Chattanooga, August 29, 2025
News Summary
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has announced the dove hunting season opening on Labor Day. Alongside seven newly leased private fields, hunters can enjoy diverse opportunities in the Chattanooga area, with strict regulations in place for a safe and responsible hunt.
Chattanooga, Tennessee Welcomes Dove Season and New Hunting Leases
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has announced the opening of dove hunting season for 2025-26, set to commence on Labor Day, September 1, at noon local time. Additionally, the TWRA has leased seven private fields specifically for dove hunting in Region III, which includes the Chattanooga area. These fields are complemented by ten TWRA wildlife management areas available for hunters.
Opening day hunting is permitted from noon until sunset, effective September 1. For subsequent hunting dates, hours are from half an hour before sunrise until sunset. The dove season is segmented into three distinct periods: Segment 1 runs from September 1 to September 28, Segment 2 is from October 11 to November 2, and Segment 3 spans from December 8 to January 15, 2025.
Details on Hunting Regulations
To participate in dove hunting, individuals must have a valid state hunting license as well as a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit. It is important for hunters to obtain permission prior to hunting on private lands. The daily limit for mourning doves has been set at 15, while hunters can take an unlimited number of collared doves. Any dove that cannot be definitively identified as a collared dove will be classified as a mourning dove and will count against the daily limit.
Baiting for migratory game birds is strictly prohibited, and hunters are reminded that auto-loading or repeating shotguns must be limited to a maximum capacity of three shells. The TWRA estimates that approximately 22,000 hunters in Tennessee manage to harvest around 326,000 mourning doves annually.
Additional Hunting Seasons Starting September 1
Alongside the dove hunting season, September 1 also marks the beginning of the early hunting season for Canada geese and other light geese, which will last until September 21. Other hunting seasons opening on the same day include those for moorhens, gallinules, and rails (Virginia and sora), which will close on November 9. Furthermore, a short crow hunting season coincides with the opening week of dove season and runs from September 1-5, resuming from September 12 to December 20. Crow hunting will only be allowed on weekends during this period.
The Role of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
The TWRA is tasked with managing fish and wildlife resources across the state while ensuring public safety through law enforcement and educational efforts on waterways. They also provide comprehensive information and resources to support hunting activities, all of which can be found on their website.
With dove hunting being a rich tradition in Tennessee, this year’s season is expected to attract both seasoned and novice hunters eager to participate in the activities. The leased private fields and public management areas offer diverse opportunities for a successful hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does dove hunting season start in Tennessee?
Dove hunting season starts on Labor Day, September 1, at noon local time.
How many dove segments are there and when do they occur?
The dove season is divided into three segments: Segment 1 (September 1-28), Segment 2 (October 11-November 2), and Segment 3 (December 8-January 15, 2025).
What are the requirements to hunt doves in Tennessee?
Hunters must have a valid state hunting license and a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit.
What is the daily bag limit for mourning doves?
The daily bag limit for mourning doves is 15, with no limit on collared doves.
Are there any restrictions on hunting method?
Hunters may not use bait for migratory game birds, and shotguns used must not hold more than three shells.
Key Features of Dove Hunting in Tennessee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Opening Date | Labor Day, September 1 |
| Segments | 3 Segments: September (1-28), October (11-November 2), December (8-January 15, 2025) |
| Daily Bag Limit | 15 for mourning doves, no limit for collared doves |
| Hunting Hours | Noon to sunset on opening day; half an hour before sunrise to sunset on other days |
| Private Field Leases | 7 private fields leased in the Chattanooga area |
| Laws on Baiting | Baiting for migratory game birds is prohibited |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- News Channel 9
- Wikipedia: Dove Hunting
- Times Free Press
- Google Search: Dove Hunting Tennessee
- Local 3 News
- Google Scholar: Dove Hunting Regulations Tennessee
- Nooga Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dove Hunting
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
