NEWS RELEASE
Aug. 29, 2025
PHOENIX – The Dove season opener is right around the corner and, each year, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) partners with the City of Buckeye (Buckeye), local businesses, wildlife organizations and private landowners to bring exciting wingshooting action and events to the area.
Buckeye is one of the fastest growing communities in the Valley and is dedicated to working together to continue past traditions while embracing growth and opportunity. The Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting some new events this year, including a dove season warmup and a dove hunter brunch and celebration. Local restaurants will offer discounts for dove hunters and some even provide cleaning stations. Need a place to stay? Three of the newest hotels in the area are also offering discounts to dove hunters.
Head out on your own or join one of the many organized, mentored hunts. Visit the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area that provides access and plenty of opportunity for hunters.
This year’s events include:
– Get Ready for Dove Season at Joe Foss Shooting Complex!
- Aug. 30, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. at the Joe Foss Shooting Complex
- Hosted by: The Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce
- The first 30 to arrive will receive a free box of 25 clay pigeons.
– Buckeye Dove Days Annual Dove Hunting Brunch
- Sept. 1, 2025 at 10 a.m. at The Tack Room Restaurant
- Hosted by: The Buckeye Equestrian & Events Center and The Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce
– 2025 Robbins Butte Youth Dove Hunt
- Sept. 6, 2025 at 4:30 a.m. at Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
- Hosted by: Arizona Game and Fish, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited, Youth Outdoors Unlimited and Arizona Outdoor Sports
- This mentored event is free to all youth (ages 10 to 17) who can safely handle a shotgun.
– Dove Hunting Made Simple – A Mentored Beginner’s Dove Hunt for Families
- Sept. 7, 2025 at 4:30 a.m. at Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
- Hosted by: Valley of the Sun Quail Forever
– Gene Hays Memorial Dove Hunt
- Sept. 7, 2025 at 4 a.m. at Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
- Hosted by: Arizona Chapter NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen and Women in the Outdoors
- Mentored hunt for adaptive hunters, women and their families.
All events are mentored by experienced hunters. Participants learn gun safety, bird identification, hunting tips and proper field care. More information or to register, visit our Outdoor Skills Network.
For information, hunting area maps and other events, visit buckeyeaz.gov/dove.
Find the “2025-2026 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations” at www.azgfd.com/hunting/regulations.
All hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as a migratory bird stamp for the 2025-2026 season — both of which can be purchased at www.azgfd.com/license/. A combination hunt and fish license for youth hunters 10 to 17 is only $5 and includes a migratory bird stamp.
Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program funds are excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access and more.