Dove Species & Ecology – Illinois Learn to Hunt

There are four dove species that hunters may harvest in Illinois: the mourning dove, white-winged dove, Eurasian collared-dove, and ringed turtle-dove.

“Protections for the Eurasian-collared dove and ringed turtle dove have been removed, as they are nonnative, invasive species. They can be harvested year-round with no limits, but during dove season, hunters may not remain in the field for taking Eurasian-collared doves or ringed turtle doves after they reach their daily limit for mourning/white-winged doves.”

Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2024–2025

Native, Migratory, and Harvestable Species During Dove Season

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

Mourning doves are native, migratory birds and the most abundant dove species in Illinois. Some remain year-round, while others migrate south for the winter. Hunting mourning and white-winged doves is regulated at both the federal and state levels.

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

White-winged doves are migratory birds in Illinois, and are less common than mourning doves. Some remain year-round, while others migrate south for the winter. Hunting white-winged doves is regulated at both the federal and state levels.

Non-Native, Invasive Dove Species

Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

Eurasian collared-doves can be harvested year-round with no limits. During dove season, hunters may not remain in the field to take these birds after reaching their daily limit for mourning or white-winged doves. These doves are fairly uncommon in Illinois.

Ringed Turtle-Dove
(Streptopelia risoria)

Ringed turtle doves, or Ringneck doves, can be harvested year-round with no limits. Hunters may not remain in the field to pursue them after reaching their mourning or white-winged dove limits during dove season. They are also relatively uncommon in Illinois.