Mourning Dove in Virginia
hunting regulations.
Hunting regulations change. The information on this page reflects what we know about species presence and hunt availability based on state agency listings. For current season dates, bag limits, weapon restrictions, tag requirements, and reporting obligations, verify directly with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. You are responsible for confirming current regulations before hunting.
Mourning Dove is general season in Virginia. The agency above sets season dates, bag limits, and zone boundaries — those change yearly. Verify before you hunt.
About the species
Mourning doves are the most widely hunted migratory gamebird in North America, with annual harvest exceeding 20 million birds. They occupy nearly every state during fall migration, concentrating around grain ag, water sources, and grit. Mature birds weigh 4-6 ounces.
Most states open dove season on September 1 with seasons typically running 60-90 days under federal frameworks. Daily bag limits are commonly 15 birds. Pass shooting at flight lines, decoying over harvested grain fields, and water-source ambushes are the dominant techniques. Dove hunting often serves as the social/family opener of the upland season.
Other upland birds in Virginia
Want the picture for this species across every state? See Mourning Dove regulations by state. Or browse every huntable species in Virginia.