Learn More about Dove Field Planting Guidelines
SOA Dove Hunting Opportunities
Mourning dove hunting typically kicks off the fall hunting season as many look forward to a day on a dove field with family and friends. Unlike many other hunting activities, dove hunting is usually a highly social event with many hunters on the same field.
Alabama is separated into two zones (North and South). The North Zone consists of the northernmost 58 counties in the state and the South Zone consists of 9 southernmost counties in the state, including Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile. The North and South zone seasons typically open a week apart in early September.
License Requirements
To hunt mourning doves in Alabama, you must have the following:
- All Game OR Small Game Hunting License (unless exempt)
- HIP - Harvest Information Program Certification (free)
- Free map permit IF hunting on a WMA; non-residents also need a WMA license if hunting a WMA
How to Report a Band
If you harvest a dove with a band, report it online at www.reportband.gov.
Special Opportunity Area Limited Quota Dove Hunts
A total of five limited quota dove hunts will be offered at Prairie Glades and Portland Landing SOAs during the 2021 season. Registration for these hunts will open on September 1st at 8:00 AM. A WMA license is required prior to registration. In addition, a $10 registration fee will be charged for each hunt.
Registration for the September 11th hunts will close on September 4th at 5:00 PM and the drawing will take place at 6:00 PM. An automated email will be sent following the drawing notifying registrants of their hunt status. Hunters will have 48 hours to accept their hunt. Any hunter not meeting the deadline will be automatically declined and an alternate will be promoted. This short registration for the September 11th hunts is due to the new license year beginning on September 1st. The computer automated system will not allow us to open the registration prior to September 1st so that it can recognize the new WMA licenses. Registration for the remaining hunts will close on September 15th. The drawing for the remaining hunts will be on September 15th. An automated email will be sent following the drawing notifying registrants of their hunt status. Hunters will have 48 hours to accept their hunt status.
The dove fields were planted in the spring with a variety of agriculture crops. Fields will be legally manipulated prior to the hunts. Each hunter and guest will have an assigned location in the field.
Hunters are required to have a hunting license and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification (unless exempt) to be properly licensed to hunt doves.
Prairie Glades SOA (Montgomery County)
September 11th & 25th
October 9th & 23rd
30 hunters will be selected for each hunt. Each selected hunter is allowed to bring one properly licensed guest for a total of 60 hunters per hunt.
Portland Landing SOA (Dallas County)
September 11th
15 hunters will be selected for each hunt. Each selected hunter is allowed to bring one properly licensed guest for a total of 30 hunters per hunt.
To Register For These Hunts CLICK HERE
