Mourning Dove

White-winged Dove

Slightly smaller than the white-winged dove.
Mourning doves may 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 desert agricultural areas, around water sources
and areas where desert annuals are abundant.

Somewhat larger than a
mourning dove with a white bar
on the upper wing surface and a
long, moderately rounded tail.
Range of white-winged doves
generally coincides with the
distribution of the saguaro cactus.

Protected Birds (May Not Be Hunted)
Reddish
primaries

Reddish
primaries

Scaly
appearance

Arizona Game
and Fish Department
2221 W. Greenway Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85023
(602) 942-3000
azgfd.com

Short tail
Long tail
Inca Dove

Ground Dove

Inca Dove and Ground Dove: Small birds approximately 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 dove has a short,
round dark tail. Common summer resident in the better watered valleys, mostly
south of the Mogollon Rim.

4. Which of the following species did you hunt last season?
(
) Coots (
) Moorhens (
) Snipe (
) Blue Grouse

) Yes
) No (
2. Will you hunt band-tailed pigeons this season? (

3. If you hunted these birds last season, about how many did you bag?
Did Not Hunt None
1-10
11-30
31+
Doves
(
)
(
)
(
)
(
)
(
)
Band-tailed pigeon
(
)
(
)
(
)
(
)
(
)

) No (
YR
DY
MO

Date of Birth:

(Required)

1. Do you intend to hunt doves, coots, moorhen, snipe or blue grouse this season? (

State

) Yes

Zip Code

Zip Code

MI

City

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age,
disability in its programs and activities. Discrimination on the
basis of sex is prohibited in federally assisted AGFD programs. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated
against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including
its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint
alleging discrimination directly with the AGFD Deputy Director, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85023, (602)
942-3000 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax
Dr., Suite 130, Arlington, VA 22203. If you require this
document in an alternative format, please contact the AGFD
Deputy Director as listed above or by calling TTY at 1-800367-8939.

State

Hunters age 16 and older of dove and
band-tailed pigeon (as well as blue
grouse, coots, snipe and common
moorhens) must purchase a $3 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp for the
2004-2005 season. The stamp validates a hunting license for the federal
Harvest Information Program. The Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp is available
for purchase at any license dealer,
Arizona Game and Fish Department
office or online at azgfd.com.

Street Address or Box Number

$3 Arizona Migratory Bird
Stamp Now Required

Address:

ATTENTION DOVE &
PIGEON HUNTERS

First

Eurasian collared-doves are larger than
Black collar
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
Square tail
expanded their range into Arizona. Originally native on the Indian subcontinent, this
Blackish
bird was introduced to the Bahamas in the
primary
feathers
1970’s and quickly spread to Florida. Since
Eurasian Collard-Dove
then, they have moved westward into Arizona. The effect of Eurasian collared-doves
on native dove species are unknown. Should you harvest Eurasian
collared-doves while dove hunting, leave them unplucked during transport so they can be separated from mourning and white-winged doves.
Eurasian collared-doves will not count as part of your aggregate bag of
mourning or white-winged doves as long as they are identifiable.

TO ORDER BY MAIL: Mail this form to any Arizona Game and Fish
Department office. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. You must include
a check or money order in the amount of $3.00. This stamp will be
available at all license dealers beginning July 1 each year. The stamp can
also be purchased online at azgfd.com.

Exotic Doves

Suffix

Hunt Zones

White wing patch

Last

SEASON AND HOURS - No person may take migratory
game birds during closed season. Migratory game birds
may be taken only during hours open to hunting.

Long pointed tail

(Circle One)

IMPORTATION - For information regarding the importation of migratory game birds killed in another country,
hunters should consult federal regulations. One fully
feathered wing must remain attached to all migratory
game birds being transported between the port of entry
and the hunter’s home or to a migratory bird preservation
facility. No person shall import any migratory game birds
from any country except Canada unless such birds are
dressed (except as required above), drawn and the head
and feet are removed. No person shall import migratory
game birds belonging to another person. (50 CFR 20.61
through 20.66)

Legal Game Doves (May Be Hunted During Open Season)

Mr/Ms/Mrs

BAG LIMIT - No person may, during any one day take
more than one daily bag limit or possess more than one
daily bag limit in the field, or while returning to the car,
hunting camp or home. One feathered wing must be left
attached to all migratory game birds until they reach their
final destination.

