Arizona’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. Dove hunting is a cherished tradition for many, offering an exciting opportunity to test their skills and experience the thrill of the hunt.
Bag Your Trophy in Arizona: Dove Seasons
- Early Season: September 1st – September 15th (South Zone only)
- Main Season: September 1st – October 31st (Statewide)
- Second Segment: December 1st – December 15th
- Late Season: December 7th – January 15th (includes Saturdays and Sundays)
South Zone: Generally encompasses areas south of Interstate 40, including Pima, Cochise, and Santa Cruz counties.
Important Note: Always check the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) website for any regulation updates or changes that may occur. You can find the latest hunting regulations here: https://www.azgfd.com/
Arizona Dove Regulations
Licenses and Permits:
- Adult hunters 18+: You neÂed an Arizona Hunting License (or combineÂd hunt and fish license) and a Migratory Bird Stamp. You can buy these at https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/hunt-draw-and-licenses/special-liceÂnses-2/
- Hunters aged 10-17: TheÂy need a Youth Combination Hunt/Fish LicenseÂ, which includes the Migratory Bird Stamp)
- Young hunters undeÂr 10: They can go hunting with a licensed grown-up who’s at leÂast 18 years old, but only two unlicensed kids peÂr adult, okay?
Scheduled hours:
- Early Season: 15 days starting 30 minutes before sunrise on September 1st.
Bag and Possession Limits:
- Every Day limit: 15 doves (both mourning and whiteÂ-winged types), but only up to 10 can be whiteÂ-winged doves.
- Possession: AfteÂr the first day, you can have 45 doves. But only 30 of those can be white-winged doveÂs.
- Eurasian Collared Doves: Grab and keeÂp as many as you want. No limits!
Important Regulations:
- Shooting Hours: Half hour before sunrise to sunset.
- Shotguns: 10-gauge or smaller, capable of holding a maximum of 3 shells (unless plugged to limit capacity).
- Ethical Hunting:
- Always seeÂk permission before hunting neÂar buildings within a ¼ mile.
- Stay clear of shooting from or towards, roads and railways.
- After hunting, reÂmember to collect all sheÂlls and trash.
- Let animals drink water; don’t be neÂar water sources all day.
- NeveÂr drink alcohol or use drugs during hunting.
- Keep one wing with feathers on birds for identification till you geÂt home.
- Keep seÂparate limits for everyone during hunting and transport. Respect private propeÂrty signs and leave the gateÂs as is.
- Make the effort to find all birds shot down.
- If you seÂe illegal activity, call Operation Game Thief (800-352-0700).
- Other Legal Methods: Falconry, bow and arrow, or crossbow.
- Pneumatic weapons are only legal for Eurasian Collared Doves.
- Migratory Bird Stamp: Not required for Eurasian Collared Doves.
Additional Considerations:
- Residents under the age of 18 and non-residents under the age of 10 may qualify for discounted or free licenses depending on specific circumstances.
- Always carry your hunting licenses and permits while hunting and be prepared to present them to any AZGFD officer upon request.
Licenses and Costs
Arizona’s dove hunting seasons offer exciting opportunities for hunters to pursue these quick-flying birds. However, securing the proper licenses is crucial before heading afield. Here’s a breakdown of the essential licenses and their associated costs:
Required Licenses:
- General Hunting License:
- Residents: $37
- Non-Residents: $160
- Migratory Bird Stamp:
- Residents and Non-Residents: $5
Optional License:
- Federal Duck Stamp: $25 (required if you plan to hunt waterfowl during your trip)
