Virginia · Dove · 2026–27 Edition
Virginia Dove Season 2026–27: Dates, Bag Limits & Shooting Hours
Sep 5 — mark it
Mark it.
2026–27 Edition
01 — Seasons
| Season | Zones | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| First Segment · Opener (noon–sunset) | Statewide | Sep 5 – Sep 5 |
| First Segment (all-day) | Statewide | Sep 6 – Oct 24 |
| Second Segment | Statewide | Nov 21 – Nov 29 |
| Third Segment | Statewide | Dec 19 – Jan 18 |
02 — Bag limits
| Daily | 15 (mourning and white-winged doves, singly or in combination) |
|---|---|
| Possession | 45 |
03 — Shooting hours
Legal light on opening day (September 5, 2026) 06:19 — 19:37
Rule: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset — EXCEPT opening day (Sept 5), which is noon to sunset (per VA DWR).. Sunrise/sunset shift daily — the times above are computed for opening day; use your local Virginia sun times for any other date.
04 — License & HIP
Dove hunters in Virginia need a Virginia hunting license and — because doves are migratory game birds — free federal HIP registration (Harvest Information Program). No federal Duck Stamp is required for doves.
Virginia licenses & permits — Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources →
05 — FAQ
When does dove season open in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
The latest 2026–27 closing date is January 18, 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 · Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources · Last verified 2026-08-01
Publisher's note. Statewide, three segments per VA DWR 2026-2027 migratory game bird seasons. Opening day (Sept 5) is NOON-ONLY (noon to sunset); Sept 6 onward is the standard half-hour-before-sunrise-to-sunset. HIP registration required (renew each July 1). Dove hunting is permitted at all WMAs except Hog Island and Princess Anne.