory Bird Permit and HIP certification.
❓ Tennessee Dove Hunting FAQs
🕒 Why is the Tennessee dove season split into segments?
This management strategy spreads out hunting pressure and aligns with bird migration patterns, ensuring sustainable populations for years to come.
🌽 What’s the best bait for doves?
Trick question! Baiting is illegal. The best strategy is to scout for natural food sources like harvested corn, sunflower, or milo fields, or find reliable water holes and roosting trees.
🏞️ Where is the best public land dove hunting?
TWRA manages hundreds of thousands of acres in Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Many even hold managed dove fields! Check the TWRA website for their annual “Dove Field Map” and WMA brochures for specific locations.
👕 Is blaze orange required?
Not for dove hunting in Tennessee, but wearing an orange cap or vest when walking to and from your spot is a brilliant safety practice.
🐕 Can I use a dog for doves?
Absolutely! A well-trained retriever is a fantastic companion for fetching downed birds in tall grass or brush. Just be sure to bring plenty of water for your furry friend on those warm September days.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Time to Take Flight!
Tennessee’s split dove season offers three distinct chances to enjoy some of the finest wing-shooting the South has to offer. From the warm, action-packed opener to the crisp, challenging days of January, there’s a experience for every hunter. Get your licenses squared away, find a good field, practice your swing, and get ready for an unforgettable time. Here’s to tight shots and full game bags!
⚠️ It is your responsibility to verify all dates, zones, and rules with the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) before you head out. Safety first, and happy hunting!
