Alabama · Dove · 2026–27 Edition
Alabama Dove Season 2026–27: Dates, Bag Limits & Shooting Hours
Sep 5 — mark it
Mark it.
2026–27 Edition
01 — Seasons
| Season | Zones | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Opener · Afternoon-only (12:00 noon – sunset) | North Zone | Sep 5 – Sep 5 |
| Segment 1 · All-day | North Zone | Sep 6 – Oct 18 |
| Segment 2 · All-day | North Zone | Nov 21 – Nov 29 |
| Segment 3 · All-day | North Zone | Dec 12 – Jan 17 |
| Opener · Afternoon-only (12:00 noon – sunset) | South Zone (Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Mobile) | Sep 12 – Sep 12 |
| Segment 1 · All-day | South Zone | Sep 13 – Oct 25 |
| Segment 2 · All-day | South Zone | Nov 21 – Nov 29 |
| Segment 3 · All-day | South Zone | Dec 12 – Jan 17 |
02 — Bag limits
| Statewide | 15 per day (90 days total across the split season) |
|---|
03 — Shooting hours
Legal light on opening day (September 5, 2026) 05:55 — 19:06
Rule: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset (all-day). Note: Opening day is AFTERNOON-ONLY, 12:00 noon to sunset — see the row for opening-day details.. Sunrise/sunset shift daily — the times above are computed for opening day; use your local Alabama sun times for any other date.
04 — License & HIP
Dove hunters in Alabama need a Alabama hunting license and — because doves are migratory game birds — free federal HIP registration (Harvest Information Program). No federal Duck Stamp is required for doves.
Alabama licenses & permits — Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources →
05 — FAQ
When does dove season open in Alabama?
The 2026–27 opener is September 5, 2026. Most states open Sep 1 under the federal migratory bird framework.
When does dove season end in Alabama?
The latest 2026–27 closing date is January 17, 2027. Split segments and late seasons vary — see the table above.
Do I need a Duck Stamp to hunt doves?
No. Doves are migratory game birds but the federal Duck Stamp is only required for waterfowl (ducks, geese, brant, swans). Dove hunters need only their state hunting license and free HIP registration.
Verified · Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (WFF) · Last verified 2026-08-01
Publisher's note. Two zones (North / South). Opening day is AFTERNOON-ONLY (12:00 noon to sunset) in both zones — noted below. South Zone counties: Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Mobile. Doves are federal migratory game birds; free HIP registration required.