Wyoming in fall means more than just hunting big game. It’s the exciting time to track mourning doves, which are rapid flying birds great for honing wingshooting skills. Keen on improving your shooting or savoring a day under Wyoming’s vast sky? Dove hunting might be just the ticket. This guide gives you all the essentials for a successful dove game in Wyoming, discussing law, licensing, and top hunting locales.
Understanding the Wyoming Seasons and Laws for Dove games
Before grabbing your shotgun and venturing outdoors, it’s key to understand the season dates and rules from the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission (WGFC). Let’s briefly overview:
- Season Dates: The dove season in Wyoming opens on September 1st and runs through November 29th.
Closed Areas: (b, d, e) / (a – after Nov. 15) / (c – after Nov. 14)
Pro Tip: Always double-check the official WGFC website for the most up-to-date season dates and any regulation changes that might occur https://wgfd.wyo.gov/.
- Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit for doves in Wyoming is 15, with a possession limit of 45 birds.
- Shooting Hours: Dove game hours are generally from half an hour before sunrise to sunset during all segments.
- Shotguns and Ammunition: Only shotguns no larger than 10 gauge are permitted for doves. The use of lead shot is prohibited on all state-owned or managed lands.
Securing Your Wyoming Dove License
To legally hunt doves in Wyoming, you’ll need a valid hunting license. Here’s a breakdown of the license options and costs:
- Resident Small Game Hunting License: $14.00
- Non-Resident Small Game Hunting License: $100.00 (includes a complimentary five-day fishing license)
- One-Day Small Game Hunting License (Residents Only): $10.00 (valid for a single calendar day)
Licenses can be conveniently purchased online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website https://wgfd.wyo.gov/ or at authorized license vendors across the state.
Further suggestions for Hunters of Doves in Wyoming
While there’s no mandatory hunter education course required for dove hunting in Wyoming, it’s always a good idea to take one if you’re a new hunter. Here are two other things to keep in mind:
- HIP Registration: All migratory bird hunters, including dove hunters, must register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) before heading out. Registration is free and can be done online at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website https://www.fws.gov/.
- Respecting Private Property: A significant portion of Wyoming’s dove opportunities occur on private lands. If you plan to hunt on private property, always obtain permission from the landowner beforehand.
Top Locations for Doves in Wyoming
Wyoming’s diverse landscapes offer a variety of habitats suitable for doves. Here are some top locations to consider, categorized by region:
Eastern Wyoming:
- Laramie County: The fertile farmlands and agricultural fields near Laramie attract doves throughout the fall. Public hunting opportunities exist on Laramie Plains Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA).
- Goshen County: The grain fields and surrounding areas near Torrington in Goshen County provide good dove opportunities. Public hunting can be found on the Hutton Lake Wildlife Refuge.
Southeastern Wyoming:
- Albany County: The agricultural lands surrounding Wheatland and areas near Laramie Peak in Albany County attract doves. Public hunting opportunities are available on the Curt Gowdy State Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area.
- Laramie County: The southeastern portion of Laramie County, near Cheyenne, offers dove opportunities on farmlands and scattered public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Northeastern Wyoming:
- Sheridan County: The agricultural areas near Sheridan and surrounding valleys offer good dove opportunities. Public hunting can be found on the Thunder Basin National Grassland and scattered BLM lands.
- Campbell County: The farmlands and harvested grain fields near Gillette in Campbell County attract doves. Public hunting is available on the Thunder Basin National Grassland and scattered BLM lands.
