LOUISIANA — Dove hunters across Louisiana can officially head back into the fields this weekend as the state’s 2026 dove hunting season opens Saturday, Sept. 5, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The season is divided into North and South zones, with each featuring three hunting segments extending into January.

In the North Zone, dove hunting will be open Sept. 5-27, Oct. 10-Nov. 15 and Dec. 19-Jan. 17, 2027.

The South Zone will be open Sept. 5-20, Oct. 17-Nov. 29 and Dec. 12-Jan. 10, 2027.

Hunters 18 and older must have a basic Louisiana hunting license and Harvest Information Program certification, commonly known as HIP certification, to participate. Youth hunters age 17 and younger are not required to have a hunting license or HIP certification to hunt dove.

For opening day, LDWF will have lease fields available in DeRidder and Colfax. Dove hunting opportunities will also be available on several Wildlife Management Areas across Louisiana.

The statewide opener marks the beginning of a popular fall tradition for Louisiana sportsmen, with dove season often providing an opportunity for families and friends to gather in the field as hunting activity begins to pick up across the state.

Hunters are encouraged to review all applicable regulations before heading out and to make firearm and field safety a priority throughout the season.

The 2026 dove season officially opens statewide Saturday, Sept. 5.