To report an unlawful or suspicious activity, contact the AZGFD Game Thief Hotline at (800) 352-0700


  • Home
  • Hunting Regulations
    • 2022 Dove Hunting Regulations
    • Arizona License Information
    • Know Your Doves
  • Where to Hunt
  • Events
    • 2022 Season Events
    • 2022 Dove clean-up
  • Visiting Yuma
    • Planning Your Visit
    • Tradition of Dove Hunting
  • Partners in Conservation
  • FAQ

KNOW YOUR DOVES



AS A HUNTER IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO IDENTIFY THE BIRD BEFORE THE SHOT!



MOURNING DOVE





These birds fly with white-winged doves, but can be distinguished by their more rapid wing beat, more erratic flight path and pointed tail. In fall, the highest densities are found in the desert agricultural areas, around water sources and desert areas where annual plants and seeds are abundant.



WHITE-WINGED DOVE





These birds are somewhat larger than a mourning dove with a white bar on the upper wing surface and a long, moderately rounded tail. The range of white-winged doves generally coincides with the distribution of the saguaro cactus.



EURASIAN COLLARD-DOVE





are larger than both the native white-winged and mourning doves. They have a black collar on the top part of the neck, pale gray coloration, and dark primary feathers. These doves are an introduced species that have recently expanded their range into Arizona. Originally native on the Indian subcontinent, this bird was introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970's and quickly spread to Florida. They are widely distributed in Arizona.



PROTECTED BIRDS WHICH MAY NOT BE HUNTED INCLUDE THE INCA DOVE AND GROUND DOVE.





Smaller birds, about half the size of a mourning dove. Both are gray and fly close to the ground with rapid wingbeats. The inca has a scaly appearance with a long tail that has white margins. Ground doves have a short, round dark tail and are common summer residents in the better-watered valleys mostly south of the Mogollon Rim.



FUN FACT





Eurasian Collared-doves can be hunted year round in Arizona and there is no bag or possession limit. They can be difficult to hunt because they tend to congregate around buildings much like pigeons, and with the 1/4 mile laws related to hunting near occupied structures, you will most likely need the permission from a landowner in a rural part of Yuma County to be successful.