The mourning dove continues to thrive throughout Tennessee, and the great southern tradition of September dove shoots continues in the Volunteer State. Tennessee's dove season opens annually at noon on September 1.

SEASONS (2007):
Sept. 1 - 25
Oct. 6 - 21
Dec. 15 - Jan. 1

BAG LIMIT:
15 per day
Possession limit: 30
*No limit on collared doves

REGULATIONS:
HUNTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except opening day, which opens at noon.

LEGAL WEAPONRY: Shotguns and handguns using ammunition loaded with Number 4 or smaller shot.

ILLEGAL WEAPONRY: Rifles and handguns using centerfire ammunition . . . Shotguns loaded with single ball or rifled slug . . . Rifles or handguns loaded with military or other full metal jacketed ammunition . . . Weapons capable of fully automatic fire . . . arrows with poisoned or chemically treated tips or explosive heads . . . Weapons equipped with artificial light sighting devices or night vision scopes.

AMMUNITION: Possession or use of buckshot is prohibited . . . Possession of shot larger than No. 4 is prohibited . . . Possession of rifled slugs is prohibited . . . Shotgun must be incapable of holding more than three shells.

PROHIBITED ACTS: Hunting over a site where bait has been placed to feed or attract wildlife is prohibited unless all bait has been removed at least 10 days prior to hunting . . . Unlawful to hunt within 100 yards of a visible dwelling house while hunting on public land, regardless of whether the dwelling is on public land or private land, without the owner's permission . . . Illegal to hunt from a public road right-of-way, or from any motorized vehicle, or to shoot across or from a public road or vehicle.

LICENSES:
Click here for list of licenses for all small game hunters.
*Migratory Bird Permit ($1) also required.