Dove hunting for Beginners

What is Required to Hunt Doves in Arizona?

Dove hunting requires a valid license, and a migratory bird stamp.

A Hunters’ First Experience at Dove Hunting
Youth Learning to Hunt Dove – Video

What equipment do I need for dove hunting?

• A properly fitted shotgun in any gauge that you can shoot well
• Shotgun shells for your gun in shot size 7 ½ or smaller (the national average is five shots per dove harvested so figure 75 shells per limit of 15 doves)
• Clothing appropriate for the season (loose and breathable during the early season versus warm and comfortable for the later season)
• Well-fitting, comfortable boots
• Hearing and eye protection
• Sunscreen
• Water
• A cooler full of ice to transport your birds and water to drink
• Optional equipment: bird vest to carry birds and shells; camp chair; knife/scissors/game shears to process your birds in the field; resealable bags to store your processed birds in

Do’s and don’ts for dove hunting

Do

• Leave one fully feathered wing attached to the bird for identification until you reach your permanent residence or the place the meat will be consumed
• Keep individual limits of birds separate from others while in the field, cooler and in transit
• Respect postings on private land and leave gates as found
• Make a reasonable effort to retrieve all downed birds
• Report violations to Operation Game Thief 1-800-352-0700

Don’t

• Shoot within ¼ mile (440 yards) of an occupied structure while hunting unless you have permission
• Shoot from, across or into roads or railways
• Leave shotgun shells or other litter on the ground
• Hunt over waters all day — allow time for livestock to access water
• Consume drugs and/or alcohol while hunting or handling firearms

What about hunter orange?

Although clothing or equipment colored in hunter orange is not required in Arizona, it’ recommended when hunting in a group or near other hunters. It allows others to see at a distance and during the times where you may be moving through the thick cover to retrieve downed birds.