Mourning Doves

Dove sitting on top of a fence post before a blue sky.

Topics:

Hunting - Migratory Game Birds
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Dove Hunting in Iowa

Iowa became the 42nd state to have a hunting season for mourning doves in 2011. Dove hunting provides an opportunity for hunters of any age or experience level to participate due to an abundance of birds, simple equipment needs and moderate physical activity.

Doves are a  migratory bird and can be found in all 99 counties with highest populations in the Loess Hills and southern three tiers of Iowa counties. They prefer open habitats such as farmland, prairies, grasslands and lightly wooded areas.

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Federal Duck Stamp

Beginning July 2019, Iowa migratory bird hunters can buy their Federal Duck Stamp in the form of an E-Stamp through all Iowa license vendors and through the Go Outdoors Iowa online portal.

The E-Stamp is now valid for the entire hunting season. The physical stamp will be mailed to the address on file. Hunters are responsible to make sure their address on file is current

Questions? Visit the US Fish & Wildlife Service website.

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Harvest Information Program (HIP)

Hunters who plan to pursue migratory game birds are required to register for Harvest Information Program (HIP). Migratory game birds mean more than ducks and geese; it includes ducks, geese, coots, doves, woodcock, rails, and snipe.

Once registered, hunters will need to write their confirmation number on the line provided at the top of their hunting license as proof of registration. 

Need help? Check out our HIP Guide for Mobile Devices and our HIP Guide via Website submission. 

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Iowa's Hunting Regulations

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Get Your Hunting License Online

Hunter walking a field in the fall.
Go Outdoors Iowa

It’s so easy to buy your fishing or hunting license online, or visit local retailers and bait shops to buy your hunting or fishing licenses today.

Purchase your license
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Interactive Hunting Atlas

Plan Your Hunting Trip

Our interactive hunting atlas was made to make it easier for you to find areas open to public hunting.

Download: Hunting Atlas boundaries for Google Earth [*.kmz]

Access the interactive hunting atlas
Screenshot showing Iowa and different public hunting areas outlined, then with popup information.

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Iowa Hunting Seasons

We work hard to keep our calendars current, but always refer to Iowa's hunting regulations booklet for official, legal season dates. For additional information, review Iowa's hunting regulations and laws.

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