Dove Quota Hunt

The KDFWR is offering dove hunters a chance for a limited access dove hunt, where only a prescribed number of hunters will be allowed to hunt during limited hours of each day, limiting the amount of pressure these fields receive. Fields set aside for Quota Dove hunts are closed to all hunting, except for hunters drawn for hunts on Sept. 1 and Sept. 6. Hunts require pre-registration, and all hunters must check in prior to hunting (see rules below for details). Hunters must be drawn online to participate, or be the guest of a drawn hunter. There will be no stand-by spots available. Quota dove fields on wildlife management areas are open to any legal KY hunter. These fields will open to the general public on Sept. 7.

Application Open: Aug. 4th, 8AM - Aug 15th, 4:30PM (EDT) Results Available: Aug. 22nd, 2025 (here).

Locations:

CENTRAL KENTUCKY

Henry County

*Kentucky River WMA, Welch Tract: (30 Slots).

US 421 to Hwy 561, 1 mile west of Gest (near Lock 3). USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only.

WESTERN KENTUCKY

Crittenden County

*Big Rivers WMA: (25 Slots).

From Sturgis, KY take highway 365 south 2.7 miles. Field will be located off of the highway, 200 yards south of the WMA office.

Hunt Application

Hunter Information

Submit Application
* Required Field

Rules for the hunt:

  1. A person applying to hunt doves on a department dove quota hunt shall:
    1. Apply on the department's web site at fw.ky.gov between the first Monday in August and the third Friday in August.
    2. Not apply for more than one (1) quota hunt.
  2. A person drawn to hunt on a dove quota hunt may bring up to one (1) additional guest hunter.
    1. A hunter need not apply for the quota hunt to participate as a guest.
  3. All hunters will be responsible for cleaning up their shooting location (including empty shells) prior to leaving the field.
  4. Hunter education and licensing requirements apply.  
  5. Dove Hunt Locations
  6. A person hunting doves on department quota hunt shall:
    1. Check in prior to hunting;
    2. Not begin hunting before 1 p.m. in the Eastern Time Zone and by 12 p.m. in the Central Time Zone;
    3. Carry a copy of his or her department provided selection notification letter on the day of the hunt. (Notification letter available online)
    4. A guest hunter shall carry a copy of his or her host hunter's selection notification letter;
    5. Not hunt as a guest hunter unless the drawn hunter who invited them is present in field;
    6. Cease hunting and exit the field by 6 p.m. in the Eastern Time Zone and by 5 p.m. in the Central Time Zone;
    7. Check out of the area by accurately completing the Dove Quota Post-hunt Hunter Survey provided by the department during check-in, and submitting the survey at the department designated drop point before exiting the field.
    8. Not possess more than fifty (50) shotshells.

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