Where Hunters Can Find Free Public Dove Fields in Caddo and Bossier

Every year about this time I get a rash of people asking me the same question.   "Where can I go around here to dove hunt?"

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Getting the question always symbolizes that hunting season is on the cusp, and indeed, dove season in Louisiana is less than two weeks away as it is set to begin September 5 across the Bayou State.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has established two zones for doves. The North Zone, in which all our local parishes are contained, and the South Zone, which includes anything south of LA 190.

In Louisiana's North Zone, the 2026 Dove Season Will Run These Dates

• September 5-27
• October 10-November 15
• December 19-January 17, 2027

In Louisiana's South Zone, the 2026 Dove Season Will Run These Dates

• September 5-20
• October 17-November 29
• December 12-January 10, 2027

As far as where to dove hunt around here, there are a multitude of places for local hunters. Private land is a great solution, as long as you've obtained WRITTEN permission from the land owner.

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Many deer leases have numerous locations that provide excellent dove habitat, and the LDWF has established dove fields that are offered free of charge to hunters.

Both the Bodcau WMA in Bossier Parish and the John Franks WMA in Caddo Parish provide planted fields that are open to all hunters. Note that all LDWF WMA dove fields are non-toxic shot, size 6 or smaller, only.

READ MORE: Hunters Encouraged to Clean Out The Freezer For Local Food Bank

Also of note is that the official shooting hours on these LDWF private dove field leases and Wildlife Management areas are the same as outside, one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The old requirement that limited these areas to a 12:00 pm start on opening day of the first split only, was relinquished in 2023.

Dove Hunting Fields at Bodcau Wildlife Management Area - Bossier Parish

• 8 acres brown-top millet located by the shooting range.
• 6 acres brown-top millet located in the Whittington Fields.

Dove Hunting Fields at John Franks Wildlife Management Area - Caddo Parish

• 20 acres of sunflower and brown-top millet near the LA 3049 parking area for the southern ATV/UTV trail
• 7 acres of sunflower and brown-top millet near the LA 3049 parking area for the northern ATV/UTV trail
• 15 acres of sunflower and brown-top millet on the southern end and east of LA 3049.

Dove hunters 18 and older are required to have a basic hunting license and be Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified. Youth 17 and under do not need a hunting license or HIP certification to dove hunt.

All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License.

To see more about dove hunting regulations, go to wlf.louisiana.gov/page/dove