A Southern Start to the Season
When the calendar flips to September and the humidity still clings to the air, the excitement and traditions surrounding the start of the dove hunting season in Louisiana come alive. Designated hunting days include Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays, making weekends particularly popular for hunters. The season opener begins on a Saturday and is a staple across the state, marked by tradition, friendly competition, and the unmistakable sound of wings overhead. With a mix of agricultural fields, public land, and managed wildlife areas, Louisiana provides a strong backdrop for one of the South’s most anticipated hunts. It’s a pursuit that calls for patience, a steady aim, and a sharp eye on the horizon.
Finding Productive Fields
Dove movement in Louisiana is closely tied to food and open ground. Fields with millet, sunflowers, harvested corn, or disked soil draw doves in by the dozens, especially when paired with nearby roosting trees or water sources. The early season offers optimal conditions for attracting birds, particularly in areas with natural seeds like goat weed. The management of these crops is crucial for attracting doves, as it enhances the availability of food during different splits of the dove season. The second split often features different hunting dynamics as the availability of birds and their feeding patterns change. Morning hunts tend to be strongest when birds move from roost to feed, while afternoons pick up again as doves return from loafing spots. Managed dove fields within wildlife management areas are especially popular for opening day, often producing fast action and high bird counts early.
Public and Private Options
Louisiana offers both public and private properties for dove hunters. Various WMA’s (Wildlife Management Areas) across the state provide public hunting opportunities. Several wildlife management areas across the state hold scheduled hunts or planted fields, providing excellent chances without the need for private land access. These hunts often require pre-registration or check-in, so it’s important to plan ahead. Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries implements a lottery system for access to certain public hunting areas, highlighting the popularity and demand for these events during the opening weekend of dove season. Private leases and farm fields can be productive, too, especially if lightly hunted. The key is scouting—spending time ahead of the season to find where birds are flying, feeding, and roosting.
Timing Your Shots
Success in dove hunting isn’t just about being in the right field—it’s about when you start shooting. Early in the morning, doves fly low and fast, often silhouetted against a rising sun. The moments just before sunset are ideal for dove hunting as doves come to water. In the afternoon, they return in more scattered patterns, sometimes flying higher or approaching from unexpected angles. Knowing how to read the flightline and adjust your position can make the difference between a full game bag and a sore shoulder. Letting the first birds pass can help you pick up their path and pattern for later shots.
Patience and Position
Good dove hunting in Louisiana often comes down to where you sit and how still you stay, depending on the local conditions. Having common sense in positioning and movement is crucial for a successful hunt. Birds pick up on movement quickly and will alter their course if they spot someone shifting or standing. A low-profile chair or stool and camouflaged clothing help you blend in, and staying close to fencerows, tree lines, or cut corners of the field gives you a better angle on passing birds. Sometimes the action is hot right away, and other times it takes hours. Either way, being ready when the moment comes is key.
Gear That Works
Dove hunting in Louisiana’s heat and humidity calls for breathable clothing, a cooler with cold drinks, and lightweight gear. A 12 or 20 gauge gun with an improved cylinder or modified choke is ideal for most shot scenarios. Lead shot is commonly used in dove hunting scenarios. Having plenty of shells on hand is wise—doves are tough targets, and even experienced hunters miss more than they’d like to admit. Eye and ear protection, bug spray, and a good game bag round out the basics.
More Than a Morning
While limits and good shots are the goal, dove hunting here is also about tradition. The start of dove season is filled with stories that grow a little with each telling. It’s the conversation between old friends, the smell of fresh earth, and the shared excitement of a bird crossing the field. Sharing meals, such as barbecue, is a cherished part of the hunting experience. It’s about fathers teaching sons, friends comparing missed shots, and involving a kid to pass on the hunting tradition. The start of dove season isn’t just a hunt—it’s a celebration of the outdoors and all the moments that come with it.
FAQs
When does dove season start in Louisiana?
Dove season in Louisiana typically opens in early September, with exact dates and zones set each year by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The registration period for the opening day typically starts in August.
What types of fields attract doves in Louisiana?
Sunflowers, corn stubble, freshly disked fields, and areas near water or roosting trees are all attractive to doves. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries leases private lands from farmers to create hunting opportunities. Fields with rice are particularly attractive to doves due to the abundance of food and the farming practices that create optimal hunting environments.
Are there public hunting opportunities for doves in Louisiana?
Yes, several wildlife management areas offer public dove hunting, some with scheduled hunt dates and managed fields for better success. Bodcau WMA is another area that provides public dove hunting opportunities. Elbow Slough WMA is one of the best public land locations for dove hunting.
What’s the best time of day to hunt doves in Louisiana?
Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times, when doves move between roosting and feeding areas. Hunting is allowed to start 30 minutes before the official sunrise, marking the point when hunting activities can commence.
What kind of shotgun is recommended for dove hunting?
A 12 or 20 gauge shotgun with improved cylinder or modified choke provides the best balance of spread and range for dove hunting. Number six shot is particularly effective for dove hunting.