PHOENIX — Sept. 1. It's a date that needs no explanation to Arizona's small game hunters. Dove season is officially open. To celebrate, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is sharing field-ready tips as well as some do's and don'ts to help you make the most of the early season before it closes on Sept. 15.
GET YOUR LICENSE AND MIGRATORY BIRD STAMP
Being comfortable in the field comes down to being prepared.
Here's some equipment our seasoned hunters find helpful:
- A properly fitted shotgun in any gauge that you can shoot well
- Shotgun shells for your gun in shot size 7 ½ or smaller (the national average is five shots per dove harvested, so figure 75 shells per limit of 15 doves)
- Loose, breathable clothing well-suited to sunny, hot conditions
- Well-fitting, comfortable boots
- Hearing and eye protection
- Sunscreen
- Water
- A cooler full of ice to transport your birds
- Optional equipment: bird vest to carry birds and shells; camp chair; gloves and knife/scissors/game shears to process your birds in the field; resealable bags to store your processed birds in
Here are some important do's and don'ts of dove hunting:
DO
- Leave one fully feathered wing attached to the bird for identification until you reach your permanent residence or the place the meat will be consumed
- Keep your individual limit of birds separate from other hunters' birds at all times—in the field, in the cooler and during transit
- Respect postings on private land and leave gates as found
- Make a reasonable effort to retrieve all downed birds
- Make sure to have your valid hunting license and migratory bird stamp. Youth hunters (10 to 17) only need a youth combination hunt and fish license for $5. Those who are under 10 do not need a hunting license when accompanied by a licensed adult (two children per adult)
- Report violations to Operation Game Thief 1-800-352-0700
DON'Ts
- Shoot within ÂĽ mile (440 yards) of an occupied structure while hunting unless you have permission
- Shoot from, across or into roads or railways
- Leave shotgun shells or other litter on the ground
- Hunt over waters all day—allow time for livestock to access water
- Consume drugs and/or alcohol while hunting or handling firearms
What about hunter orange?
Anything that helps other hunters see you is a good thing. Although clothing or equipment colored in hunter orange is not required in Arizona, it's recommended when hunting in a group or near other hunters. The bright color helps keep you visible, even from a distance or when you may be moving through thick cover to retrieve downed birds.
Take your dove season experience to the next level by registering for an Outdoor Skills Network dove event.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department receives no general fund tax dollars. The majority of funding to manage more than 800 native wildlife species comes from Arizona's hunters and anglers.