Jesse's Hunting > Hunting Info > California Report > California Dove Hunting

California Dove Hunting

2009 CALIFORNIA DOVE SEASONS:

Mourning Doves:

1st season is September 1st through 15, 2009.

The 2nd dove season is Nov. 14 - Dec. 28, 2009.

White-winged Doves: Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino counties only

1st season is September 1st through 15, 2009.

The 2nd dove season is Nov. 14 - Dec. 28, 2009.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Hunting License: You must possess a California hunting license in addition to the Upland Game Stamp. The cost of a hunting license is:

Annual resident - $ 41.20.
Junior annual resident hunting license - $ 10.75.
Non resident annual hunting license - $ 143.35.
NEW for 2009 - One-Day Nonresident license, age 16 and over (not valid for big game) - $19.70. IMPORTANT! This license is only available for nonresidents taking resident and migratory game birds on Licensed Game Bird Clubs (Upland Game Bird Stamp is also required) or Licensed Domesticated Migratory Game Bird Shooting Areas (Federal Migratory Bird Stamp and California Duck Stamp are also required).
Two-Day Nonresident license, age 16 and over (not valid for big game) - $ 41.20. Required for any person 16 years of age or older, for taking resident and migratory game birds, resident small game mammals, nongame mammals and furbearers for two consecutive days.  IMPORTANT! This license is NOT valid for deer, bear, antelope, elk, bighorn sheep or pig.
Reduced Fee, Disabled Veteran - $6.00.
Duplicate Hunting License - $6.30 .
Hunter Education Stamp - $3.75.

The California hunting license is good from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. California resident and nonresident hunting licenses are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Definition of Resident. A resident is defined as any person who has resided continuously in California for six months immediately before the date of application for a license, tag or permit; persons on active duty with the armed forces of the United States or an auxiliary branch; or Job Corps enrollees.

Disabled Veteran Hunting Licenses. A $6.25 hunting license is available for qualified disabled veterans. To be eligible, applicants must submit: (1) a letter from the Veterans Administration verifying that the applicant has a 70 percent or greater service-connected disability and was honorably discharged from the United States armed forces; and (2) evidence of meeting California hunter education requirements. Applicants renewing this license may submit their disabled veteran hunting license from the previous year as proof of meeting eligibility requirements. The reduced-fee provisions do not apply to hunting tags or species stamps. Disabled Veteran Hunting Licenses are issued only through DFG Offices.

Hunter Education Special Requirement. Hunting licenses shall be issued to hunters only upon presentation of one of the following:

An annual California hunting license from a prior year or evidence of having held such a license; a California hunter education completion or equivalency certificate; a certificate of competence or completion of a California approved hunter education training course from any state or Canadian province; or a current year hunting license from any state, province, European country or South Africa. For further information, contact any DFG office or license agent. A California hunter education validation stamp must be affixed to hunter education certificates from California.

DAILY BAG LIMIT: The daily bag limit is 10 mourning or whitewing doves in aggregate. Spotted doves, Eurasian collared-doves, and ringed turtle doves: no bag limit.

Note:  There is no open hunting season on common ground-doves, ruddy ground-doves, and Inca doves. White-winged doves may be taken only in Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

POSSESSION LIMITS: the possession limit is 20 birds after the first day of the season. 10 doves per day in aggregate of the above listed dove. White-winged doves may only be taken in Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. There is no open hunting season on common ground doves, ruddy ground doves and and Inca doves. Make sure you leave a wing on the doves for identification by DFG wardens if you field dress your birds. You must also fill out a "Declaration for Entry" form to comply with Importation law: Section 2353 of the California Fish & Game Code if you bring any game into California from another state or country. You can get the "Declaration for Entry" form here.

SHOOTING HOURS: are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.

BAITING: DFG reg. 257.5. You cannot use bait for hunting dove nor can dove be taken within 400 yards of any baited area. The definition of “baited area” shall mean any area where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed whatsoever capable of luring, attracting, or enticing such birds or mammals is directly or indirectly placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, and such area shall remain a baited area for ten days following complete removal of all such corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed.

SHOOTING FROM VEHICLES: DFG reg. 252. No person shall pursue, drive, herd, or take any bird or mammal from any type of motor-driven air or land vehicles, motorboat, airboat, sailboat, or snowmobile, except: 1) When the motor of such motorboat, airboat, or sailboat has been shut off and/or the sails furled and its progress therefrom has ceased, and it is drifting, beached, moored, resting at anchor, or is being propelled by paddle, oar or pole. (2)if they have a Mobility Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle License.

RADIO USE WHILE HUNTING: It is legal to use and posses two way radios while hunting in California.

DOGS: You can use dogs to retrieve your doves.

