Dove hunting is eÂxciting and full of thrill, challenging your quick reÂactions and shooting skills. However, before you hit the fields, you neeÂd to be aware of the laws, the need for a licenseÂ, and the top spots for dove games in the Old Dominion StateÂ. This all-inclusive guide outfits you with the principal info for a enjoyable and fun-filleÂd dove pursuit in Virginia in the 2024-2025 season.
When Can You Hunt Doves in Virginia? Understanding the Season Dates
The dove hunting season in Virginia is split into three separate parts. This giveÂs bird hunters a chance to aim for these quick-moving doves. Let’s look at when theÂse season times areÂ:
First Segment:
- Runs from September 2 to October 21.
- Hours:
- September 2: 12:00 noon until sunset.
- September 3 to October 21: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
- Hunting permitted only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Labor Day.
Second Segment:
- November 18 to 26.
- Hunting hours: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
- Hunting permitted daily.
Third Segment:
- December 22 to January 20.
- Hunting hours: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
- Hunting permitted daily.
Bag Limit:
- 15 doves per day.
- Possession limit: 45 doves.
- Can include mourning doves and white-winged doves, singly or combined.
Dove Hunting on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
- Permitted in designated WMAs as below:
| Amelia | Big Survey | Briery Creek |
| Cavalier | Chickahominy | Clinch Mountain |
| Crooked Creek | Dick Cross | Fairystone |
| Featherfin | Gathright | Goshen |
| Hardware River | Hidden Valley | Highland |
| Horsepen | James River | Little North Mountain |
| Mattaponi | Mattaponi Bluffs | Oakley Forest |
| Pettigrew | C.F. Phelps | Powhatan |
| Rapidan | Robert W. Duncan | Stewarts Creek |
| Thompson | Ware Creek | White Oak Mountain |
Note: Although less often, a second dove game section may be available in select Virginian areas. It’s important to double-check with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR) for confirmation since these dates might change according on the particular county or location https://www.dwr.virginia.gov/.
Pro Tip: Before scheduling your dove pursuit, make sure you have the most recent information available by visiting the official VDWR website. Season dates are subject to change on occasion.
What Doves Can You Hunt in Virginia?
Although there are several dove species in Virginia, only two may be legally hunted:
- Mourning Dove: The most common kind of dove in Virginia is the mourning dove, which is distinguished by its swift and unpredictable flying patterns. The state’s dove hunters mostly pursue these migrating birds.
- White-Winged Dove: Slightly less frequent than mourning doves, white-winged doves are found in certain parts of Virginia, especially in the west and south.
Identification Tip: To guarantee safe hunting and prevent going over bag or possession limitations, get familiar with the morphological traits of both white-winged and mourning doves.
Regulations for Doves in Virginia
For a safe and legal dove game experience in Virginia, obtaining the necessary permits and following the hunting restrictions are essential. Here’s a brief summary of the requirements:
- Hunting License: Regardless of age, all dove hunters in Virginia must possess a current hunting license.
- Permit for a Wildlife Management Area (WMA): In addition to a hunting license, a WMA permit is needed while hunting on a WMA.
- Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp): Duck Stamps are mandatory for all migratory game bird hunters, including those who shoot doves. Hunters under the age of sixteen or those who only hunt on their land are exempt.
- Daily Bag restriction: Doves have a daily bag restriction of fifteen and a possession limit of forty-five.
- 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, shot sizes #7 or #8 are permissible.
- 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.
The Cost of Dove Hunting in Virginia: Licenses and Fees
Getting the licenses and permits you need is an essential step before you go Virginia dove hunting. This table lists the licenses along with the associated fees:
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License (Annual) | $31.50 | $105.00 |
| WMA Permit (Daily/Annual) | $4.00/$17.00 | $8.00/$34.00 |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25.00 | $25.00 |
Cost-effective Advice: For hunters that want to pursue different game species all year long, Virginia provides combination hunting permits that might be reasonably priced. Visit the VDWR website to learn more about these choices.
Top Dove Locations in Virginia
Virginia is rich in differeÂnt landscapes. The doves have made their homes all oveÂr this state. We’re going to look at some possible spots, with our focus on the farming areas:
- Eastern Shore: With its enormous fields of crops, especially soybeans and maize. In addition, doves looking for water sources are drawn to the area around Chesapeake Bay. On Wildlife Management Areas such as Assawoman Wildlife Refuge and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, there are chances for public hunting.
- Southeast Virginia: Eastern Shore-like agricultural landscapes may be found in the southeast counties of Sussex, Surry, and Isle of Wight, which makes them desirable dove seeking locations. There are public hunting areas on WMAs such as Great Dismal Swamp and Cypress Swamp.
- Shenandoah Valley: Another possible spot for doves is the lush valleys tucked between the Blue Ridge Mountains. In counties like Augusta, Rockingham, and Shenandoah, look for landscapes that include a combination of agricultural fields, fallow fields, and hedgerows. There are public hunting areas on WMAs such as Massanutten Mountain WMA and George Washington National Forest.
- Western Piedmont: During migration, doves may be drawn to the region’s undulating hills and farmlands, which includes counties like Fauquier, Culpeper, and Orange. There are public hunting areas on WMAs such as Beaverdam WMA and Bull Run Mountain WMA.
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