Dove hunting is a popular pastime in Utah. Every year, hunters of all ages and experience levels take to the fields in pursuit of these fast-flying game birds. While Utah’s dove hunting season has come to an end, there are still many important things to know about this popular sport. In this blog post, we will cover the basics of dove hunting in Utah. From where to find the best hunting grounds to what gear you need, we’ll make sure you’re prepared for next year’s season.
Dove Hunting Laws in Utah
In Utah, doves may be hunted with a shotgun, air rifle, or air pistol. The bag limit is 10 doves per day, and the possession limit is 20 doves. Dove hunting is not allowed in national parks, national monuments, or other protected areas.
Dove hunting seasons in Utah are typically split into two parts: the early season and the late season. The early season usually runs from mid-August to early September, while the late season typically extends from early September to late October. Check the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website for specific dates each year.
When hunting doves in Utah, you must have a valid Utah hunting license and a migratory bird stamp. You can purchase a license and stamp online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website or at any division office or authorized license agent.
Related: Deer Hunting in Utah
Do you need a license to hunt Dove in Utah?
In Utah, you need a license to hunt dove if you are:
- A resident of Utah and 16 years of age or older, OR
- A non-resident of Utah and 12 years of age or older.
If you are a resident of Utah and are between the ages of 12 and 15, you may hunt dove with a youth hunting license. You can purchase a license at any Division of Wildlife Resources office or authorized license agent.
Dove Hunting Seasons in Utah
The Utah dove hunting season typically runs from late August through early November. The exact dates vary depending on the area, but you can find the specific dates for each region on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website.
During the dove hunting season, hunters are allowed to take up to 15 doves per day. However, only two of those birds may be white-winged doves. All other species have a limit of four birds per day.
To hunt doves in Utah, you must have a valid Utah hunting license and a migratory bird stamp. You can purchase both of these items online or at any Division of Wildlife Resources office or authorized license agent.
Can you hunt Dove at night in Utah?
Yes, you can hunt dove at night in Utah. The best time to hunt them is during the early morning hours or just before sunset. You will need a hunting permit and a shotgun to do so.
Bag limits for hunting Dove in Utah
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has established the following bag limits for hunting dove in Utah:
- 8 doves per day
- 30 doves in possession at any time
Doves are a migratory species, which means that their populations can fluctuate from year to year. As a result, the DWR reviews the data collected from previous hunting seasons and makes adjustments to the bag limits as necessary. The DWR also consults with other state and federal agencies to ensure that the bag limits are set at a level that is sustainable for the population.
Legal ways to hunt Dove in Utah
There are many ways to hunt doves in Utah, but some methods are more legal than others. The most common and legal method is to use a shotgun. Other legal methods include using a bow and arrow or a crossbow.
If you use a shotgun, you will need to get a hunting license from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). You will also need to purchase a permit from the DWR if you want to hunt on public lands. If you plan on hunting on private land, you will need to get permission from the landowner.
If you use a bow and arrow or crossbow, you will need to get a hunting license from the DWR as well as a special Archery Permit. You can purchase this permit online or at any DWR office.
There are also some illegal methods of hunting doves in Utah. These include using bait, using artificial lights, shooting from a moving vehicle, and shooting across a road or highway. If you are caught using one of these illegal methods, you could be fined or even jailed.
Can you use dogs to hunt Doves in Utah?
Yes, dogs can be used to hunt dove in Utah. There are a few things to keep in mind when using dogs for this type of hunting, however. First, make sure that the area you are hunting in is open to the use of dogs. Second, be aware that Dove tends to flock, so using a dog to flush them out may not be as effective as it would be with other types of games. Finally, remember that Dove is quick and agile, so your dog will need to be able to keep up with them.
Can you hunt Dove from a vehicle in Utah?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. In Utah, you can only hunt dove from a vehicle if the vehicle is stationary and you are not using artificial light. If you are using a boat or other vessel to hunt a dove, the vessel must be moored or anchored.
Final Thoughts
As the sun began to set, we gathered our things and headed back to the car. We had a successful day of dove hunting in Utah and were looking forward to coming back next year.
We were grateful for the opportunity to hunt on such beautiful land and to spend time with family and friends. We’ll never forget the memories we made during our time in Utah.
