Yuma Dove Hunting

Your Local Resource for Dove     Hunting in Yuma, Arizona!

Photo courtesy of George Andrejko AZGFD

The 2013 Dove Hunting Season kicks off on Sunday September 1st at 1/2 hour before sunrise (6:12am) and runs through Sunday September 15th at sunset.  2013 legal season dates:

• Sept 1st through Sept. 15th - Any Mourning or White-winged Dove
• Nov 22nd through Jan 5th - Any Mourning Dove
• Year round - Eurasion Collared Dove (unlimited bag limit)

Yuma Dove Hunting News

• 2013-2014 Arizona Dove Hunting Regulations are now available, download a copy from our Regulations tab HERE.
•  Changes to the 2013 season include an increased possession limit.  The possession limit for doves was increased to three times the daily bag limit (30 doves).  The daily bag limit will remain at 10 mourning or white-winged doves (singly or in aggregate).
• Sprague's Sports to Host 25th Annual Big Breast Dove Contest!  For more information visit www.spragues.com, call (928) 726-0022,  and visit our "local dove events and promos" page HERE.
• Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club's annual Dove Hunter's BBQ and Raffle is moving to the Pivot Point Conference Center to be able to accomodate more people.  For more information visit the tab HERE.
• Dove Hunting good for Yuma!  Click HERE for a 2012 article in the Yuma Sun highlighting Dove Hunting in Yuma County.

Legal Hunting Areas

Recent law changes will increase dove hunting access compared to recent years. Now, approximately 1 million acres of open, undeveloped, uninhabited desert areas within city limits are now open to dove hunting. 

For more information about legal hunting areas please visit our "Where to Hunt" tab on the left.

Operation Game Thief

If anyone observes any laws being violated, they should contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700, or the local law enforcement agency immediately.

Are you a resident?

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: Effective in August 2012, the Arizona Game and Fish Department updated the definition of an Arizona resident for the purposes of obtaining resident hunting and fishing licenses.

Per ARS 17-101.A16 the new definition of Resident  for the purposes of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp, means a person who is: (a) A member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty and stationed in: (i) This state for a period of thirty days immediately preceding the date of applying for a license, permit tag or stamp. (ii) Another state or county but who lists this state as their home of record at the time of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp.  (b) Domiciled in this state for six months immediately preceding the date of applying for a license, permit tag or stamp and WHO DOES NOT CLAIM RESIDENCY PRIVILEGES FOR ANY PURPOSE IN ANY OTHER STATE OR JURISDICTION.

It is important to note that a person can not be a resident of two states at the same time.  Owning a property, having an Arizona Identification Card or Driver’s License may not be sufficient proof of residency. Factors that may be considered when determining residency include where you are registered to vote and where you file your personal state income tax return. Per ARS 17-341 it is unlawful for a person to knowingly purchase, apply for, accept, obtain or use, by fraud or misrepresentation a license, permit, tag or stamp to take wildlife and a license or permit so obtained is void and of no effect from the date of issuance thereof.

A conviction of ARS 17-341 may result in criminal sanctions, loss of privileges to obtain hunting and/or fishing licenses, and/or civil sanctions for any wildlife taken with an invalid license.

If you have any questions about your residency status please contact a Department law enforcement officer prior to obtaining a license.

 Click HERE for the August 2013 Arizona Game and Fish Department's Region IV newsletter.

Need a License?

A valid 2013 Arizona Hunting License with a 2013-2014 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp is required for hunting dove in the state of Arizona. 

Apply online at the Arizona Game and Fish Department Website HERE.

Or visit an authorized license dealer in Yuma (listed in alphabetical order):

Arizona Game and Fish Dept. Region IV offices
9140 E. 28th Street
928-342-0091

Big 5 Sporting Goods
505 W. Catalina Drive
928-726-2884

Sprague's Sports
345 W. 32nd Street
928-726-0022

The Sports Authority
1448 S. Yuma Palms Parkway
928-343-9933

Walmart (Central Yuma)
2900 S. Pacific Ave.
928-344-0992

Walmart (West Yuma)
2501 S Avenue B
928-317-2776

Walmart (Foothills)
8151 E. 32nd Street
928-344-5974

What about hunting on the Tribal land?

Tribal lands in the Yuma area require separate permits for hunting dove. 

Permits for hunting on the Cocopah Reservation cost $60 and go on sale August 22nd at the Cocopah Gift Shop located at the Cocopah Hotel and Casino and also at Sprague's Sports.

For more information please contact the Cocopah Adminstrative office at (928) 627-2102 and visit their website www.cocopah.com. 

The  Quechan Tribal Fish and Game Office can be reached at (760) 572-0544.

Littering!

Shotgun shells are litter!   Farmers in the Yuma area play host to 1000's of hunters every year, be respectful of their property and pick up your shells. 

Plus, littering while hunting is a revocable violation and a conviction can result in the loss of hunting privileges for up to five years.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT

To conserve, enhance, and restore Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive protection and management programs, and to provide wildlife resources and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation for the enjoyment, appreciation, and use by present and future generations.

WWW.AZGFD.GOV