Dove Program

Opening day of dove season is one of the most anticipated and popular hunting days of the year for many Mississippians. Dove season brings some of the first hunting opportunities of the fall as the long and hot Mississippi summer comes to a close. In the southeast, dove hunting has a long tradition of being a very social event and is a time for fellowship with friends and family outdoors.

The opening day of dove season is a day not to be missed for many Mississippi hunters. Wing shooters around the state should take a moment to check out the variety of public dove hunting opportunities provided by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

*Dove season starts one-half hour before sunrise to sunset 

• North Zone: Areas north of U.S. Hwy. 84, plus areas south of U.S. Hwy. 84 and west of MS Hwy. 35.
  • Sept. 1 - 30, 2025
  • Oct. 18 - Nov. 16, 2025
  • Dec. 27, 2025 - Jan. 25, 2026
• South Zone: Areas south of U.S. Hwy. 84 and east of MS Hwy. 35.
  • Sept. 1 - 30, 2025
  • Oct. 18 - Nov. 16, 2025
  • Dec. 27, 2025 - Jan. 25, 2026

Due to the increasing interests in certain WMA dove fields, a draw is being implemented for the opening days on Black Prairie and William (Billy) C. Deviney WMAs.

Black Prairie WMA's draw hunt will take place the first Wednesday of regular dove season, and Deviney WMA's draw hunt will take place on the regular season opener. There will be select standby opportunities at both locations.

The draw hunt application period for these draws is July 15- August 15, 2025.⁠

To apply, applicants must possess a current valid WMA user permit or be a current lifetime license, senior exempt, or youth exempt license holder. If you have to purchase or renew your license or WMA user permit, you must do so 24 hours before applying.

WMA Draw Applications: WMA Draw Hunt Application

Special youth dove hunting opportunities will be offered on the following WMAs:

• Black Prairie WMA 
• Hell Creek WMA
• Leroy Percy WMA
• Muscadine Farms WMA

The Harvest Information Program (HIP) is an essential tool for understanding migratory bird harvests across the country. All licensed waterfowl (and other migratory game bird) hunters are required to participate each year for each state they choose to hunt. 

When hunters register for HIP, they answer a few short questions about the types and numbers of migratory birds they harvested the previous season. These responses help biologists gather accurate data on harvest trends and hunter activity. 

HIP Data Helps MDWFP: 

• Estimate harvest rates and hunter participation
• Inform season frameworks and bag limits
• Guide conservation priorities based on species use
• Strengthen partnerships with other state and federal agencies 

By completing HIP when you buy your license, you help ensure that Mississippi’s waterfowl management decisions are based on strong, science-driven data.

What is Hip?