Minnesota · Dove · 2026 Edition
Minnesota Dove Season 2026: Dates, Bag Limits & Shooting Hours
Sep 1 — mark it
Mark it.
2026 Edition
01 — Seasons
| Season | Zones | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Statewide | Sep 1 – Nov 29 |
02 — Bag limits
| Daily | 15 |
|---|---|
| Possession | 45 |
03 — Shooting hours
Legal light on opening day (September 1, 2026) 06:08 — 19:55
Rule: One half-hour before sunrise to sunset (per MN DNR). Sunrise/sunset shift daily — the times above are computed for opening day; use your local Minnesota sun times for any other date.
04 — License & HIP
Dove hunters in Minnesota need a Minnesota hunting license and — because doves are migratory game birds — free federal HIP registration (Harvest Information Program). No federal Duck Stamp is required for doves.
Minnesota licenses & permits — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources →
05 — FAQ
When does dove season open in Minnesota?
The 2026 opener is September 1, 2026. Most states open Sep 1 under the federal migratory bird framework.
When does dove season end in Minnesota?
The latest 2026 closing date is November 29, 2026. 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 · Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · Last verified 2026-08-01
Publisher's note. Statewide per the MN DNR mourning dove 'season at a glance' (MN's dove framework opens Sept 1 annually). Only shotguns incapable of holding more than three shells may be used. Small game license + HIP certification required (residents may hunt without a license on their principal residence property).