The 2025 dove hunting season began Sept. 6 statewide, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced.
Louisiana is divided into the North and South zones for dove season. The North Zone runs from Sept. 6-28, Oct.11-Nov. 16 and Dec. 20-Jan. 18, 2026. The South Zone runs from Sept. 6-21, Oct. 18-Nov. 30 and Dec. 13-Jan. 11, 2026.
Dove hunters 18 and older are required to have a basic hunting license and be Harvest Information Program certified. Youth 17 and under do not need a hunting license or HIP certifi cation to dove hunt.
To purchase a hunting license, go to https://www. wlf. louisiana. gov/ page/ hunting-licenses-permitstags.
LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) offering dove fields or dove hunting opportunities, including Bodcau WMA, Boeuf WMA, Clear Creek WMA, Elbow Slough WMA, John Franks WMA, Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA, Richard K. Yancey WMA, Russell Sage WMA, Sabine WMA, Sandy Hollow WMA, the U.S. Forest Service Calcasieu Ranger District Vernon Unit and West Bay WMA.
For more information on WMA dove fields, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana. gov/page/dove-fields.
For a complete list of WMAs open to dove hunting and more information on WMA dove hunting, go to: https://www.wlf.louisiana. gov/page/seasons-and-regulations.
All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. To learn more, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana. gov/page/wmarefugeconservation- area- licensesand permits for more information.
For more information, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana. gov/subhome/dove.
