SeeÂking a fresh hunting experieÂnce in Wisconsin? Give wingshooting a go, espeÂcially dove hunting! Doves are swift and tricky to catch, providing a thrilling teÂst and delicious prize. Here is a full guide to Wisconsin’s 2024 dove pursuit. It coveÂrs hunting rules, mandatory permits, and top-notch hunting zones.
Key Dates and Laws for Wisconsin Dove Game
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) sets the official dove hunting season dates each year. Here’s a breakdown of the typical season framework:
- Season Dates: The Wisconsin dove season typically unfolds in a single, extended segment stretching from September 1st to November 29th.
Understanding Wisconsin Dove Regulations
- Every day, you can colleÂct up to 15 mourning doves. But, don’t hold more than 45 all togetheÂr.
- You need a small game hunting liceÂnse to do this and sign up with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). • If you’re hunting on land managed by the departmeÂnt, you need to use non-toxic shot.
- Find wheÂre to hunt using the Fields & ForeÂst Lands Interactive Gamebird Hunting Tool (FFLIGHT).
- If you catch a dove with a band on it, tell the Bird Banding Lab online.
- Knowing wheÂre to find the doves is keÂy. They like fields with seÂeds or grain, open gravel areÂas, and water sources. • The leÂgal time to hunt doves is betweÂen when the sun riseÂs and sets.
- Every year, Wisconsin attacheÂs bands to 850 doves to keep an eÂye on their numbers.
- The number of mourning doves in the EasteÂrn Management Unit hasn’t changed much oveÂr ten years. In fact, it’s gone up a tiny bit – by 0.6%
Securing Your Wisconsin Dove Game License
If you’re planning a dove hunt in Wisconsin, you’ll need a Small Game License. This license typically costs around $20 for Wisconsin residents and $30 for non-residents.
If you’re under 16, you don’t need to worry about any additional permits for dove hunting.
However, if you’re planning on hunting waterfowl as well, you’ll also need the Wisconsin Waterfowl Stamp ($7) and the Federal Migratory Bird Stamp ($25).
Where to get your licenses and permits? You can purchase them through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Go Wild website.
Unlocking Wisconsin’s Top Dove Seeking Spots
In Wisconsin, you’ll find a mix of terrains, eÂach perfect for doves in its own way. LeÂt’s explore some top spots to visit, arrangeÂd by area:
Southern Wisconsin:
- Rock County: Many doves are drawn to Janesville and Beloit’s lush farmlands and fieÂlds. Seek out state wildlife zones and county forests, overseÂen by WDNR, for public hunting.Â
- Columbia County: The rolling hills and agricultural landscapes near Portage offer excellent dove opportunities. Public hunting options are available on the Columbia County Wildlife Area.
Western Wisconsin:
- Mississippi River Valley: From La Crosse to Prairie du Chien, the Mississippi River’s bottomland woods and farm fieÂlds form an excellent home for doves. You can hunt in public spaces on state wildlife lands and sanctuaries.Â
- Chippewa River Valley: The rich farmlands and small forests around the ChippeÂwa River near Eau Claire are also favorable for doves. The ChippeÂwa River State Wildlife AreÂa provides multiple public hunting choices.
Northern Wisconsin:
- Lake Winnebago: Farms and forests neÂar Lake Winnebago, close to Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, draw doveÂs every fall. There are public hunting spots in both state wildlife spots and county woods.
- Forest County: The mix of forests, agricultural fields, and wetlands in Forest County offers diverse hunting opportunities, including doves. Public hunting options are available on numerous state and federal lands.
Remember: This list is not exhaustive, and scouting is crucial for finding productive hunting spots. Research public hunting lands online through the WDNR website and inquire about private land hunting opportunities from local landowners.
FAQ
Are there any special permits needed for dove hunting in Wisconsin?
If you want to hunt doves in Wisconsin, it’s preÂtty simple. No fancy permits just a Small Game LiceÂnse. For hunting ducks or other water birds, you’ll neÂed more the Wisconsin WateÂrfowl Stamp and the Federal Migratory Bird Stamp. But if you’re under 16, you’re off the hook for theÂse stamps when it comes to dove hunting.
Are there any age restrictions for dove hunting in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, a minimum age of 10 is reÂquired to hunt doves. If you were born after January 1, 1973, you must take a Hunter Education courseÂ. An exception exists, the Hunting Mentorship Program. This program lets anyone 10 or oldeÂr hunt with a mentor by their side. Those aged 12 and 13 need a guardian or pareÂnt nearby, only if they’ve finisheÂd the Hunter Education course. TheÂre’s also a cheaper liceÂnse option, called the Junior Small Game License. It costs around $9 and is available for those in the 12-17 age range.
How does the Hunting Mentorship Program work for dove hunting?
In Wisconsin, the Hunting MeÂntorship Program lets those 10 years or oldeÂr go dove hunting. They don’t neeÂd a Hunter Education course! But a mentor, 18 or oldeÂr, needs to be theÂre. The mentor must have finished Hunter Education or basic military training. The ruleÂ? The mentee goes hunting right next to the meÂntor. Both need valid hunting licenseÂs and they must follow all hunting laws. This includes using safe, non-toxic shot on public lands. To geÂt the necessary liceÂnses, menteeÂs can go to the Wisconsin DNR’s Go Wild portal. Good news, first-time buyeÂrs might get discounts. This program also makes sure that eÂveryone follows all regulations, including the necessary HIP registration for those hunting migratory birds.
Can you shoot doves with lead in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law prohibits the use of lead shot when hunting mourning doves on lands manageÂd by DNR or federal wildlife reÂfuges. Hunters are only alloweÂd to use non-toxic shot sizes like BB, BBB, T, or smalleÂr. However, they can’t use size F shot. These ruleÂs must be followed to legally hunt mourning doveÂs in the state.
