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Dove & Migratory Bird
Permits 2026

Dove, woodcock, snipe, and other migratory birds are federally managed under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. All hunters need a base hunting license, a free HIP registration, and a federal Duck Stamp if hunting waterfowl. Some states charge an additional state migratory bird license. Find your state's complete requirements here.

All 50 States HIP Registration Info Federal Duck Stamp Guide
50States Covered
49HIP Required
30Woodcock Season
Federal Requirement: HIP Registration is Free & Required in Most States
The Harvest Information Program (HIP) is a free federal registration that all migratory bird hunters must complete annually. You'll answer a few quick questions about previous year's harvests. HIP registration is separate from your state hunting license and must be completed before hunting doves, woodcock, snipe, rails, or other migratory birds. Register at your state wildlife agency or authorized license dealer.
What You Need

Required Licenses for Migratory Bird Hunting

Hunting migratory birds in the United States involves multiple overlapping federal and state requirements. Unlike resident game, migratory birds cross state lines and international borders, placing them under federal jurisdiction. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service sets seasons and bag limits, while states administer licenses and may add additional requirements. Understanding what you need before the season opens prevents legal complications and supports conservation funding.

State Hunting License
Always required. A base hunting license from your state is the foundation for all hunting activity, including migratory birds. Some states include dove privileges; others charge an additional migratory bird stamp fee.
Free HIP Registration
The Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is free and required annually in most states. It takes less than 2 minutes and is typically completed when you buy your hunting license. This helps USFWS manage national migratory bird populations.
Federal Duck Stamp
Required for waterfowl hunters age 16+. The $25 Federal Duck Stamp funds wetland conservation through the National Wildlife Refuge System. You must have it on your person when hunting any waterfowl species. Dove hunters typically do not need the Duck Stamp.
Federal Season Dates
Season dates for all migratory birds are set by the USFWS and announced annually, usually in summer for fall seasons. States may adopt shorter seasons within federal frameworks. Always check the current year's seasons before hunting.

Dove & Migratory Bird Permits by State

Select your state to view specific license fees, HIP requirements, season info, and bag limits.

50 states shown
AL
Alabama
State Fee $17.00
View requirements Dove season open
AK
Alaska
State Fee $25.00
View requirements
AZ
Arizona
State Fee $37.00
View requirements Dove season open
AR
Arkansas
State Fee $25.00
View requirements Dove season open
CA
California
State Fee $55.15
View requirements Dove season open
CO
Colorado
State Fee $31.96
View requirements Dove season open
CT
Connecticut
State Fee $19.00
View requirements Dove season open
DE
Delaware
State Fee $17.00
View requirements Dove season open
FL
Florida
State Fee $17.00
View requirements Dove season open
GA
Georgia
State Fee $15.00
View requirements Dove season open
HI
Hawaii
State Fee $25.00
View requirements
ID
Idaho
State Fee $30.50
View requirements Dove season open
IL
Illinois
State Fee $15.50
View requirements Dove season open
IN
Indiana
State Fee $24.75
View requirements Dove season open
IA
Iowa
State Fee $22.00
View requirements Dove season open
KS
Kansas
State Fee $27.50
View requirements Dove season open
KY
Kentucky
State Fee $24.00
View requirements Dove season open
LA
Louisiana
State Fee $15.00
View requirements Dove season open
ME
Maine
State Fee $26.00
View requirements
MD
Maryland
State Fee $24.50
View requirements Dove season open
MA
Massachusetts
State Fee $27.50
View requirements Dove season open
MI
Michigan
State Fee $26.00
View requirements Dove season open
MN
Minnesota
State Fee $26.00
View requirements Dove season open
MS
Mississippi
State Fee $25.00
View requirements Dove season open
MO
Missouri
State Fee $19.00
View requirements Dove season open
MT
Montana
State Fee $21.00
View requirements Dove season open
NE
Nebraska
State Fee $28.00
View requirements Dove season open
NV
Nevada
State Fee $40.00
View requirements Dove season open
NH
New Hampshire
State Fee $15.00
View requirements Dove season open
NJ
New Jersey
State Fee $27.50
View requirements Dove season open
NM
New Mexico
State Fee $25.00
View requirements Dove season open
NY
New York
State Fee $22.00
View requirements Dove season open
NC
North Carolina
State Fee $25.00
View requirements Dove season open
ND
North Dakota
State Fee $15.00
View requirements Dove season open
OH
Ohio
State Fee $19.00
View requirements Dove season open
OK
Oklahoma
State Fee $25.00
View requirements Dove season open
OR
Oregon
State Fee $44.00
View requirements Dove season open
PA
Pennsylvania
State Fee $20.90
View requirements Dove season open
RI
Rhode Island
State Fee $18.00
View requirements Dove season open
SC
South Carolina
State Fee $12.00
View requirements Dove season open
SD
South Dakota
State Fee $12.00
View requirements Dove season open
TN
Tennessee
State Fee $34.00
View requirements Dove season open
TX
Texas
State Fee $40.00
View requirements Dove season open
UT
Utah
State Fee $35.00
View requirements Dove season open
VT
Vermont
State Fee $28.00
View requirements Dove season open
VA
Virginia
State Fee $23.00
View requirements Dove season open
WA
Washington
State Fee $30.05
View requirements Dove season open
WV
West Virginia
State Fee $19.00
View requirements Dove season open
WI
Wisconsin
State Fee $20.00
View requirements Dove season open
WY
Wyoming
State Fee $12.00
View requirements Dove season open
FAQ

