Sept. 1 Signals Opening of Dove Season in Tennessee
Monday, August 31, 2009 | 05:55am
NASHVILLE --- As the calendar turns to September, one of Tennessee’s most long-standing outdoor traditions will begin with the opening of mourning dove season. Dove season officially begins across the state on Sept. 1 at noon (local time).
Tennessee’s 2009 season will again be divided into three segments: Sept. 1 through Sept. 26; Oct. 10 through Oct. 25; and Dec. 19 through Jan. 15. Hunting times, other than the noon start on opening day, are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset for all other days.
Doves are found throughout the various regions in the state, but the most concentration is in farming areas. The hunter must have on his/her person a valid state hunting license and Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit at all times while hunting. Hunters must have landowner’s permission to hunt on private land.
The daily bag limit is 15. There is no limit on collared dove. Doves not readily identifiable as collared doves will be considered mourning doves and will count toward the mourning dove daily bag limit. No person shall take migratory game birds by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area. Any auto-loading or repeating shotgun must be incapable of holding more than three shells while dove hunting.
More information on Tennessee’s dove season can be found on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Web site (www.tnwildlife.org) under the “For Hunters” section. The 2009 Tennessee Hunting & Trapping Guide can also be viewed on the Web site or a copy may be obtained at any TWRA regional office or wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
---TWRA---