2008 South Dakota Dove Hunting Season

The 2008 South Dakota Dove Hunting Season begins September 1, 2008 at 30 minutes before sunrise. But, this is not the time for hunters to decide that they would like to participate in this hunting season. They do need to have a little time to prepare and make sure that they have all the necessary items needed to legally hunt doves in South Dakota. These items range from the appropriate hunting license to the type of weapon that they are allowed to use.

From September 1 to October 30, 2008, hunters who have a South Dakota Migratory Bird Certificate, a 1-day small game hunting license or a combination license and a Federal Migratory Bird Certificate can legally hunt doves from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. Youth, ages 12 to 15, who are residents of South Dakota will need a resident 1-day small game hunting license, a South Dakota Migratory Bird Certificate and must have successfully completed a hunter education program before they can legally hunt doves in South Dakota. Junior hunters, ages 16 to 18 are required to have a Junior South Dakota Small Game License and a South Dakota Migratory Bird Certificate in order to hunt doves in South Dakota. Non-residents of this state can also purchase non-resident hunting licenses making them legal to hunt doves here.

During the 2008-2009 South Dakota Dove Hunting Season, dove hunters who enjoy this sport can legally take a daily bag limit of 15 and a possession limit of 30 doves. They are also to use a shotgun that is 10 gauge or smaller and can only hold 3 shotgun shells. This shotgun must also be plugged if a plugging apparatice was included with the gun from the manufactorer. Knowing these two restrictions can save someone a lot of trouble if they get caught doing the wrong thing.