TRESPASS: If the land you hunt on is not your own, it belongs to someone else. Make sure you have a legal right to be there. Contact the owner or person who administers the property, and secure written permission to hunt. A hunting license does not entitle you to enter private property. “It is unlawful to enter any lands under cultivation or enclosed by a fence, belonging to, or occupied by, another, or to enter any uncultivated or unenclosed lands, including lands temporarily inundated by waters flowing outside the established banks of a river, stream, slough, or other waterway, where signs forbidding trespass are displayed at intervals not less than three to the mile along all exterior boundaries and at all roads and trails entering such lands, for the purpose of discharging any firearm or taking or destroying any mammal or bird, including any waterfowl, on such lands without having first obtained written permission from the owner of such lands, or his agent, or the person in lawful possession thereof. Such signs may be of any size and wording, other than the wording required for signs under Section 2017, which will fairly advise persons about to enter the land that the use of such land is so restricted.” Section 2016, Fish and Game Code.

SAFETY: It is always unlawful to: Place on, or carry or possess a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle or conveyance or its attachments on any public road or other way open to the public: Hunt while intoxicated; Shoot at any game bird from a powerboat, sailboat, motor vehicle, or aircraft while under power or still moving from use of sail or motor. (See Section 251) Shoot any firearm from or upon a public road or highway.

DISCHARGING FIREARMS OR OTHER DEADLY WEAPONS SAFETY ZONE: It is unlawful for any person, other than the owner, person in possession of the premises, or a person having the express permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises, to hunt or to discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150-yard area is a “safety zone.”

CALIFORNIA DFG WEBPAGE is at http://www.dfg.ca.gov

Get Acrobat here.

DFG Special Dove and Upland Hunts

     Region 4- San Joaquin Valley -Southern Sierra Region

Kern, Tulare, Fresno, Stanislaus, Madera, Merced, Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties.

Dove Hunting Opportunities in the San Joaquin Valley

Contact: Doug Bowman, Region 4, (559) 243-4005, extension 132 or 133

FRESNO — All special dove hunting opportunities on State wildlife areas and Game Bird Heritage Program special hunts in the San Joaquin Valley are being provided to hunters on one combined News Release. There are two new hunts this year, one near Firebaugh and a junior only near Winton. Hunters will be selected for only one hunt area and hunt period. This is to provide more hunters with the opportunity to participate in these special hunts. All hunts are free. When applying for the hunts, you must indicate if you would like to bring a guest(s) hunter. Applications may include up to three hunters (only two hunters for the junior only hunt - Winton). See instructions under “How to Apply.”

Game Bird Heritage Program Special Hunts

These hunts were developed in cooperation with the Panoche Water and Drainage District (PWDD), Department of Water Resources (DWR), the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), the Kern Water Bank Authority (KWBA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Southern Tulare County Sportsman Association (STCSA). Providing hunter opportunity and hunter access is a major goal of the Game Bird Heritage Program. These hunts are made possible through the purchase of an upland game bird stamp by hunters.

Winton - Juniors only. Juniors only. This area is located approximately six miles north of Winton, adjacent to the Merced River.

For additional information, contact the Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management section, at (559) 243-4005, extension 132 or 133.

Firebaugh - This area is located approximately 11 miles northwest of Firebaugh, adjacent to the Delta Mendota Canal on PWDD land. .

Pilibos Wildlife Area - The Pilibos Wildlife Area is located approximately 12 miles west of Mendota adjacent to the California Aqueduct.

For additional information, contact the Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management section, at (559) 243- 4005, extension 132 or 133.

Tranquillity - This area is located approximately three miles northwest of Tranquillity on USBR land.

For additional information, contact the Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management section, at (559) 243-4005, extension 132 or 133.

Huron - This area is located near Huron on land owned by the USBR and managed by the DWR.

For additional information, contact the Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management section, at (559) 243-4005, extension 132 or 133.

Alpaugh - This area is located approximately three miles southwest of Alpaugh on land owned by the BLM.

Bakersfield -This area is located approximately 15 miles west of Bakersfield on land owned and managed by the KWBA.

For additional information, contact the Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management section, at (559) 243-4005, extension 132 or 133.

Success Lake Wildlife Area - The Success Lake Wildlife Area is located approximately eight miles east of Porterville and consists of approximately 1,400 acres open to hunting on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ land. Approximately 120 acres of wheat were grown by the STCSA to provide feeding areas for doves. There is no hunter quota for this area, and a permit is not required. For additional information, contact the Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management section, at (559) 243-4005, extension 132 or 133. State Wildlife Areas

Mendota Wildlife Area - On September 1, all persons entering the Mendota WLA must register at the check station. The check station will open 2 hours before shoot time. Traction Ranch area Parking Lots 21 and 22 will have limited access until 12:00 pm. Special parking permits will be available on a first come first serve basis at the check station.

The Traction Ranch area will be open to all hunters after 12:00 pm on September 1st (see the “Game Bird Heritage Hunts” article on page 10 of this newsletter for additional information). The remainder of the area will be open to free roam hunters. Maps and information will be available from DFG personnel at the check station. There are no fees to hunt doves at the Mendota WLA, but all hunters must have a 2008-09 hunting license and upland game bird stamp.

From September 2-15, sign in at the self-registration booth before entering; maps are available at this point. When leaving the area, please stop, record your take, and return your self-registration permit card. The Mendota Wildlife Area (MWA) is the largest wildlife area in central California, encompassing 12,425 acres. The MWA staff continue to work with the Game Bird Heritage Program to increase food and cover for upland birds, including dove and pheasant. This year there is approximately 100 acres planted to safflower. Upland game fields are scattered throughout the area. Rattlesnakes are present on the wildlife area and caution should be observed.

