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The Ultimate 2025-2026 Guide: 5 Critical Facts You Must Know About Arizona's Dove Season

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Arizona's dove season remains one of the most anticipated hunting events in the American Southwest, drawing tens of thousands of hunters to the state's agricultural fields and desert corridors every year. As of the current date, December 24, 2025, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has finalized and published the official regulations for the 2025-2026 season, providing hunters with a clear roadmap for targeting Mourning Doves, White-winged Doves, and the non-native Eurasian Collared-Dove. Understanding the dual-season structure, the specific bag limits, and the mandatory licensing requirements is absolutely essential for a successful and legal hunt.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the most critical and up-to-date information, from the split season dates to the best public land locations, ensuring you are fully prepared for the opening day. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a first-time dove hunter, the details below will clarify the newest regulations and strategies for a rewarding experience.

2025-2026 Arizona Dove Season Official Dates and Essential Requirements

Arizona's dove season is structured into two distinct periods, known as the "Early Season" and the "Late Season," each offering a unique hunting experience based on bird migration and weather patterns. Always consult the official Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) regulations pamphlet for the final legal details.

  • Early Dove Season: September 1 – September 15, 2025. This season is famous for its high volume of birds, particularly White-winged Doves, which concentrate in the state's agricultural areas before their migration south.
  • Late Dove Season: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026. The late season primarily targets Mourning Doves that have migrated into or through Arizona, offering a colder, more challenging hunt often focused on water sources and feed fields.
  • Shooting Hours: Hunting is permitted from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

Mandatory Licensing and Permits Checklist

To legally hunt doves in Arizona, hunters must possess a specific set of documents, as doves are classified as migratory birds under federal law.

  • Arizona Hunting License: All hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona Hunting License or a combination Hunt and Fish License.
  • Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp: This stamp is mandatory for all hunters pursuing migratory birds, including doves.
  • HIP Registration: The Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is a federal requirement for all migratory bird hunters in the U.S. and is mandatory in Arizona. This registration helps wildlife agencies collect data for population management.
  • Youth Hunters: Hunters aged 10-17 only need a youth hunting license and the migratory bird stamp/HIP registration.

The Strict Daily Bag and Possession Limits

The regulations for daily bag and possession limits are crucial, especially for the Early Season when both Mourning Doves and White-winged Doves are present in high numbers. Failing to adhere to these limits can result in significant fines and penalties.

  • Daily Bag Limit (Mourning and White-winged Doves): The limit is 15 doves total, of which no more than 10 may be White-winged Doves. This limit applies to both the Early and Late seasons.
  • Possession Limit: The maximum possession limit is 45 doves total.

The Eurasian Collared-Dove Exception:

The Eurasian Collared-Dove (ECD) is considered an invasive species in Arizona. As a result, the AZGFD has placed no restrictions on hunting them. They can be hunted year-round with no daily bag or possession limit, and any Eurasian Collared-Doves taken do not count toward your daily limit for Mourning and White-winged Doves.

Top Public Land Hunting Locations and Essential Gear Tips

Arizona offers a wealth of public land opportunities for dove hunting, primarily concentrated in the desert and agricultural regions of the southern half of the state. Knowing where to go and what to bring can dramatically increase your success rate.

Three Premier Arizona Dove Hunting Regions

Hunters typically focus on areas with water sources, roosting trees, and active feeding fields, often found on State Trust Land or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property.

  1. Yuma Area: Arguably the most famous dove hunting destination in Arizona. The vast agricultural fields and proximity to the Colorado River make it a magnet for millions of migrating doves, particularly during the Early Season.
  2. Buckeye/Gila River Corridor: Located west of Phoenix, the farming areas around Buckeye and the Gila River corridor are excellent alternatives to Yuma. These areas offer numerous walk-in fields and state-managed access points.
  3. Casa Grande/Avra Valley: The agricultural zones south of Phoenix and near Tucson, including Marana and Avra Valley, offer fantastic opportunities. Look for State Trust Land and BLM units with a mix of desert scrub and flat farming areas, which are strong units for dove.

Advanced Tips for Maximizing Your Bag Limit

Dove hunting is often a fast-paced, high-volume shooting sport. A few key strategies can make the difference between a slow day and a limit-out experience.

  • Decoy Deployment: Use dove decoys, especially spinning-wing decoys, placed in open patches or along fences and power lines. Doves are highly social and will often veer toward a decoy spread.
  • Ammunition Choice: Most hunters prefer light loads, such as 7.5 or 8 shot, for the fast-flying Mourning and White-winged Doves. Bring plenty of shells—it's common to shoot a box or more per hunter.
  • Concealment is Key: Doves have excellent eyesight. Utilize natural cover, a pop-up blind, or camouflage clothing that matches the desert or field environment to break up your silhouette.
  • The Late Season Shift: During the Late Season (November-January), doves are less concentrated in feeding fields and focus more on water sources and thick roosting cover. Hunters should scout for tanks, ponds, and mesquite thickets rather than just agricultural stubble.
  • The Feathered Wing Rule: A critical regulation to remember is that you must leave one fully feathered wing attached to the dove for identification until you reach your permanent residence or the place where the dove will be consumed.

By preparing with the official 2025-2026 dates, securing the required licenses and stamps, and implementing smart hunting strategies, your Arizona dove season is set to be a memorable success.

The Ultimate 2025-2026 Guide: 5 Critical Facts You Must Know About Arizona's Dove Season
dove season in arizona
dove season in arizona

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