The first of two opening days of California’s dove hunting season is quickly approaching. Dove hunters will be able to hunt for mourning dove, white-winged dove, spotted dove and ringed turtle dove beginning Thursday, September 1 through Thursday, September 15, followed by a second hunting season, Saturday, November 12 through Monday, December 26.
The Sept. 1 dove opener is one of the most anticipated dates on the hunting calendar and is considered by many as the traditional start to California’s hunting seasons.
Mourning dove and white-winged dove have a daily bag limit of 15, up to 10 of which may be white-winged dove. The possession limit is triple the daily bag limit. There are no limits on spotted dove and ringed turtle dove. Hunting for Eurasian collared-dove is open year-round and there is no bag or possession limit. A dove identification guide (PDF) can be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website.
Hunters are reminded that nonlead ammunition is required for hunting doves and taking wildlife anywhere in California with a firearm.
Numerous dove hunting opportunities are available to the public for the first dove season at CDFW wildlife areas throughout the state. These areas include Upper Butte Basin, Gray Lodge, Yolo Bypass, North Grasslands, Los Banos and Imperial Valley wildlife areas, and Palo Verde Ecological Reserve. Many of these areas have been planted with food crops to attract and hold doves. Maps are available at some check station locations or online. Entry procedures vary from area to area and hunters are advised to call ahead in preparing for their hunt. Portions of Los Banos and North Grasslands wildlife areas are restricted to special permit holders until noon on September 1, after which they will open to public hunting for the remainder of the first season.