You'll need Acrobat Reader to view and print this .pdf file dove hunt map. You can get Acrobat at

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Mendota WA 2004 Dove Hunt Map This map show the wildlife area and where all the different crops are planted.

Click here for weather report at Mendota

Salt Slough Unit of North Grasslands Wildlife Area. The Salt Slough Unit will be open to early season dove hunting September 1 -15. On opening day, September 1, the area will be divided into three sections with reservations being issued for 150 hunters. The quota may vary depending on habitat conditions and dove numbers prior to September 1. Section selection will be made at the check station. All visitors must obtain a permit from the check station on September 1. The check station will open 2 hours before shoot time. Permits will be issued until 12:00 p.m. After that time, the area will be open to free-roam hunting and visitors will self-register at the main parking lot or parking lot C.

There are no fees to hunt doves at the Salt Slough Unit, but all hunters must have a 2004-05 hunting license and upland game bird stamp. This 2,241 acre unit of the North Grasslands WLA is fairly flat with interior roads and levees offering easy walking or bicycling except during wet weather. The unit is managed for seasonally flooded wetlands, upland game foraging, and nesting fields. On the western boundary is Highway 165 and Wolfsen Road is the southern boundary. The north boundary is at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s South Freitas Unit.

To access the main parking lot located on Wolfsen Road, travel north on Highway 165 (Mercey Springs Road) from Los Banos approximately 6.2 miles to Wolfsen Road. Turn right (east) and travel approximately 0.9 miles to the main parking lot on the left. The check
station is at the main lot.

You'll need Acrobat Reader to view and print this .pdf file dove hunt map. You can get Acrobat at

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Salt Slough Unit WA 2004 Dove Hunt Map This map show the wildlife area and where all the different crops are planted.

China Island Unit of North Grasslands Wildlife Area. This 3,315 acre unit is also fairly level. There are interior roads and levees allowing for easy foot or bicycle access. The habitat consists of seasonally flooded wetlands, some planted food crops for wildlife, and unmanaged upland cover. The San Joaquin River flows along the northeast side of the unit forming the boundary. The western boundary is along the Newman Wasteway, the east boundary is Highway 140, and the south boundary is private land.

To access the main parking lot located on the west side of the unit, travel north on Highway 33 from Gustine to Canal School Road (look for brown and white directional sign). Turn right on Canal School Road. Turn right on Brazo Road. Follow Brazo Road to the Newman Wasteway. Enter through gate just west of the concrete canal. Follow the canal to green entrance gate. Parking will be allowed in the main parking lot only.

The area will be open for dove hunting September 1-15 and can be good during the early season. Reservations are not issued or required for September 1, opening day of early dove season. The quota for the area will be 300 hunters. Hunting success can be high along the San Joaquin River and around the grain fields planted with wildlife food.

You'll need Acrobat Reader to view and print this .pdf file dove hunt map. You can get Acrobat at

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

China Island Unit WA 2004 Dove Hunt Map This map show the wildlife area and where all the different crops are planted.

Gadwall Unit of North Grasslands Wildlife Area. :This 1,503 acre unit will not be open for dove hunting September 1 through 15 to minimize disturbance to early arriving waterfowl. The unit provides limited dove hunting opportunity and has no planted food crops for upland game birds.

Los Banos Wildlife Area - The Los Banos Wildlife Area, will be open to dove hunting September 1 through the balance of the early season. Non-fee permits will be issued to all hunters at the Los Banos WLA check station on opening day September 1st until 12:00 p.m. The check station will open 2 hours before shoot time. There are no fees to hunt doves at the Los Banos WLA, but all hunters must have a 2008-09 hunting license and upland game bird stamp.

To improve hunting quality and reduce crowding, on opening day only the Los Banos WLA will have two designated hunt areas with controlled entry. Hunt area 1 will be accessible from parking lot 8, and can accommodate up to 60 hunters. Area 2 will be accessible from parking lot 11, and can accommodate up to 40 hunters. Hunter quotas for the controlled hunt zones not filled by reservation holders will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations must be presented one hour before shoot time. Quotas may vary depending on habitat conditions and the number of dove present prior to September 1. Except for the closed zone (see area map), the remainder of the wildlife area will be open to first-come, first serve hunters.

After opening day, dove hunters will check in at the self registration booth for hunting through the remainder of the early season. Please record your take and return the self-registration card when leaving the area. Grain plots including safflower, vetch, wheat, and other cereal grains have been planted to benefit upland game. To minimize disturbance to arriving waterfowl, early flooding of seasonal wetlands will focus on areas that will not be affected by dove hunting. The entire waterfowl season closed zone will be closed to dove hunting. Closed areas will be posted “Closed Zone” to assist hunters with avoidance of those locations. Hunters are encouraged to visit the area prior to opening day for scouting purposes. Maps and information regarding the area will be available at the self registration

You'll need Acrobat Reader to view and print this .pdf file dove hunt map. You can get Acrobat at

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Los Banos WA 2004 Dove Hunt Map This map show the wildlife area and where all the different crops are planted.

