Wildlife Department of Kentucky to conduct four dove hunting events, application period from August 4 to 15
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has announced the 2021 season for dove quota hunts and mentor/youth dove quota hunts. These events are designed to manage hunting pressure and provide quality hunting experiences, particularly for youth and mentored hunters.
To participate, individuals must first obtain the appropriate hunting licenses and migratory bird permits suitable for their age group (youth or adult) and residency status, as outlined in the Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide. Youth hunters participating in mentor/youth hunts may need to comply with additional mentoring rules, such as being accompanied by a licensed adult hunter.
Applications for the mentor/youth dove quota hunts will be accepted from August 4 at 8 a.m. (Eastern) through August 15 at 4:30 p.m. The application period for these hunts can be found on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Migratory Bird Hunting webpage. Successful applicants will be notified shortly after the application period closes.
The mentor/youth dove quota hunts will be held on September 1 and September 6 at various locations across the state. One hunt will be held at Higginson-Henry WMA in Union County, Mullins WMA in Kenton County, a private land cooperator field in Lincoln County, and the Welch Tract of Kentucky River WMA. The quota dove hunt on the Welch Tract will run from 1 p.m. (Eastern) to 6 p.m., while the Big Rivers WMA hunts will run from noon (Central) to 5 p.m.
Drawn hunters for these events must print a copy of the selection page and carry it with them in the field. Each drawn hunter is allowed to bring one guest, who must also carry a copy of the selection page. The rules for these hunts can be found on the Migratory Bird Hunting webpage.
It is important to note that these fields will be closed in between the quota hunt dates to limit hunting pressure on the fields. The dove hunting season opens on Labor Day, September 1, and will open to all dove hunters starting September 7. Hunters must be off the field by closing time.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will host a total of four dove quota hunts and three traditional mentor/youth dove quota hunts during the early part of the dove hunting season. For the precise 2021 requirements and application details, the Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide for 2021 and archived department announcements at that time would provide the official documentation.
We encourage all interested hunters to apply during the specified application period and to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations for these events. Happy hunting!
In Kenton County, one of the locations for the upcoming mentor/youth dove quota hunts in Kentucky, participants must follow the rules and regulations outlined in the Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide. These events, held on September 1 and September 6, are part of the department's initiative to provide quality hunting experiences, including for sports such as dove hunting.
