Tennessee’s dove season opens Sept. 1 at noon (local time), the annual start of one of the state’s most long-standing outdoor sports traditions. This year’s opening day falls on a Thursday.
Tennessee’s dove season is once again divided into three segments: Sept. 1-Sept. 28; Oct. 8-Oct. 30; and Dec. 8-Jan. 15, 2023. Hunting times, other than opening day, are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Hunters must have in his/her possession a valid state hunting license and Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit at all times while hunting. Hunters must also have landowner’s permission to hunt on private land.
In addition to the start of dove season, the early season for Canada goose, brant, blue, snow, and Ross’ Geese (light geese) also starts on Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 18.
Refer to the 2022-23 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide for daily bag limits.
More information on Tennessee’s dove and other migratory birds can be found on the TWRA website (www.tnwildlife.org) in the Hunting section. The 2022-23 Tennessee Hunting & Trapping Guide can also be viewed on the website, the TWRA App, or a copy may be obtained at any TWRA regional office or wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.