There’s a certain magic to a Utah early fall evening. The air starts to cool, the harvest is in full swing, and the swift, darting silhouette of a mourning dove cuts across the sunset. For many of us, this marks the unofficial start of another incredible hunting year! If you’re eager to get back in the field, this guide is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about pursuing these swift-flying birds in the Beehive State for the 2025-2026 period. We’ll cover crucial dates, license info, top public land strategies, and how to make your next outing a memorable one.
🗓️ 2025-2026 Season at a Glance
Utah offers a generous early season window to target mourning doves. Here’s the quick snapshot:
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1 – Oct 30, 2025 | 15 | 45 |
| Eurasian Collared-Dove | Year-Round | No Limit | No Limit |
Always confirm with the official Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) before your hunt.
🕊️ All Dove Seasons: Dates, Species & Details
Mourning Dove
- Season Dates: September 1 – October 30, 2025
- Shooting Hours: One-half hour before official sunrise to sunset.
- Zones: Statewide.
- Methods: Shotguns only (must be plugged to hold no more than three shells). Non-toxic shot is not required for dove hunting in Utah.
- Bag Limits: 15 daily, 45 in possession after the second day.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
- This non-native species has a year-round open season with no bag or possession limit.
- They are a fantastic option for off-season practice and can often be found in more agricultural and suburban areas than mourning doves.
🌾 Related Small-Game Opportunities
The areas that hold doves often provide habitat for other game species. While you’re scouting your favorite dove fields, keep these other opportunities in mind for later in the year.
California Quail & Gambel’s Quail
- Season Dates: Typically early November through late February (exact 2025-2026 dates TBD by Utah DWR).
- Bag Limits: Varies by species and region.
- Connection: These birds often utilize similar edge habitats and water sources as doves, especially in Utah’s western and southern regions.
Common Snipe
- Season Dates: Usually aligns with the general waterfowl seasons (Fall 2025).
- Bag Limits: 8 daily, 24 in possession.
- Connection: A fun and challenging wing-shooting target that shares wetland areas with doves coming in for a drink.
📜 Utah Dove Regulations: The Essential Rules
Staying on the right side of the law is crucial for conservation and keeping our hunting privileges. Here are the key rules to remember:
- Licenses & Permits: All hunters must carry a valid Utah hunting license or combination license. A Harvest Information Program (HIP) number is required and is obtained free of charge when you buy your license.
- Shotgun Requirements: Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
- Baiting: It is illegal to hunt over a baited area. Know the difference between a legally harvested or manipulated crop field and an illegally baited one.
- Shooting Hours: Hunting is permitted from one-half hour before official sunrise to sunset.
- Field Identification: Only mourning doves and Eurasian collared-doves may be harvested. Other bird species, like white-winged doves (rare in Utah), are protected.
- Transportation: You must leave a fully-feathered wing attached to all harvested doves during transport.
🎟️ License & Permit Fees for 2025-2026
Here’s a breakdown of the expected costs for the upcoming season (fees are subject to change by the Utah DWR):
| License/Permit Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License | $38 | $95 |
| Combination License (Hunt & Fish) | $65 | $130 |
| HIP Certification | Free | Free |
Note: Youth, senior, and disability discounts are available. The HIP certification is mandatory for all migratory bird hunters.
✅ License Requirements: Who Needs What?
- Residents: Anyone born after December 31, 1965, must have a Hunter Education certificate to buy a license. All residents need a hunting license and must obtain their free HIP number.
- Nonresidents: Must possess a nonresident hunting license and a HIP number.
- Youth Hunters: Hunters under the age of 14 do not need a license but must be accompanied by a licensed adult. They must still obtain a HIP number if harvesting birds.
- Landowners: Generally must have a license to hunt on their own property, though there are specific provisions for damage control.
❓ Utah Dove Hunting FAQs
🕒 Why does Utah’s season start on September 1st?
This date aligns with federal frameworks and targets the period when local dove populations are high, before migration south, providing a high-success opportunity to kick off the hunting year.
🌾 What’s the best habitat to find doves in Utah?
Focus on water and food. Scout around agricultural fields (wheat, barley, sunflower), livestock watering tanks, ponds, and rivers. Doves need to drink and grit daily, so edges near these areas are prime locations.
🏞️ Where is the best public land dove hunting?
Utah’s Walk-In Access (WIA) program and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) offer fantastic opportunities. Areas like the Ogden Bay WMA, Farmington Bay WMA, and numerous WIAs in northern and central Utah can be productive. Always check the UDWR website for maps and access details.
👕 Is blaze orange required?
Not for dove hunting in Utah. However, wearing a bright hat or vest when walking to your spot is a smart safety measure, especially on crowded public lands.
🐕 Can I use a dog for retrieving?
Absolutely! A good retriever is invaluable for finding downed birds in tall vegetation or crop stubble. It’s also a wonderful way to get your four-legged partner tuned up for the upcoming waterfowl season.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Make the Most of the Opener
Utah’s dove season is a cherished tradition that offers fast-paced action and a perfect reason to enjoy the early fall landscape. With a long season from September through October, you have plenty of weekends to create lasting memories. Get your license and HIP number early, spend an evening scouting, and reconnect with friends and family over a shared passion. Here’s to safe shooting, good marksmanship, and the thrill of the hunt!
⚠️ It is your responsibility to verify all dates, zones, and rules with the official Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) before you head out. Safety first, and happy hunting
