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ABOUT
Mourning doves are found statewide in good numbers and are our most abundant game bird. They also make great table fare. If you'd like to try your hand at hunting doves, check out the guide below.
Anyone born after 1961 is required to take a certified hunter education course prior to obtaining a hunting license (with a couple of exceptions).
A one time apprentice license is available to those who would like to try hunting prior to taking the hunter education course. If you have an apprentice license, you must be accompanied by a licensed adult when hunting. Note: An individual who was issued an apprentice hunter validation license in 2020-21 may receive another.
Hunter education courses are taught by volunteers and offered throughout the year (though most are held January - March).
To legally hunt doves in North Dakota you need the appropriate licenses. Note: If you are unsure if you meet North Dakota residency requirements for purchasing a license, take a look at our residency page.
Residents
Must possess the following licenses:
Nonresidents
Must possess the following licenses:
Firearms – Recommended: 20 or 12 gauge, any action, improved cylinder or modified choke
Ammunition - Typical shot sizes used for dove are lead 7 1/2 or 8, but you’ll need to use non-toxic shot if hunting on a USFWS Waterfowl Production Area or National Wildlife Refuge.
Other gear:
Mourning doves are found statewide in good numbers and are the most abundant game bird in the country.
Localized areas that tend to have more doves are landscapes with a combination of trees, pasturelands, hay lands, croplands and water sources with bare edges to the water (so doves can walk up and drink). When it comes to crops, wheat, barley, canola, and sunflowers are best, but sometimes doves use odd areas along the edges of corn and soybean fields.
Doves predictably move between roost, water and food. Before daybreak and throughout early morning, doves will leave roost and go to feed, sometimes flying several miles. Doves eat small seeds and key in on pigeon grass, barnyard grass and other small weed seeds. They also feed on barley, wheat, and canola. After feeding, doves will go to water to drink – during dry years watering sources can be great hunting locations, just make sure you can retrieve anything you shoot. Doves will come and go from roosts throughout the day and then go back out for food and water during the evening. Sometimes a good hunting spot will be right where doves are trying to feed, drink or roost, but quite often a hunt can be had by finding a location that the doves are simply flying through from point A to point B. This is called pass-shooting.
Flushing doves while walking shelterbelts can also be a fun way to hunt this sporty little bird as they flush from all heights, including off the ground.
Do you still have questions about hunting doves in North Dakota?