Frequently Asked Questions
Hunting Mourning Doves

• What type of license do I need to hunt doves?
• Do I need to purchase a state or federal stamp?
• Do I need to enroll in HIP (Harvest Information Program)?
• What is the bag limit and possession limit?
• To hunt mourning doves am I required to use non-toxic shot?
• Am I limited to the number of shells I can have in my shotgun?
• What are the legal hunting hours?
• Can bait be used for hunting doves?

What type of license do I need to hunt doves?

A small game hunting approval/authorization is required.

Do I need to purchase a state or federal stamp?

No.

Do I need to enroll in HIP (Harvest Information Program)?

Yes, you must be HIP registered in every state you hunt migratory birds. Registering for HIP is free of charge and can be done at any DNR service center or licensing sales agent.

What is the bag limit and possession limit?

The daily bag limit is 15 doves and the possession limit is 30 doves.

To hunt mourning doves am I required to use non-toxic shot?

Non-toxic shot is required when hunting doves on department managed lands and when hunting on Federal Properties such as National Wildlife Refuges (that allow hunting) and on Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA's). For additional information on the use of toxic vs. non-toxic shot, please see the Wildlife Health page.

Am I limited to the number of shells I can have in my shotgun?

Shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells are not allowed for migratory game bird hunting. Shotguns that are capable of holding more than 3 shells will need to be plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun so its total capacity does not exceed 3 shells.

What are the legal hunting hours?

Hunting hours are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset, please refer to the Small Game Hunting Regulations or the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations.

Can bait be used for hunting doves?

No, federal and state baiting rules apply to all migratory game birds. Please see the Federal baiting regulations website. [PDF Exit DNR]

If you have further questions, please refer to the Small Game Hunting Regulations or the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations

For information about this topic, contact: Assistant Migratory Game Bird Ecologist.

Questions for Wildlife Management