O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area - The O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area will be open to dove hunting throughout the legal season. This Type C Area requires self-registration at the entrance kiosk. Keep the no-fee permit card with you while you are on the area and please be certain to deposit it in the drop box upon leaving. The number of hunters on the wildlife area will not be regulated. Area staff have planted food plots on the wildlife area. In addition to dove, the area is expected to have good rabbit hunting opportunities this year. Hunters should be aware that only shotguns may be used at the O’Neill Forebay WLA. All persons must register at the self-registration booth.

You'll need Acrobat Reader to view and print this .pdf file dove hunt map. You can get Acrobat at

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

O'Neill Forebay WA 2004 Dove Hunt Map - Merced Co. This map show the wildlife area and where all the different crops are planted.

Little Panoche Reservoir, San Luis Reservoir, Gadwall Unit, Dos Amigos Wildlife Area, Upper and Lower Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Areas

Sign in at the self-registration booth. The number of hunters to each area will not be regulated. Although not many doves are traditionally taken at these areas, they may still be checked for an uncrowded place to hunt. In addition to doves, quail hunting is another opportunity on these areas. Fall turkey hunting is available on Upper Cottonwood and San Luis Reservoir WAs.

Little Panoche Reservoir Wildlife Area - Fresno Co.
San Luis Reservoir Wildlife Area - Merced Co.
North Grasslands WA Gadwall Unit
Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area - Merced Co.

Volta Wildlife Area will be closed to all dove hunting.

UPLAND GAME HUNTING AVAILABLE ON THREE ECOLOGICAL RESERVES IN FRESNO AND TULARE COUNTIES

The Department of Fish and Game will open three ecological reserves (ERs) for upland game and limited waterfowl hunting this year. These ERs were obtained by the Department to protect sensitive habitat and threatened or endangered species, there are no habitat improvements or plantings for game species. Upland game and some waterfowl are also found on the areas, and hunting for these species will not affect the primary ER conservation goals. Only shotgun hunting for upland game and waterfowl is permitted. There is no charge to use the ERs. Camping, open fires, target practice or vehicle access is prohibited.

Kaweah River Ecological Reserve is located on South Fork drive about 8.8 miles east of Three Rivers, in Tulare County. This 103-acre ER is the home to the Kaweah brodiaea, an endangered native plant. The beautiful flowers of this plant can be seen in late April or early May, but it is dormant during the fall hunting season. Terrain is steep on this ER, but there are limited populations of California quail, rabbits and mourning dove.

Stone Corral Ecological Reserve is also located in Tulare County and was acquired primarily for protection of vernal pool habitat. This ER has several parcels that are accessible to the public. Mourning dove and a limited pheasant population inhabit this ER. Waterfowl can also be found during the late fall and early winter. Waterfowl hunting could be challenging due to the flat, open terrain.

In Fresno County, just east of Coalinga, is the Pleasant Valley Ecological Reserve. This ER was purchased to protect valley saltbush habitat.

You'll need Acrobat Reader to view and print this .pdf file dove hunt map. You can get Acrobat at

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Map of Ecological Reserves - This map show the 3 new Ecological Reserves.

FEDERAL REFUGES WITHIN SAN LUIS NWR COMPLEX ARE NOT OPEN TO DOVE HUNTING

Hunters should be aware that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuges (San Luis NWR complex including Blue Goose, Kesterson, Arena Plains, Freitas, East & West Bear Creek and San Luis Units, and Merced NWR) are not open for dove and rabbit hunting at any time. Information regarding recreational opportunities for these areas may be obtained by calling (209) 826-3508 or writing U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 2176, Los Banos, CA 93635.

For additional information on the Los Banos, Salt Slough, China Island, O’Neill Forebay, Little Panoche Reservoir, San Luis Reservoir, Gadwall Unit, Dos Amigos Wildlife Area, Upper and Lower Cottonwood Creek wildlife areas, contact the Department of Fish and Game, Los Banos Wildlife Area, at (209) 826-0463.

High Desert - Barstow, Victorville. One of the only dull spots in the forecast for this year's opener is the Camp Cady Wildlife Area east of Barstow near Newberry Springs. This state-run wildlife area traditionally has grain fields planted just for doves and other wildlife, but each of the past years equipment failures have shut down the irrigation process and no grain is grown.

San Bernardino National Forest (San Bernardino County) 1824 South Commercenter Circle San Bernardino, CA 92408-3430 1-909-383-5588.

With the tinder dry forest and many seeps dried up the doves don't appear to be hanging out in the mountains like they usually do.

I know quite a few folks who head up into Rattlesnake Canyon just outside of the Lucerne Valley. There are two nice guzzlers and one HUGE seep. The birds usually come in rather late (8:30 - 9:00). Be careful - there's a home and a working ranch back there. I'm not sure a 2 wheel drive would make it to the seep - you run in a soft river bed. Stay clear of the owners and shoot straight! - qalhntr.

