The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is reaching out to landowners throughout the state, encouraging them to consider leasing their fields for the upcoming dove hunting season in 2025. This initiative offers financial incentives, with payments reaching as high as $4,000 for those who provide appropriate land for public hunting activities.
To be eligible for this program, fields must be accessible for at least three designated hunting dates during the initial segment of the dove season, which commences at noon on Labor Day, September 1. The TWRA is particularly keen on harvested grain fields and is willing to lease hunting rights for parcels of up to 40 acres. Landowners can expect to earn $75 per acre, with an additional bonus of $25 per acre for fields that have been top-sown with wheat.
It is important for landowners interested in this opportunity to register their fields by the end of August. This program not only provides a chance for landowners to earn income but also plays a vital role in ensuring safe and accessible hunting experiences across Tennessee. The state is home to approximately 24,000 dove hunters each year, who collectively harvest around 320,000 birds annually.
The leased dove field program was initiated by the TWRA in the late 1980s and has since become an essential part of enhancing public access to quality hunting locations. In addition to the leased fields, the TWRA also oversees public dove fields located within wildlife management areas across all four regions of Tennessee.
Landowners who wish to explore the possibility of leasing their fields are encouraged to reach out to their respective TWRA regional offices for more information. The contact numbers for each region are as follows:
For Region I (West Tennessee), call 731-423-5725 or 800-372-3928.
In Region II (Middle Tennessee), the numbers are 615-781-6622 or 800-624-7406.
For Region III (Upper Cumberland), interested parties can reach out at 931-484-9571 or 833-402-4698.
Finally, in Region IV (East Tennessee), the contact numbers are 423-587-7037 or 800-332-0900.
These regional offices are available to assist from Monday to Friday, operating between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. local time.