Dove & Migratory Bird Permit Questions

HIP (Harvest Information Program) registration is a free federal requirement for all migratory bird hunters. It's typically completed in under 2 minutes when purchasing your state hunting license — your license agent will ask you a brief survey about last year's migratory bird harvest. HIP is required in all states for dove, woodcock, snipe, rails, moorhen, gallinule, and other migratory birds. Waterfowl hunters need both HIP and a Federal Duck Stamp.
No — the Federal Duck Stamp is required for waterfowl hunters (ducks, geese, swans), not dove hunters. Dove, woodcock, snipe, and rail hunters generally only need a state hunting license and HIP registration. Some states charge a small additional state migratory bird fee. If you plan to hunt both doves and waterfowl in the same season, you'll need all of: a hunting license, HIP, and the $25 Federal Duck Stamp.
Dove seasons vary by state and are set annually by the USFWS. Most states have a September opener for mourning doves — traditionally Labor Day weekend. Zones within states can have different dates. White-winged dove seasons often open earlier in Texas and other southwestern states. Woodcock seasons typically run October through January in northern states. Always check the current year's season dates with your state wildlife agency before hunting.
The federal daily bag limit for mourning doves is 15 birds. States may set stricter limits but cannot exceed the federal limit. White-winged doves have a combined limit with mourning doves in most states. The possession limit is typically 3 times the daily bag limit (45 birds). Band-tailed pigeons have a separate and much stricter federal limit. Always check both federal and state limits for the specific species and zone you're hunting.
No — hunting doves over bait is a federal violation under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This includes hunting near areas where grain, salt, or other feed has been intentionally placed. Natural agricultural activities (normal farming operations) are generally permitted, but the legal distinction can be complex. Fields that are mowed, disced, or where crops have recently been harvested can often be legally hunted. When in doubt, consult your state wildlife agency's baiting regulations.
Non-residents typically need a non-resident hunting license from the state they're hunting in, plus the same HIP registration required of residents. Non-resident license fees are usually $50–$150, compared to $15–$50 for residents. Some states offer short-term non-resident licenses specifically for dove hunting. HIP registration applies regardless of residency. Federal Duck Stamp requirements are the same for residents and non-residents. Always purchase the appropriate non-resident license before hunting in another state.