Louisiana dove hunting season begins with 75 violations statewide

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported a busy first weekend of dove hunting season, with 75 tickets issued across the state.

During the first two days of the season, which began in the Northern Zone on September 7, hunters were cited for a number of common offences, including hunting in baited fields, exceeding daily shooting limits and failing to obtain proper licences.

Dr. Anastasia Couvillion, a biology professor at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM), explained that while minor violations may not have a significant impact statewide, repeated illegal hunting can disrupt local ecosystems, especially in regions like northern Louisiana where many doves are permanent residents.

“Overhunting can lead to declines in local populations, which in turn can have an impact on the environment. Pigeons are very important seed dispersers,” Dr Couvillion said.

The LDWF has set a daily cull limit of 15 pigeons for this season, which runs until September 28. Dr Couvillion noted that these limits can change from year to year depending on population estimates.

“The reason the regulations change sometimes from year to year for different species is, as I mentioned, population estimates can vary from year to year. I highly recommend hunters review that document (LDWF regulations) if they want to hunt,” she added.

The second northern Louisiana dove hunting season is scheduled for October 5 to November 9. The Northern Zone will run from September 7 to 28, October 5 to November 9 and December 21 to January 21, 2025.

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