BLM Barstow Field Office  2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311. (760) 252-6000 / FAX(760) 252-6099. Tim Read, Field Manager

Click here for weather at Big Bear City

San Joaquin Valley. 2000 report. August Harden, a wild hog guide and avid bird hunter, in Paso Robles, said there "were thousands of doves" in some of his favorite fields this past week, but he was fearful that "just like every year, we get some cold fog and the birds move out." In the southern San Joaquin Valley reports were on just modest numbers of birds, with apparently a lot of movement already taking place. Try along the San Joaquin River on the China Island flood plain off Highway 140.

Fort Hunter Liggett - Will be open to dove hunting. Call Wednesday before the weekend to see what areas are open. The link has contact and campground info.

The Upper Colorado River Region from Needles to Blythe has a lot of birds, but much of the activity is on desert washes leading to and from the river, rather than on agricultural crops this year.

Lodging:

Super 8 Motel, 1102 E. Broadway. I-40 Exit Broadway & U.S. Hwy 95. Needles, CA. 92363. PH# 760-326-4501.

MOTEL 6, I-40/US Route 95 at the J Street Exit. 1420 J Street, Needles, CA. 92363. PH# 760-326-3399.

Days Inn, 1215 Hospitality Lane. Needles, CA. 92363. PH# 760-326-5836.

California Desert District Office - 6221 Box Springs Rd. Riverside, Ca. Hours: M-F 7:45 to 4:30, ph# 1-909-697-5204.
BLM Needles Field Office  101 W. Spikes Road, Needles, California 92363. Field Manager - Molly Brady. Voice: (760) 326-7000, Fax: (760)326-7099. Mon. - Fri. 7:30 - 4:00.

Lake Havasu NWR There is dove hunting on the weekends in September only. Non toxic shot is required on the refuge. For more information, call (760) 326-3853.

Click here for weather report for Lake Havasu City

Antelope Valley. No reports. Check the JHO Forum

Palo Verde Valley, South Of Blythe.

On the Colorado River, things also look very good. Mary Bradley, who runs the sporting goods department at the Yellowmart in Blythe, was enthusiastic about this year's hunt.

"The south end of the valley had all kinds of wheat and most of it is still in stubble," said Bradley. "Last year, the valley was mostly planted in cotton, but I guess wheat prices were up and there was a lot more of it this year."

Bradley also said the DFG's Palo Verde Ecological Reserve was in milo again and holding a lot of birds. She also mentioned the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) lands on the Arizona side of the river also were looking good, and the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge had two planted wheat fields this year open to hunters (but steel shot is required on the wildlife refuge).

Lodging:

Super 8 Motel, 550 West Donlon Street, Blythe, CA, 92225/ PH# 760-922-8881.

MOTEL 6, 500 West Donlon Street. Blythe, CA 92225. PH# 760-922-6666. Fax: (760) 921-8469.

Beware of Comfort Suites in Blythe, they have booked rooms for dove hunters only to call the hunters back and gouge them for more money.

Make your reservations early, the rooms fill up for dove season in the spring.

Supplies:

Yellow Mart .... 82740 Miles Ave., Indio, CA 92201 Ph# 760-347-1107.
Yellow Mart .... 228 W Hobsonway, Blythe, CA 92225. PH# 760-922-4215.

Click here for weather report at Blythe

CIBOLA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE is just south of Blythe. Cibola National Wildlife Refuge hunters are reminded that both an Arizona license and non-toxic shot are required on the island unit, but many of the local shops in Blythe carry steel dove loads just for hunting at Cibola. For information, call Mike Hawkes, Manager, Route 2, Box 138 Cibola, AZ, 85328 Phone: 520/857-3253 Fax: 520/387-3420, email r2rw_ci@fws.gov

Camping: Plenty of free camping areas south of the refuge on BLM land.

Bob Corbett once again is hosting an opening-day dove hunt at his South Ranch of the Cibola Sportsman's Club. Last year the Cibola area was loaded with white-winged doves, and most hunters shot Arizona limits (six) of whitewings the first two days. The cost is $150, and it covers a barbecue dinner and the entire early Arizona dove season, Sept. 1-10. Call (928) 857-3531 for details.

Click here for map of Cibola NWR,

Parker Arizona. The Colorado River Indian Tribes, (CRIT) own the 330,000 acres of property between Parker, Arizona to just north of Interstate 10 near Blythe. No state license is required, but hunters must have a seasonal permit from CRIT, which is $45. The permit allows hunters to hunt quail, ducks, and small game in season. How good does it look this year? "Absolutely fantastic!" according to Dylan Kesser, reservation biologist. Scattered storms have actually helped double the already heavy population. CRIT hunting permits are available at Woody's Gas and Snack Parker, AZ (520) 669-8792 1001 Fiesta Ave. Woody's II Poston, AZ (520) 662-4801 Mohave Rd. June's Unique Parker, AZ (520) 669-8883 813 Kofa Ave. Hidden Valley Resort Blythe, CA (760) 922-6745 100 Colorado River Rd. Lost Lake Resort Lost Lake, CA (760) 664-4413 U.S. Highway 95. Mc's Market Parker Dam, AZ (520) 667-2231 58565 Riverside Dr. River Lagoon Resort. 50078 Parker Poston Rd. Ehrenberg, AZ (520) 923-7942. Yellow Mart Blythe, CA (760) 922-4215 228 Hobson Way Water Wheel Resort Blythe, CA (760) 922-3863 29900 Hwy. 95. CRIT Fish & Game Office Parker, AZ (520) 669-9285 2100 Mutahar. The shoot times are different here also, one half hour before sunrise until noon. All day in the second season in November.

