Dove season is underway in the majority of Alabama counties. As hunters gear up for a successful season, there are many regulations to remember.
The state is divided into two zones: North and South zones. While the North zone season is underway, the South zone dove season will not begin for another week. The South zone includes Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Mobile Counties.
Hunters can legally hunt doves on lands where seeds or grains have been scattered for agriculture operations and over standing crops. Lands planted as wildlife food plots must be planted according to Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service guidelines.
In addition to a license, anyone who hunts doves, ducks, coots, geese, brant, swans, woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, band-tailed pigeons or gallinules is required to participate in the Harvest Information Program (HIP). The program provides data to state wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and biologists.
NORTH ZONE
15 per day limit (90 days)
SPLIT SEASON with Shooting Hours:
12 O’clock noon until Sunset (Afternoon Shooting Only) – September 7
One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) – September 8 – October 20
One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) – November 23 – December 1
One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) – December 14 – January 19
SOUTH ZONE
15 per day limit (90 days)
SPLIT SEASON with Shooting Hours:
12 O’clock noon until Sunset (Afternoon Shooting Only) – September 14
One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) – September 15 – October 27
One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) – November 23 – December 1
One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) – December 14 – January 19
Dove hunters are not required to wear hunter orange in Alabama.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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