“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.
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.
A Popular Pursuit
Tennessee is home to a passionate community of dove hunters. Each year, over 20,000 hunters take to the fields, aiming to harvest around 300,000 doves. It’s a testament to the bird’s popularity and the state’s rich hunting heritage.
Understanding the Rules: Baiting and Beyond
Dove hunting in Tennessee comes with specific regulations, particularly concerning baiting. This practice, which involves intentionally placing food to attract doves, is strictly prohibited. To ensure fair hunting and protect the bird population, it’s essential to understand the following:
Legal Hunting:
- Hunting over grain fields harvested through standard agricultural practices is permitted.
- Fields where livestock have grazed and scattered grain are fair game.
- Crops planted for wildlife management, such as sunflowers or millet, are legal to hunt over if manipulated according to regulations.
- Soil erosion control measures involving cover crops can be legal hunting grounds if they adhere to specific guidelines.
Illegal Baiting:
- Directly placing or scattering grain to attract doves is prohibited.
- Redistributing harvested grain on a field is considered baiting.
- Planting grain specifically for dove hunting in the fall is illegal.
Region-Specific Dove Fields
Tennessee divides its dove fields into regions to better manage hunting access. Popular regions include:
- Region 1: Big Sandy, Bogota, Camden, Eagle Lake, Harmon Creek, Horns Bluff, John Tully, Moss Island, Natchez Trace, Obion River, Parker Branch, Thorny Cypress, Three Rivers, Tigrett, Tumbleweed, White Oak, Wolf River Unit 1
- Region 2: Bark Camp Barrens, Cheatham Lake, Haley Jaqueth, Haynes Bottom, Laurel Hill, Mingo Swamp, Percy Priest, Sheltons Ferry, Willamsport, Yanahli
- Region 3: Bridgestone Firestone, Catoosa, Hiwassee, Jackson Swamp, McGlothin Largen, North Chickamauga, Pea Ridge, Pentice Cooper, Tellico Lake
- Region 4: Buffalo Springs, Chuck Swan, Forks of the River, Joachim Bible Refuge Field, Klyes Ford, Lick Creek Bottoms
Important Considerations
- Lease Agreements: Many dove fields are on private land. Be sure to understand lease agreements and access restrictions.
- Hunter Education: If born after January 1, 1969, you must complete a hunter education course.
- Shotgun Restrictions: Check state and federal regulations regarding shotgun types and capacities.
- Dressing Game: To transport doves, you must leave the head or one fully feathered wing attached.
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) |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Hunting License (Annual) | $28 | $100 |
| Small Game (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.
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.