More info on CRIT hunting & fishing

Lodging:

Super 8 Motel,

MOTEL 6, SR 95 at SR 62/ California Avenue. 604 California Avenue. Parker, AZ 85344. PH# 928-669-2133. Fax: (928) 669-2189.

Click here for weather report at Parker Dam

Fort Mojave Indian Reservation, above the Colorado River Indian Tribes, extends from Needles north to the Arizona-Nevada border. This reservation has land on both sides of the river and you can obtain a hunting permit to hunt there. Ph# 520-330-3000.

Yuma-Winterhaven. Further south on the Colorado River, the Yuma area dove season looks like it will again be one of the hottest areas in the West with both mourning doves and whitewings at their usual high numbers here. Yuma always attracts a large contingent of hunters from both Southern California and the Phoenix metropolitan areas. This is also the 20th anniversary of Sprague's Sports' Big Breast Contest, and informal contest to see who shoots the largest dove opening day. Of course, thunderstorms are a likely in this area every day today through opener.

Sprague's is at 345 W. 32nd Street, Yuma, Arizona, phone #800-440-3892.

Lodging:

Days Inn, 1671 E. 16th Street. Yuma, AZ, 85365. PH# 928-329-7790.

MOTEL 6, -8 at US Route 95/16th Street Exit #2. 1640 South Arizona Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364. PH# 928-782-6561. Fax: (928) 343-4923.

MOTEL 6, I-8 at US Route95/16th Street Exit #2. 1445 East 16th Street. Yuma, AZ 85365. PH# 928-782-9521. Fax: (928) 343-4941.

Super 8 Motel, 1688 South Riley Ave. Yuma, AZ, 85365. PH# 928-782-2000.

Make your reservations early, the rooms fill up for dove season in the spring.

Coachella Valley near Indio. Good shooting south and east of Indio along Dillon road, provided the weather doesn't blow the doves out. Further north, along the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains south of La Quinta there are some orchards that often hold good dove numbers. One other area is the railroad tracks south of Interstate 10 between Cabazon and Palm Springs.

Lodging:

Super 8 Motel, 81-753 Hwy 111. Indio, CA, 92201. PH# 760-342-0264.

BLM Palm Springs Office South Coast Field Office  , 690 Garnet Ave., P.O. Box 1260, Palm Springs, CA 92258. Field Manager - James Kenna. Phone (760) 251-4800. Fax (760) 251-4899

San Jacinto Wildlife Area. The San Jacinto Wildlife Area near Moreno Valley in western Riverside County should be better than the last few years, but light rainfall in the spring has kept the amount of sunflowers and other dove-attracting feed at only modest levels.

Click here for Map of San Jacinto WA (Upland Hunting Area)

Click here for Map of San Jacinto WA (Duck Hunting Area)

Click here for Map of San Jacinto WA (Walker Duck Hunting Area)

Click here for weather report at San Jacinto

Lake Perris State Recreation Area. This can be a pretty good place to shoot with a lot of singles and doubles. You won't see the big flights of birds, but the action can be fairly steady. Day use fee for access.

Chino Dairies. This has always been an excellent shoot. The hard part is finding access. Lots of doves and pigeons, (flying rats), to keep you busy all day. Due to the cities of Chino and Ontario annexing a lot of this land in 2000, hunting is very limited here now. Make sure you are legal if you hunt this area.

Click here for weather report at Norco

Get a current Cleveland NF map and check out the BLM land sites. Quoted from DFG's Wing Beat News: "Also in western Riverside County, areas west of Highway 74, north of Highway 79 and east of Highway 15 provide birds most years. Consult Bureau of Land Management maps for access information, and then scout grain sources situated near water."

Imperial Valley Holds a large number of birds and should provide excellent hunting, especially on recently-harvested and burned fields. BLM El Centro Field Office  1661 S. 4th St., El Centro  CA  92243. (760) 337-4400. Monday - Friday 7:45AM - 4:30PM

Brawley & Westmorland. The best spots are the wheat stubble fields and harvested melon fields. There are fewer wheat stubble fields this year because many farmers quickly planted them in Sudan grass. Look for wheat fields that have been disked but not planted. Birds will often be in such fields feeding on scattered seeds. Some land is posted and usually row crops are off limits. Desert areas should be checked too, as exceptional conditions for both food and water make them as viable as agricultural areas.

Lodging:

Brawley Inn, 575 Main St. Brawley, Ca. 92227. PH# 800-541-4567, 760-344-1199. Email: frontdesk@brawleyinn.com

Super 8 Motel, 351 West Main Street, Westmorland, CA, 92281. Rick Desai. PH# 760-351-7100.

Make your reservations early, the rooms fill up for dove season in the spring.

