Doves Aplenty When Season Opens

When it comes to dove hunting in Arizona, one thing is pretty much indisputable: There's never a bad season opener.

When it comes to dove hunting in Arizona, one thing is pretty much indisputable: There's never a bad season opener.

All signs indicate that there will be birds aplenty when the 2024 season gets underway 30 minutes before legal sunrise Sunday, Sept. 1. This is especially true for hunters who are willing to scout in the mornings and evenings between now and the opener to locate some good hunting spots.

Once again, the greatest number of doves - and dove hunters - will be concentrated in the state's agricultural areas, particularly those that produce small-grain crops like wheat, barley, oats and sorghum. That includes locations like Yuma, one of the premier destinations in the U.S., as well as Buckeye, Eloy, Florence, Gila Bend, Toltec and others. Note: All National Park Service parks and monuments are closed to hunting unless specifically opened in Commission Order.

Daily Bag Limits

NOTE: New this year, for both the "early" (Sept. 1-15) and "late" (Nov. 15-Dec. 29) seasons, the daily bag limit is 15 total mourning and white-winged doves, of which no more than 10 may be white-winged. The possession limit is 45 mourning and white-winged in the aggregate after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. Of the 45-dove possession limit, only 30 may be white-winged, of which no more than 10 may be taken in any one day.

There is no daily bag limit or possession limit on the invasive Eurasian collared-dove. A fully feathered wing must be left attached to each dove for identification purposes until a hunter reaches his or her permanent residence or where the game meat will be consumed.

Buy Arizona Licenses

All hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as an Arizona migratory bird stamp - both of which can be purchased online at www.azgfd.com/license/. A youth combination hunt/fish license (for youth hunters 10 to 17) is only $5 and includes the Arizona migratory bird stamp.

All dove hunters should review the "2024-2025 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations," which are posted at https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/. The regulations have been produced in a format that hunters will find particularly handy in the field. The color brochure is easy to read and features important hunting information, such as season dates, daily bag and possession limits, and legal requirements, at a glance.

Dove Hunters Help Conservation

Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) funds consist of excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access and more.

Buckeye Rolling Out Red Carpet For Dove Hunters

West Valley community to hosts variety of fun activities.

Looking for a good dove-hunting spot on less than a tank of gas? Then head west on Interstate 10 to Buckeye, only 45 minutes from Phoenix, for exciting wingshooting action and fun activities when the season begins Sunday, Sept. 1.

The City of Buckeye and its community partners, including landowners who graciously provide access to hunters, are all working together to provide the best in hospitality - from brewing up early-morning coffee at Cafe 25:35 and setting up several dove-cleaning stations, to offering hunter discounts at participating restaurants and businesses.

Areas Attract Doves

Robbins Butte, Powers Butte and Arlington wildlife areas offer plentiful fields that flocks of mourning and white-winged doves find so attractive. A lucky hunter might even see a deer or javelina foraging in those fields. For more information about upcoming dove-hunting events, such as the annual Robbins Butte Mentored Youth Dove Hunt, visit AZGFD's Outdoor Skills Network. https://www.register-ed.com/programs/arizona/170-outdoor-skills-network

Watch a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy7Ps9zUZXY

The Arizona Game And Fish Department (AZGFD) has been working hard to bring back doves through the many projects implemented on the wildlife areas. The increased availability of food (more than 400 acres in crop production growing wheat, barely, oats, sunflowers, and milo) and habitat for doves and other small game species shows a promising future for higher numbers of doves. It all means more opportunities for hunters and wildlife viewers.

Not Just About Hunting`

Of course, dove season isn't just about the doves. It's really about the traditions, families and friends, and community. Buckeye and AZGFD have been collaboratively working for the past several years to promote, expand and celebrate the opportunities for outdoor recreation in Phoenix's West Valley, with a focus on the season opener of the dove hunts.

For more information about dove hunting in Buckeye, including hunting area maps and local events, visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1105cba27ddf4df797df35961e672608. AZGFD also offers additional information, including field-dressing tips and even a tasty recipe, at www.azgfd.gov/dove.