Many people come to Alaska to hunt for moose, caribou, and bear, but few think of dove hunting. Doves are small, fast-flying birds that can be difficult to shoot. They are also not very popular in the Lower 48 states. But in Alaska, doves are aplenty and make for good eating. Dove hunting in Alaska is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery. The best time to hunt them is in the fall when they are migrating south. Hunting them in the spring is also possible, but the birds will be smaller. To have the best chance at success, it is important to know where to find them and how to identify them.
Dove Hunting Laws in Alaska
Dove hunting laws in Alaska are governed by the state’s game regulations. The season dates, bag limits, and other rules are set by the Board of Game.
The general season for doves in Alaska runs from September 1 – October 31. The bag limit is 10 birds per day, with a possession limit of 30. There is no closed season for dove hunting on federal public lands in Alaska.
Doves may be hunted with shotguns only. All shots must be non-toxic and lead shot is prohibited. Hunters must wear 500 square inches (3,250 cm^2) of fluorescent orange above the waistline visible from all sides while hunting doves on state or federal public land, except during waterfowl season when waterfowl hunters are not required to wear fluorescent orange.
There are special regulations for dove hunting on military reservations and national wildlife refuges in Alaska. Please check with the specific management agency before hunting on these lands.
Related: Deer Hunting in Alaska
Do you need a license to hunt Dove in Alaska?
Yes, you need a license to hunt Dove in Alaska. You can get a hunting license from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Dove Hunting Seasons in Alaska
The dove hunting season in Alaska typically runs from mid-August to early October. The best time to hunt doves is usually during the peak of the breeding season, which is typically late August or early September. During this time, doves are most active and their populations are at their highest.
Can you hunt Dove at night in Alaska?
The simple answer is no, you cannot hunt dove at night in Alaska. The reason for this is that doves are diurnal birds, meaning that they are only active during the daytime. So, if you want to hunt doves in Alaska, you’ll need to do so during the day.
Bag limits for hunting Dove in Alaska
The bag limit for dove hunting in Alaska is 10 birds per day. This limit applies to both mourning and white-winged doves combined. There is no limit on the number of doves that can be taken in a single day, but only 10 birds may be possessed at any one time.
Legal ways to hunt Dove in Alaska
In order to hunt Dove in Alaska, it is important to be aware of the state’s hunting regulations. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game establishes these regulations in order to ensure a sustainable harvest of game animals and to protect the safety of hunters and other people in the outdoors.
Dove may be taken with firearms, archery equipment, or falconry during the open season. The use of lead shots is prohibited for taking migratory birds. All other wildlife regulations, such as tagging and reporting requirements, also apply to dove hunting.
When hunting with a firearm, only non-toxic shots may be used. The use of rifles is prohibited for taking migratory birds. Shotguns must be plugged to a three-shell capacity when hunting doves.
Archery equipment may be used to take doves during the open season. Crossbows are not legal for taking migratory birds in Alaska.
Falconry is permitted for taking doves during the open season, provided that all requirements for raptor perching, housing, and hunting are met. A permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required in addition to an Alaska hunting license. For more information on falconry permits, please contact the USFWS Migratory Bird Permit Office at 1-800-361-5393 or visit their website at http://www.fws .gov/migratorybirds/regulationspolicies/permits/
Can you use dogs to hunt Dove in Alaska?
In short, yes you can use dogs to hunt Dove in Alaska, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, Alaska is a very large state with a variety of different climates and terrain. Make sure you do your research on the area you plan to hunt in order to find out what type of dog would be best suited for that particular area. Second, always check the regulations in place for using dogs in hunting areas as there may be some restrictions in place. Finally, when training your dog for hunting, make sure you focus on teaching them basic obedience commands as well as specific commands related to dove hunting. By following these tips, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable hunt for both you and your dog.
Can you hunt Dove from a vehicle in Alaska?
Yes, you can hunt Dove from a vehicle in Alaska. You can either use a shotgun or a rifle to hunt them. The best time to hunt them is in the early morning or late evening when they are actively feeding. You will need to get a hunting license and bird species permit before you go hunting.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to dove hunting, Alaska is a top destination. The state offers some of the best opportunities to bag doves in the country.
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a dove hunt in Alaska. First, the season is short, so it’s important to plan ahead and book a trip early. Second, the weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. Finally, don’t forget to bring your camera! Dove hunting in Alaska is an unforgettable experience, and you’ll want to have plenty of photos to remember it by.