Niland & Calipatria.The Imperial Valley south of the Salton Sea is holding an exceptional number of birds. Many hunters and biologists, like Mulcahy, are saying that it's one of the best years they can remember in a long time.

Lodging:

Bashford's Hot Mineral Spa RV Park .... Full hookups and a special rate for JHO members here, $24. Nice cool swimming pool to relax in after your shoot. Just north of Niland. JHO Sponsor.

Calipatria Inn. .... 700 N. Sorensen Ave Calipatria, CA 92233 PH#760-348-7348 Fax: 760-348-7348.

Make your reservations early, the rooms fill up for dove season in the spring.

The addition of 27 planted fields, done in a cooperative effort with Leon Lesicka with Desert Wildlife Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, the Imperial County Fish and Game Commission, Safari Club-San Diego, and the Department of Fish and Game, have increased public hunting opportunities by more than three times in the area, and Mulcahy said all of the fields have been mowed and are holding a lot of birds.

Maps to all of the fields are available below and at stores throughout the valley and on the DFG's website (www.dfg.ca.gov).

DWU Field Map

You'll need Acrobat Reader to read and print this .pdf files, you can get Acrobat at

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

El Centro & Holtville. No report.

Lodging:

Barbara Worth Resort. Country Club Dr, Holtville, Ca. PH# 800-356-3806. bwrbanquets@hotmail.com

Days Inn, 1425 Adams Avenue. Hwy 86 Corner Imperial and Adams. El Centro, CA, 92243. PH# 760-352-5511.

MOTEL 6, 395 Smoketree Dr. El Centro, CA 92243. Phone: PH# 760-353-6766, Fax: 760-337-1123.

Super 8 Motel, 611 N Imperial Ave. Imperial Ave & Adams. El Centro, CA, 92243. PH# 760-352-0715.

Make your reservations early, the rooms fill up for dove season in the spring.

Click here for weather report in Niland

Imperial Wildlife Area, Wister Unit. Thanks to the efforts of the DFG, a hunter-conservation group called Desert Wildlife Unlimited, and Imperial Valley farmers, this marks the third year in a row these groups have conspired to plant fallow farmland with dove feed.

"Some of the [public] fields are really, really loaded. But you know what's really exciting? There are more whitewings than I've ever seen here," said Leon Lessica, a long-time Imperial Valley hunter and head of Desert Wildlife Unlimited (DWU), which has been behind the public fields planted in the Imperial Valley each year with volunteer effort, DFG funds, and the assistance of private landowners.

There are again 32 fields in 17 locations in the Imperial Valley. Since the locations are the same as the last couple of years, hunters can use previous year's maps or download one off the DWU web site http://www.DesertWildlifeUnlimited.com . Hunters also can find public hunting at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, and most of the desert areas adjacent to the agriculture are opening to hunting and holding a lot of birds.

Maps to these fields are widely available in the Imperial Valley and can be picked up at Wister. Literally thousands of hunters used these fields last year and found very good hunting. The same should be true this season.

Hunters who hunt either Finney-Ramer or Wister fields are encouraged to fill out and return their permit report cards. Chakarun said the continuation of the field planting program really hinges on the data they gather from the returned permits.

Info at 760-359-0577.

Click here for map of Wister unit of Imperial WA

Click for map of Finney - Ramer unit of Imperial WA

Don't forget, if you shoot your 10 dove limit in Arizona you CAN NOT them come into California and shoot 10 more there. Doves are regulated under the migratory bird game laws and you are only allowed 10 doves per day.

In Arizona, there is only half-day hunting, from one-hour hour before sunrise to noon. Don’t forget that junior hunters through age 17 can hunt all day, but those under 14 years of age need to be accompanied by a licensed adult (however, the adult cannot carry a shotgun and participate in the afternoon hunting). During the early season in the southern zones (consult the Dove Regulations), adult hunters are restricted to half-day shooting from one-half hour before sunrise until noon. There are a couple of good strategies for late afternoon hunting for juniors. Stock tanks or other water sources in the late afternoon will often attract doves. Also, the same fields that attract doves in the early morning will usually attract them in the afternoon. Scouting before the dove season should pay dividends.

Eurasian Doves: There is no limit on Eurasion doves in AZ and you can shoot them all year long.

The dove season Arizona is split. The first half runs from Sept. 1-15. 2009. The limit is 10 birds per day, with 20 in possession after the first day.

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge A sleeper spot for doves is the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge south of Blythe, according to Mary Bradley at the Yellowmart in Blythe, CA. Since steel shot is required on the refuge for all gamebirds, most hunters do not hunt Cibola. Grain planting on the Island Unit make it a good place with fewer hunters. You'll need an Arizona Hunting license and bird stamp to hunt here. Non toxic shot is required on the refuge. For information, call Mike Hawkes, Manager, Route 2, Box 138 Cibola, AZ, 85328 Phone: 520-857-3253 Fax: 520-387-3420, email r2rw_ci@fws.gov

Click here for map of Cibola NWR  

ARIZONA UPDATE: Bill Kerekas of Mesa Sports in Yuma reminded hunters coming to Arizona that hunters, age 16 and older, must have a $3 HIP (Harvest Information Program) stamp attached to their three-day ($38) or season (($85.50) non-resident hunting license.

