Hunting season is just around the corner, and if you’re like most hunters, you’re already planning your trip. But have you ever considered hunting for doves? Dove hunting can be a great experience, and Louisiana is one of the best states in the country to do it. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about dove hunting in Louisiana, from where to go to what equipment you need. So if you’re looking for a new challenge this hunting season, read on to learn more about dove hunting in Louisiana.
Dove Hunting Laws in Louisiana
In Louisiana, the hunting of doves is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The season dates and bag limits are set by the LDWF each year. There are two types of dove hunts in Louisiana: early season and late season. The early season runs from September 1 to October 20, while the late season runs from December 15 to January 15.
The daily bag limit for doves is 12 birds per day, and the possession limit is 24 birds. Only mourning doves and white-winged doves may be hunted in Louisiana. All other species of doves are protected and may not be hunted.
During the early season, hunters may only hunt on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. During the late season, hunters may only hunt on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Hunting hours for both seasons are from sunrise to sunset.
Dove hunting is permitted on all public lands in Louisiana that are open to hunting, except for national wildlife refuges. On private land, hunters must have written permission from the landowner before hunting.
Related: Deer Hunting in Louisiana
Do you need a license to hunt Dove in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, anyone born after September 1, 1969, must complete a Hunter Education Course to hunt any wildlife species. The Hunter Education Course is available online or through various locations such as hunting clubs, sporting goods stores, and taxidermists. In addition to the Hunter Education Course, first-time hunters must also purchase a Louisiana hunting license. A hunting license can be purchased online or at any location that sells hunting and fishing licenses. The cost of a Louisiana hunting license is $9 for residents and $150 for non-residents.
Dove Hunting Seasons in Louisiana
Dove hunting season in Louisiana typically opens the first Saturday in September and runs through the last Sunday in January. The daily bag limit is 15 doves, and the possession limit is 30.
During the first two weeks of the season, hunters are only allowed to take Mourning Doves. After that, they can take both Mourning and White-winged Doves.
There are a few special dove hunts that are open to youth, disabled veterans, and active military personnel. These hunts usually have a shorter season and a lower bag limit.
Can you hunt Dove at night in Louisiana?
In general, doves are most active at dawn and dusk. However, there are certain times when doves may be more active at night. For example, if there is a full moon, doves may be more likely to be out and about during the night hours. Additionally, if there is a storm brewing, doves may take shelter earlier in the evening and then come out later at night to feed.
So, while you can technically hunt dove at night in Louisiana, your chances of success may not be as high as if you hunt during the day. If you do choose to go hunting at night, make sure you take extra safety precautions and use a light designed for hunting so that you don’t startle the birds or put yourself in danger.
Bag limits for hunting Dove in Louisiana
The bag limit for hunting Dove in Louisiana is 12 birds per day. The daily bag limit for mourning doves and white-winged doves combined is 12. You may take no more than six mourning doves and six white-winged doves on the same day.
Legal ways to hunt Dove in Louisiana
In order to hunt doves in Louisiana, you must first obtain a hunting license from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. You can apply for a license online or at any number of retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing licenses. A basic hunting license allows you to hunt small game, including doves, on public land.
If you want to hunt doves on private land, you will need to get permission from the landowner first. Once you have obtained a hunting license and secured permission to hunt on private property, there are a few other things to keep in mind before heading out into the field.
The legal shooting hours for doves are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. You are allowed to take up to 15 doves per day during the open season, which runs from September 1st through November 9th. When transporting your harvest, you must keep them in the original container in which they were killed and put your name and address on it.
Doves can be hunted with shotguns only; rifles and pistols are not permitted. You are also required to wear hunter orange while hunting doves in Louisiana; this helps other hunters easily identify you as someone who is following the rules of safe hunting practices.
Can you use dogs to hunt Dove in Louisiana?
Yes, dogs can be used to hunt dove in Louisiana. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, only certain breeds of dogs are well-suited for this type of hunting. Second, the dog must be properly trained in order to be effective. Third, the dog must be healthy and in good physical condition.
When it comes to choosing a breed of dog for dove hunting, retrievers are often the best option. They have a strong sense of smell and are able to track down birds even when they are hidden. Setters and pointers can also be good choices, as they are bred for pointing out the game.
When training a dog for dove hunting, it is important to focus on obedience and recall commands. The dog should be able to respond quickly and accurately when called upon. It is also helpful if the dog is familiar with hand signals, as this can be used for communicating during a hunt.
Physical conditioning is also important for any dog that will be used for hunting. This includes regular exercise and a healthy diet. The dog should be able to run long distances and withstand hot weather conditions.
Can you hunt Dove from a vehicle in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you are allowed to hunt doves from a vehicle only if you are mobility-impaired. If you are not mobility-impaired, you must get out of the vehicle to hunt.
Final Thoughts
Dove hunting in Louisiana is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the sport of hunting. There are many different areas to choose from when planning your hunt, and the state offers a variety of hunting opportunities. When selecting a location, be sure to consider the type of habitat, as well as the season and weather conditions.
When it comes to equipment, you’ll need a shotgun and shells, as well as decoys and lures. Be sure to check the regulations in your selected hunting area, as some areas may require additional equipment or permits.
Safety should always be your top priority when hunting, so be sure to wear proper clothing and follow all safety procedures. If you’re new to dove hunting, be sure to consult with an experienced hunter or guide before heading out.
With some planning and preparation, dove hunting in Louisiana can be a great way to enjoy the sport and bag some impressive games.
