Pennsylvania is home to some of the best dove hunting in the country. The state is home to a large number of mourning doves, as well as white-winged and Eurasian doves, making it a popular destination for hunters looking to add these birds to their game bag. But before you head out on your next hunting trip, there are a few things you need to know about dove hunting in Pennsylvania. In this blog post, we will cover the basics of dove hunting in the state, including regulations, seasons, and locations.
Dove Hunting Laws in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has established regulations for the hunting of doves in the state. The regulations are designed to protect the dove population and ensure a fair and safe hunting experience for all hunters.
The season for hunting doves in Pennsylvania runs from September 1st to November 9th. During this time, hunters are required to possess a valid hunting license and must abide by the bag limits set forth by the commission. The bag limit for doves in Pennsylvania is 15 birds per day.
Hunters must also be aware of the requirements for shotgun use in Pennsylvania. shotguns used for hunting must be incapable of holding more than three shells at one time. Additionally, only non-toxic shot may be used when hunting doves in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania has a number of public lands open to dove hunting, including state game lands, national forests, and waterfowl refuges. A complete list of these areas can be found on the website of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Related: Deer Hunting in Pennsylvania
Do you need a license to hunt Dove in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you need a license to hunt doves, just as you need a license to hunt any other type of game bird. The good news is that obtaining a hunting license in Pennsylvania is relatively easy and inexpensive. You can get a license from the Pennsylvania Game Commission or from any licensed agent.
Dove Hunting Seasons in Pennsylvania
The hunting season for doves in Pennsylvania usually opens on the Saturday closest to September 1st and extends for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 15, with a possession limit of 45.
During the early part of the season, hunters can expect to see plenty of doves around fields that have been harvested of small grains such as wheat or barley. After these fields have been picked clean, doves will begin to feed on other crops such as sunflower, sorghum, or corn. Hunting pressure can also affect where doves are found, so it is important to keep an eye on local hunting reports to find out where the birds are feeding.
Late in the season, when most of the crops have been harvested, doves will often congregate around sources of water. Ponds, lakes, and streams will all hold good numbers of birds at this time. Again, pay attention to local hunting reports to find out where the birds are currently concentrated.
Can you hunt Dove at night in Pennsylvania?
The quick answer is no, you cannot hunt dove at night in Pennsylvania. The reason for this is that doves are mostly active during the day and are not very active at night.
Bag limits for hunting Dove in Pennsylvania
The bag limit for hunting Dove in Pennsylvania is 6 birds per day. This limit applies to all types of Dove, including Mourning, White-winged, and Eurasian Collared-Doves. There is no possession limit on Dove in Pennsylvania.
Legal ways to hunt Dove in Pennsylvania
There are many ways to hunt dove in Pennsylvania, but some methods are more legal than others. The most popular and effective way to hunt dove is by using a shotgun. When using a shotgun, it is important to use lead shot rather than steel shot, as steel shot is illegal to use for hunting in Pennsylvania.
Another popular method of hunting dove is by using baited traps. Baited traps can be very effective in attracting and catching doves, but it is important to make sure that the bait is not poisonous or harmful to the birds in any way. Additionally, baited traps must be placed at least 100 yards away from any public road or thoroughfare.
Lastly, another legal method of hunting dove in Pennsylvania is by calling them in with recorded sounds of their cooing. This method can be effective, but it requires a lot of patience and skill to execute properly.
Can you use dogs to hunt Dove in Pennsylvania?
Dove hunting is a popular sport in Pennsylvania, and many people use dogs to help them hunt. Dogs can be used to flush out birds from hiding places, to find and retrieve dead or wounded birds, and to track down lost birds.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using dogs for dove hunting in Pennsylvania. First, make sure that your dog is well-trained and will obey your commands. Second, be aware of the regulations regarding the use of dogs in hunting areas. Finally, be considerate of other hunters and do not allow your dog to disturb their hunting activities.
If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to safely and effectively use dogs for dove hunting in Pennsylvania.
Can you hunt Dove from a vehicle in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you can only hunt dove from a vehicle if you are mobility-impaired. If you are not mobility-impaired, you must hunt from a stationary position.
Final Thoughts
After a successful day of dove hunting in Pennsylvania, it’s time to reflect on the experience. This state is home to some of the best dove hunting in the country, and it’s easy to see why. The scenery is beautiful, the weather is perfect, and the game is plentiful.
But what makes Pennsylvania truly special is the people. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and they’re always happy to share their knowledge of the area with visitors. Whether you’re staying at a hotel or camping in the woods, you’re sure to feel right at home in Pennsylvania.
So if you’re looking for a great place to hunt doves, Pennsylvania is the place to be. With its stunning scenery, perfect weather, and friendly people, it’s hard to beat.