Richard Sprague, owner of Sprague's Sports in Yuma, Ariz., said he expected the biggest crowd ever for his Big Breast XV, the 15th annual fun contest to see which hunter weighs in the heaviest dove breast. The event is held Sept 1 and 2 each year, and it has grown to the point where it is now garnering some major sponsors -- including Coors Light, Federal Cartridge Corporation, and Beretta USA. Everyone who enters a dove in the Big Breast Contest, which is free, is entered in a drawing for a new Beretta shotgun.

"The dove population looks to be typically Yuma excellent for this opener," said Sprague. Like many businesses in Yuma, Sprague's shop will be open until 11 p.m. Sunday so late-arriving hunters can buy their non-resident licenses for the morning hunt.

Dove Biology 101

Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura

Physical Description: The mourning dove is a member of the family of birds called Columbidae. Male and female mourning doves look very similar with pale buff-brown head, neck, breast, and belly. Purple and green iridescence on neck. Small black mark on lower neck. Medium brown back and upperwings, with large black spots on coverts. Long tail is pointed at tip. Dark brown tail with white tips to outer four tail feathers, which show during flight. Juveniles can be distinguished from adults by light buffing on the tips of the primary feathers which persist until the first molt. Dark brown mottled head neck and breast. Scaly neck and upperwings with numerous black spots on coverts and scapulars. Pale belly. Medium length tail is pointed at tip. Young are indistinguishable from adults by the age of 3 months. Long pointed tail is distinctive for adults, while black spotting on coverts and pale color help distinguish it from White-winged and White-tipped Doves. Juvenile is easily confused with Common Ground-Dove and Inca Dove, but is longer necked, shows a pointed tail with more white at edges and lacks cinnamon in primaries. Length: 10.5 inches

Productivity: Mourning doves are very prolific birds. The nesting season runs from April to September; peak nesting is May through August. Each pair produces multiple broods each year. Mourning doves lay two white eggs per clutch and raise between two and five clutches per year. Both parents take part in incubation and brood-rearing activities. Young doves, or squabs, hatch featherless and grow rapidly, increasing their weight by 14 times within 15 days of age. Young can survive on their own 5 to 9 days after leaving the nest and most leave the nest area within 2 to 3 weeks of fledging. Doves build scant nests of twigs and grass usually placed in trees or shrubs 10 to 30 feet above ground. In open areas, coniferous shelterbelts and windbreaks are preferred for nesting.

Habitat: Mourning doves are highly adaptable to a variety of habitats including coniferous forests, deciduous forests, residential, urban, and agricultural landscapes. Habitat needs include trees for nesting and roosting, a food source and a source of water.

Abundance: Mourning doves are one of the most abundant and widely distributed birds in North America. The breeding range extends from central Canada in the north to southern Mexico in the south and encompasses all of the lower 48 states.

Foods: Ninety-nine percent of the mourning dove diet is comprised of weed seeds and grains. Preferred weed seeds include pigweed, foxtails, wild sunflower, and ragweed. Preferred grains include corn, sorghum and millet. Insects make up a very small proportion of the dove diet. Doves move an average of 2-8 miles for food.

Effects of hunting: Continent-wide hunting mortality is estimated at 10-15% of the fall population annually. This mortality is believed to be below the level which would significantly decrease long-term dove abundance or hinder expansion of geographic area. Hunting is monitored and managed by professional wildlife biologists from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies.

Mortality: The natural mortality rate for mourning doves is high; approximately 6 out of 10 birds do not survive from one year to the next. Research indicates that mourning dove mortality is caused by a variety of factors including predators, disease, accidents, hunting and weather extremes.

U.S. Dove Breeding Map

Dove Meat Care and Recipes

It is very important to cool bagged doves as soon as possible and keep them cool. You should use a container that will keep the doves cool and dry. Do not let them get wet or sit in water because it promotes bacterial growth, which increases the chances of spoilage. Keeping dove cool is even more important during the warmer, earlier part of the season.

Marinate in Italian dressing. Slice along breast (either side) and insert jalapeno, onion, bell pepper, you decide. Wrap in bacon and grill over mesquite.

For 12 doves. Breast out the doves. Mix some white flour with a little salt and pepper, then dust dove breasts with the flour mixture. In a pan or skillet, heat equal parts of butter and olive oil (about a table spoon of each per dozen birds), add a tablespoon (or to taste) of chopped garlic and sauté garlic for a minute. Add the dove breasts and sauté until browned. Do not let the garlic burn. Add 1/4 cup chopped onions and continue to cook. When dove is browned, add 1 cup heavy cream, some sliced fresh mushrooms, chopped parsley (tarragon is excellent if you have it) and cook for a few minutes until cream thickens, being sure to scrape up the bits on the bottom of the pan. When cream is reduced, add a splash of dry white wine or brandy,(bourbon is good in a pinch). Serve over egg noodles or wide pasta with a good crusty bread, green salad and a dry white like Chardonnay. Then go get more dove! Enjoy. Fred.

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