Dove hunting season is upon us here in Tennessee, and there’s no better time to get out and enjoy the sport. If you’re new to dove hunting, or if you’re just looking for some tips to up your game, this blog post is for you. We’ll cover everything from where to find the best hunting spots to what kind of gear you need. So grab your shotgun and let’s get started.
Dove Hunting Laws in Tennessee
In Tennessee, there are a few different dove hunting laws that you need to be aware of before heading out on your next hunt. First and foremost, it is important to note that in order to hunt doves in Tennessee, you must have a valid hunting license. You can purchase a hunting license online or at any number of retail locations throughout the state.
Once you have your hunting license in hand, there are a few other things to keep in mind when planning your dove hunt in Tennessee. The first is that the season for hunting doves runs from September 1st through October 31st. During this time, hunters are allowed to take up to 15 doves per day. It is important to note that all harvested doves must be reported within 24 hours of being taken.
Another thing to keep in mind when dove hunting in Tennessee is that there are certain areas of the state where hunting is not permitted. These areas include national forests, wildlife refuges, and state parks. In addition, it is illegal to hunt within 200 yards of any road or highway. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations regarding where you can and cannot hunt before heading out on your next trip.
Following these simple laws will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable dove hunting experience in Tennessee. Be sure to check back often for updates on seasons and bag limits as they may change from year to year.
Read More: Deer Hunting in Tennessee
Do you need a license to hunt Dove in Tennessee?
If you plan to hunt doves in Tennessee, you will need a hunting license. You can purchase a license online or at any Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency office. A valid Tennessee hunting license is required for anyone who wishes to take wildlife from the state, including doves.
Dove Hunting Seasons in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the dove hunting season typically opens the first Saturday in September and runs through November. However, this season may vary slightly from year to year, so it’s important to check the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s website for up-to-date information.
During the dove hunting season, there is a daily bag limit of 15 doves. Of these, no more than 8 can be mourning doves and no more than 2 can be white-tipped doves.
To hunt doves in Tennessee, you must have a valid hunting license as well as a migratory bird stamp. You can purchase these online through the TWRA website or at any license agent.
Can you hunt Dove at night in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you can only hunt doves during the day. The shooting hours for doves are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Bag limits for hunting Dove in Tennessee
The bag limit for hunting Dove in Tennessee is 15 per day. This is the maximum number of birds that can be taken in a single day, and it applies to all hunters, regardless of whether they are residents or non-residents. There is no limit on the number of birds that can be taken in a season, but hunters are required to have a valid hunting license.
Legal ways to hunt Dove in Tennessee
There are a few things to remember when planning a dove hunt in Tennessee. First, shooting hours for doves are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Second, the daily bag limit is 15 doves per day, with no more than 30 in possession. Third, migratory game birds may not be hunted with shotguns capable of holding more than three shells unless they are plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of being removed without disassembling the gun. Lastly, lead shots may not be used to hunt doves or any other migratory game bird in Tennessee.
Now that you know the rules, here are some of the best places to hunt doves in Tennessee:
- Reelfoot Lake State Park: Located in the northwest corner of Tennessee, this park is a top destination for waterfowl hunting. The 15,000-acre lake is surrounded by cypress trees and flooded timber, providing ideal habitat for doves and other birds.
- Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge in west Tennessee consists of nearly 20,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods, cypress sloughs, and wetland habitat. It’s a great place to set up a blind and wait for the doves to come flying in.
- Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge: Located in southwest Tennessee near Memphis, this refuge offers over 10,000 acres of diverse habitat for doves and other wildlife. The refuge also has a 14
Can you use dogs to hunt Dove in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, Dove hunting is permitted using dogs. specifically, Pointers and Setters are the only breeds allowed to be used in pursuit of Doves. There are specific rules that must be followed when using dogs to hunt Doves, which include:
- The use of dogs is only allowed during the first two weeks of the season.
- Dogs must be trained and under the control of the hunter at all times.
- Only two dogs per hunter are allowed.
- Dogs must be tagged with the owner’s information.
Using dogs to hunt Dove can be an effective way to pursue these birds, as they are able to flush them out from hiding places. However, it is important to follow the rules set forth by the state in order to ensure a safe and successful hunt.
Can you hunt Dove from a vehicle in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, it is illegal to hunt doves from a vehicle. This includes hunting from a car, truck, ATV, or any other type of motorized vehicle. If you are caught hunting doves from a vehicle, you could be subject to fines and other penalties.
Final Thoughts
As the sun began to set, we packed up our things and headed for home. We had a great time dove hunting in Tennessee and can’t wait to come back next year. Thanks for reading and we hope you enjoyed learning about dove hunting in Tennessee.
