Arkansas Game and Fish now accepting applications for permit-based dove hunting

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission have announced that they are currently accepting applications for one of seven permit-based dove-hunting locations until August 15.

Every September, hunters in the Natural State flock to find the best place to hunt the small birds which fly through the state during annual migrations. In 2024, the season runs from Sept. 7 until Oct. 27 and again from Dec. 8 until Jan. 15.

The daily bag limit for mourning dove and white-winged dove is 15, with a possession limit of 45. There is no daily bag limit or possession limit for Eurasian collared dove.

AGFC officials have some fields throughout the state that are managed to offer some hunting opportunities, but most AGFC-owned areas are forested and not set up for shooting doves, a bird found primarily in the open habitat of agricultural fields.

Michelle Furr, coordinator for many of the private land programs through the AGFC Private Lands Habitat Division, says that this unofficial kickoff to fall hunting seasons can be difficult for many Arkansans to enjoy.

“It takes at least 10 acres or so to even start a dove field, and a landowner pretty much has to set aside that property and put in some agricultural effort to get sunflowers or other seed-producing plants to come up and keep doves in the area,” Furr said. “A lot of Arkansans who don’t own that much land or know someone who does really are only left with the options of a few pay-to-hunt fields they may find or public land.”

In addition to three private land fields, the following AGFC wildlife management areas will have special permit hunts for the first Saturday and Sunday of dove season: Frog Bayou WMA, Dave Donaldson Black River WMA, Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA and Camp Robinson Special Use Area.

Applications for all fields require a $5 processing fee. Applicants may choose a first and second choice for the day and field they want to hunt. Permit winners will be notified after the drawing and will be emailed detailed maps and directions to their fields.

Officials said that hunters may bring one partner with them, but both hunters must be together at a shooting station. No other hunting is allowed on these fields. No scouting or access to the private land fields will be allowed outside of the hunt day drawn.

For more information on applying for a special dove hunting permit, visit AGFC.com .

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