California’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife attract hunters throughout the year. Dove hunting offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of the chase amidst stunning scenery.
California Dove Game Guide: Dates & Schedule
| Species | Season / Area | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning and White-winged Dove | Statewide | Sep 1 – 15 & Nov 11 – Dec 25 | 15, up to 10 of which may be white-winged doves | Triple the daily bag |
| Spotted and Ringed Turtle Dove | No limit | – | – | – |
| Eurasian Collared-dove | All Year | – | No limit | – |
And for Band-tailed Pigeon:
| Season / Area (Zone Map) | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Sep 16 – 24 | 2 per day | Triple the daily bag |
| South | Dec 16 – 24 | – | – |
Obtaining Your Dove Game License
- California Hunting License: This is required for all hunters pursuing any game species in the state.
- Upland Game Bird Stamp: This stamp is specifically designed for hunting upland game birds like doves.
Costs
Obtaining the proper licenses is essential before heading out into the field. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Required Licenses:
- Hunting License:
- Residents:
- Annual License: $172.00 (ages 16-64)
- Junior License: $10.50 (ages 12-15)
- Sportsman’s License: $402.00 (includes hunting and fishing privileges)
- Non-Residents:
- Non-resident License: $182.00 (7-day validity)
- Non-resident Annual License: $547.00
- Residents:
- Upland Game Bird Stamp: $10.50 (mandatory for hunting upland game birds, including doves)
California Dove Hunting Regulations: Essential Knowledge
Legal Doves:
- Mourning Doves
- White-winged Doves (Limited to 10 per day)
- Spotted Doves (No Limit)
- Ringed Turtle Doves (No Limit)
Bag and Possession Limits:
- Daily Limit: 15 Doves (Up to 10 can be White-winged)
- Possession Limit: 45 Doves (Up to 30 can be White-winged)
Eurasian Collared Dove:
- Open year-round
- No bag or possession limit
Required Licenses and Permits:
- Valid California Hunting License
- Upland Game Bird Validation (Except for Junior License Holders)
Important Regulations:
- Doves must have a fully feathered wing attached while in possession and transport.
- Shotguns must be plugged to hold a maximum of 3 shells (magazine and chamber combined).
- Hunting hours are from half an hour before sunrise to sunset.
- Written permission is required for hunting on private land.
- Bag limits apply to each individual hunter.
- Shooting within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling or across a public road is strictly prohibited.
- Non-lead ammunition is mandatory for dove hunting and all wildlife taken with firearms in California.
Reporting Banded Doves:
- If you harvest a banded dove, report the band to the U.S. Geological Survey to aid dove research.
Avian Influenza:
- Be aware of potential avian influenza outbreaks.
- Report any doves suspected of illness to CDFW’s Wildlife Health Lab.
Additional Resources:
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW): https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting
- CDFW Advanced Hunter Education Program: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunter-Education
- CDFW R3 Program: https://wildlife.ca.gov/
- Dove Identification Guide (PDF): https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=88634&inline
Jacob Ross, an avid outdoorsman, is a seasoned bird hunter, particularly skilled in turkeys, doves, and snipes. With years of field experience and a deep understanding of bird behavior, Jacob shares his expertise through compelling content on DoveHunting.us. As the driving force behind various esteemed websites, Jacob's insights and practical advice cater to hunters of all levels, enriching their dove hunting adventures and nurturing a profound connection with the wilderness.