Dove Hunting

Mourning doves are the most abundant and popular type of dove for hunters in Illinois. The closely related white-winged dove is occasionally found in the area and is regulated under the same guidelines as mourning doves. Additionally, hunters may encounter the non-native Eurasian Collared-dove and its close relative, the ringed turtle dove. Both of these non-native species can be taken while in the field.

Learn more about these dove species.

• Keep the sun at your back.
• Scout the features of the field and decide which elements are likely to attract birds, then set up nearby.
• Blend in to the field and sit still — doves can see color and will notice your movement.

Further Reading

• Dove Hunting Basics for Public Land by Edgar Castillo
• 3 Dove Hunting Hacks to Try This Season by Edgar Castillo
• Three Clever Methods for Using Dove Decoys by Edgar Castillo
• Dove Hunting Ultimate Guide: Tips and Tactics for Bagging More Birds by Brad Fitzpatrick, Joe Genzel, and Michael Pearce

Hunting and trapping regulations, including season dates and bag limits, are subject to change from year to year. For up-to-date information, consult the current Illinois DNR Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations. If you’re hunting on public land, refer to your site’s specific regulations, as they vary from one location to another.

Since mourning doves and white-winged doves are migratory bird species, dove hunting is regulated by both federal and state laws.

Choosing between private and public land influences the species you can hunt, the permits required, and your season preparations. Illinois is mostly comprised of private land, but both private and public options offer good opportunities depending on access and site rules. Learn what each option involves and how to plan your next steps on the Where to Hunt in Illinois page.

Hunting Doves at Managed Sites

Some IDNR sites require a free dove permit during the first five days of dove season. These fields are usually planted to attract doves, and each site has its own procedures and permit requirements. To see where the permit applies and what to expect, visit the Free Dove Hunting Permits page.

You are not required to wear blaze orange or blaze pink when hunting doves, unless you are also hunting other species, such as rabbits or other upland birds, at the same time.

Other Gear

When dove hunting on IDNR-managed sites during the first five days of the season, you will likely be sitting in a field and waiting for a while. We recommend:

• Something comfortable to sit on
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen

We have a checklist for Upland Hunting Equipment that may be helpful, although some information may not be specifically for doves.

• You can use spinning-wing decoys when hunting doves.
• You may use dogs, but it is not required.

Hunting ethics and hunter etiquette are often used interchangeably, but while they overlap, they’re not the same. Understanding the difference — and how both apply to you — is essential for responsible hunting.

Visit our hunting ethics and hunter etiquette page for videos and articles that explain each concept, why they matter, and how to practice ethical hunting and proper etiquette, especially on public land.

Learn where to aim when hunting doves and how to recover birds you harvest.

When transporting a dove from the field to its final destination, you must keep the head and/or one fully-feathered wing attached to each bird. If you give the bird to someone else, you must fill out a gift tag.

Reporting a Banded Dove

We encourage you to report the time and location of your banded dove harvest. After submitting your report, you will receive a Certificate of Appreciation via email, which includes details about when and where the bird was originally banded. By reporting band numbers, you assist biologists in gathering valuable data that is used to manage and protect dove populations, as well as to support quality hunting opportunities.

Further Reading

• Mourning Dove Banding in Illinois Q&A by Kathy Andrews Wright
• Mourning Dove Banding Program by Kathy Andrews Wright
• Mourning Dove Population Status Reports by the USFWS

Watch this video by Arizona Game & Fish to learn how to clean doves, including both breast-out and plucking methods. Unless it is extremely hot and you plan to be in the field for a long time, you most likely do not need to clean your doves until you arrive home.

Cooking Doves

The most popular way to cook doves is probably some variation of the bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper. The popper is a classic for a reason, but if you’re looking for inspiration for new recipes or want to learn more about the characteristics of dove meat, check out the links below.

• Dove Poppers – Easy Wild Game Appetizer by Jack Hennessy, Project Upland
• Dove Recipes by Hank Shaw (Hunter, Angler, Gardener, Cook)
• Top 5 Dove Recipes: Elevate Your Culinary Game This Season by Gabby Zaldumbide