How to Dove Hunt
Where do i get a hunting license & HIP stamp?
Annual Hunting License - All resident hunters age 16 through 74 must have a resident hunting license unless exempt by Kansas Law.
You can purchase a license online, on the KS Outdoors app, or at local stores such as Cabela’s, WalMart, or KDWPT office.
A HIP Stamp (Harvest Information Program) must be purchased as well.
All of these items can be purchased at once on the KDWPT website.
Where to hunt
On the KDWPT website, you can find Managed Dove Hunting Areas that are open the the public.
Private landowners are another avenue to pursue for land access. If you know a landowner, ask how you can help them and in return hunt their ground.
Firearms & ammo
Shotguns are used for hunting doves. 20 or 12 gauge are used most often.
Make sure you get ammo compatible with your gauge of gun. Most commonly used shot size is lead 8.
Non-toxic shot (steel) is required on some KDWPT managed fields or on private lands. Be aware of this before you hunt. Shot size 7 is available in steel.
All shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells.
Regulations
Hunters between 16 and 75 must have a Kansas hunting license and Harvest Information Program (HIP) Stamp.
Youth under 16 can hunt without a license or hunter education course under direct supervision of an adult.
Daily bag limit on migratory doves is 15, single species or in combination.
No bag limit on exotics, but a wing must be attached during season and transport.
Doves must be shot in flight.
Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
increase your success
Camouflage is good for concealment as doves quickly become wary.
Stay still.
Spinning wing decoys are beneficial and often bring doves in close.
Table Fare
Doves are delicious and some of the best-tasting wild game available.
Common cooking method is to wrap the breast, or deboned meat, in bacon with a jalapeno slice and pin with a toothpick. Meat can be marinated for added flavor.
As with any game meat, don’t cook past medium, and medium rare is better.