Dove & Migratory Birds
Kentucky Dove & Migratory
Bird Permits 2026
Complete requirements for hunting doves, woodcock, snipe, and other migratory birds in Kentucky. Kentucky offers mourning dove and woodcock hunting. Dove season typically opens September 1.
HIP Required
Dove Season Open
Woodcock Season
2026 Permit Quick Facts
Verified 2026
State Fee
$24.00
Hunting license + HIP required.
Non-Resident
$120.00
Hunting license + HIP
Daily Bag Limit
15 mourning doves; 3 woodcock
Federal maximum
HIP Required
Yes (Free)
Complete at license agent
Season Dates
2026 Migratory Bird Season in Kentucky
Dove: Sept 1 – Nov 30; Woodcock: Oct–Nov
Season dates are set annually by USFWS. Always confirm current dates with Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Resources.
Step-by-Step
How to Get Licensed for Dove Hunting in Kentucky
1
Purchase a Kentucky Hunting License
A valid state hunting license is required for all migratory bird hunting. An additional state migratory bird fee of $24.00 applies. Purchase through Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Resources online or at an authorized license agent.
2
Complete Free HIP Registration
HIP registration is free and quick - answer a brief survey about last year's migratory bird harvests. This is typically completed when purchasing your hunting license at a license agent or online. You must have a valid HIP registration number before hunting doves or other migratory birds.
3
Check Season Dates & Bag Limits
Dove season dates are set annually by USFWS. Daily bag limit: 15 mourning doves; 3 woodcock. Dove: Sept 1 – Nov 30; Woodcock: Oct–Nov Always confirm current season dates with Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Resources before hunting.
Requirements
Kentucky Migratory Bird Requirements
Kentucky hunting license + HIP.
Source: Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Resources (fw.ky.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Season dates are set annually - always confirm with Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Resources and USFWS before hunting.