Dove season is just around the corner in Alabama, and if you’re looking to get in on the action, there are a few things you should know. First and foremost, you need to purchase a hunting license, which you can do online or at any number of locations throughout the state. In addition to a hunting license, you also need to be aware of the regulations for dove hunting in Alabama. The rules are different for private land versus public land, so be sure to familiarize yourself with both before heading out. Finally, it’s always important to be respectful of your surroundings and other hunters when you’re out in the field. With that said, let’s take a closer look at dove hunting in Alabama and everything you need to know to get started.
Dove Hunting Laws in Alabama
The state of Alabama has a few laws in place specifically for dove hunting. The first law is that all hunters must have a valid hunting license. The second law is that the daily bag limit for doves is 15. The third law is that the possession limit for doves is 30. The fourth law is that all hunters must use non-toxic shots when hunting doves. The fifth and final law is that all hunted doves must be properly field dressed before being transported from the hunting site.
Related: Deer Hunting in Alabama
Do you need a license to hunt Dove in Alabama?
To hunt doves in Alabama, you need a state hunting license, a wildlife management area permit, and a federal migratory bird stamp. You can get a state hunting license from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. A wildlife management area permit is required to hunt on any of the state’s wildlife management areas. You can get a permit at any outdoor retailer that sells hunting licenses. The federal migratory bird stamp is required to hunt doves on any federally managed land, such as national forests and refuges. The stamp costs $15 and can be purchased at any post office or online at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
Dove Hunting Seasons in Alabama
Alabama’s dove hunting season generally opens the first week of September and runs through the last week of February. The bag limit is 15 doves per day.
There are three types of doves in Alabama: Mourning, Eurasian Collared, and White-winged. Mourning doves are the most prevalent, followed by Eurasian Collared doves. White-winged doves are found mostly in South Alabama.
Mourning Dove: The mourning dove is a medium-sized, slender bird with pointed wings and a long tail. The body is grayish brown with darker bars on the wings. The breast is pale gray with darker spots. The head is gray with a black streak behind the eye. Males and females look alike, although males tend to be slightly larger than females.
Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian collared dove is a large bird with a long tail and pointed wings. It is pale gray overall with two black bands on its neck (hence the name “collared”). It has a black band across its eyes and another around its bill. The underside of its tail is white. Males and females look alike, although males tend to be slightly larger than females.
White-winged Dove: The white-winged dove is a medium-sized bird with pointed wings and a long tail. It is dark gray overall with white patches on its wings (hence the name
Can you hunt Dove at night in Alabama?
Yes, you can hunt Dove at night in Alabama. There are a few things to keep in mind, though. First, you’ll need to get a permit from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Second, doves are most active at dawn and dusk, so you’ll need to be strategic about when you go out hunting. Finally, remember to use non-lead ammunition when hunting Dove in Alabama; lead shot is illegal for hunting these birds.
Bag limits for hunting Dove in Alabama
The bag limit for hunting Doves in Alabama is 12 birds per day. There is a possession limit of 36 birds. The shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. baiting is prohibited.
Dove season in Alabama opens the first Saturday in September and continues through the last Sunday in February. The daily bag limit is 12 birds per day with a possession limit of 36 birds. The shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset and baiting is prohibited.
Legal ways to hunt Dove in Alabama
Dove hunting is a popular activity in Alabama, with many people taking part each year. There are a number of legal ways to hunt Dove in the state, which include:
- Using a shotgun with a lead shot of size 7 1/2 or smaller.
- Using a shotgun with steel shot of size 6 or smaller.
- Using an air rifle or pellet gun.
- Hunting with a bow and arrow.
Each method has its own set of regulations that must be followed, so be sure to check the relevant rules before heading out on your hunt.
Can you use dogs to hunt Dove in Alabama?
Dove hunting is a popular sport in Alabama, and many people use dogs to help them find and retrieve the birds. There are a few things to keep in mind when using dogs for dove hunting, though, including the season dates and bag limits.
Dogs can be used for dove hunting in Alabama from September 1-October 31, and the bag limit is 15 per day. Dogs must be under the direct control of the hunter at all times, and only pointing or flushing breeds are allowed – no retrievers.
When training your dog for dove hunting, it’s important to start early and be patient. Be sure to expose your dog to gunfire regularly so they get used to the noise, and work on obedience commands such as “sit” and “stay.” Once you’re out in the field, let your dog off the leash once you’ve spotted a bird so they can flush it out – but be ready to call them back if they get too close to the bird.
With a little bit of preparation, using a dog can be a great asset when Dove hunting in Alabama. Just be sure to follow the rules and regulations, and have fun!
Can you hunt Dove from a vehicle in Alabama?
It is legal to hunt doves in Alabama from a moving vehicle as long as the vehicle is not being used to intentionally herd the birds. The use of artificial lights to attract birds is also legal, as long as the light is not attached to the vehicle.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to hunting, Alabama is a great place to be. The state is home to a variety of different wildlife, including doves. If you’re looking to hunt doves in Alabama, there are a few things you need to know.
First and foremost, you need to be aware of the regulations. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has specific regulations in place for hunting doves. Make sure you familiarize yourself with these regulations before heading out on your hunt.
Secondly, you need to choose the right location. Alabama has a lot of lands available for public hunting, so there’s no shortage of places to go dove hunting. Do some research and find a spot that looks promising.
Finally, be prepared for the hunt. Dove hunting can be challenging, so make sure you’re mentally and physically prepared for it. If you take the time to do these things, you’re sure to have a successful dove hunt in Alabama!