Regulations
2004-2005

Name:

RETRIEVAL AND TAGGING - All birds downed shall be
retrieved if possible, and retained in the custody of the
hunter in the field. Crippled birds must be killed immediately. Any birds given to or left with another person must
be tagged by the hunter with a tag showing his name,
address and the number and species of birds, and the
dates they were killed. Packages in which migratory game
birds are shipped must show the names of the sender and
receiver, and the number and species of birds contained
in the parcel. (50 CFR 20.25, 20.36)

Last summer, Arizona banded 2,000 doves throughout the state as
part of a nation-wide effort to better manage mourning doves. The
hunter is a critical link in this mourning dove banding study. Banded
doves have a numbered band and phone number. If you harvest a
banded mourning dove please call 1(800) 327-BAND (2263) to
report it or go online at www.pwrc.usgs.gov and select “Bird Banding
Lab”. Hunters can keep the bands and will be provided a certificate
identifying the age, sex, date and location the bird was banded.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. COST FOR THIS STAMP IS $3.00

DECOYS, CALLS AND BAITING - Migratory birds may not
be taken with the aid of live decoys, recorded bird calls or
electronically amplified bird calls. It is illegal to take birds
over baited areas. An area is considered baited for 10 days
after the bait has been removed, and a hunter need not
know an area has been baited to be in violation.

Dove Bands

Date

WATERCRAFT RESTRICTIONS - Waterfowl may be hunted
from a watercraft (except a sinkbox) including those propelled by motor, sail and wind, or both when the motor has
been completely shut off and/or the sails furled and its
progress therefrom has ceased. The watercraft may be
drifting as a result of current or wind action on the hull,
beached or moored, resting at anchor, or may be propelled
by paddle, oars or pole. A watercraft under power may be
used to retrieve dead or crippled waterfowl but no shooting
is permitted while the watercraft is underway. It is illegal to
drive or rally game birds toward hunters by use of any
motor-driven conveyance or sail boat.

All hunters are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. Shell
casings (shotshell hulls) and associated debris constitute litter and
must be picked up and packed out. All camp areas must be left clean.

2004-2005 ARIZONA MIGRATORY BIRD STAMP

MOTOR-VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS - No person may take
migratory game birds from any motor-driven vehicle,
including aircraft. Special regulations govern handicapped
hunters.

Dove and
Band-tailed
Pigeon

Littering While Hunting

YR

WEAPON - Migratory game birds may be taken only with
a 10 gauge or smaller shotgun capable of holding not
more than three shells. Birds may also be taken by
falconry or by bow and arrow, or crossbow.

Sportsmen should note that one feathered wing (or head for sandhill
crane only) must be left attached to all migratory game birds until
they reach their final destination.

DY

Federal regulations regarding bird hunting are described in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
These can be found on at www.access.gpo.gov/nara/
cfr/. The regulations below can be found at 50 CFR
20.21 unless otherwise noted.

Arizona

One Feathered Wing

MO

Synopsis of Federal Regulations
Applicable to Migratory Bird
Hunting

Commission Order 19: Dove
This summary of hunting regulations is prepared for convenience only. It is not a legal document, as it does not contain all the laws and regulations
relating to hunting. For additional information see the current Arizona Hunting Regulation booklet available at any license dealer or contact any Arizona
Game and Fish Department office.

GENERAL DOVE
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. Sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Season Dates
Notes
Open Areas
Legal Wildlife
Sep. 1 - Sep. 15, 2004
(1,3,4,8,9,10,13)
North Zone - Management Units 1 through 15C, 16A,
17 through 20A, 23, and 24A
Any Mourning or White-winged Dove
Sep. 1 - Sep. 15, 2004
(1,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,12,13)
South Zone - Management Units 15D, 16B, 20B, 20C,
21, 22, and 24B through 46
Any Mourning or White-winged Dove
Nov. 19, 2004 - Jan. 2, 2005
(2,3,4,6,8,9,10,12,13)
Open areas statewide
Any Mourning Dove
LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow as prescribed in R12-4-304 or by falconry.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Class F, G, or H license plus a Migratory Bird Stamp. Falconers must be licensed pursuant to R12-4-422 or exempted pursuant to R12-4-407.

JUNIORS-ONLY DOVE
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. Sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Season Dates
Notes
Open Areas
Legal Wildlife
Sep. 4 - Sep. 5, 2004
(1,5,7,9,11)
Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
Any Mourning or White-winged Dove
Sep. 1 - Sep. 15, 2004
(1,4,5,6,8,9,10,12)
South Zone - Management Units 15D, 16B, 20B, 20C,
21, 22, and 24B through 46
Any Mourning or White-winged Dove
LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow as prescribed in R12-4-304.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Class F, G, or H license required for participants age 14 through 17; participants under 14 need not be licensed if accompanied by a licensed adult as prescribed in ARS 17-335.
ELIGIBLE HUNTERS: Pursuant to R12-4-318 persons are eligible to participate up to and throughout the calendar year of their 17th birthday.

FALCONRY-ONLY DOVE
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. Sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Season Dates
Notes
Open Areas
Legal Wildlife
Sep. 13 - Oct. 30, 2004
(3,5,6,9,10,12,13)
Open areas statewide
Any Mourning or White-winged Dove
LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Falconry as prescribed in R12-4-318 and R12-4-101.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Class F, G, or H license plus a Migratory Bird Stamp. Falconers must be licensed pursuant to R12-4-422 or exempted pursuant to R12-4-407.
HAWKING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

Commission Order 20: Band-tailed Pigeon
GENERAL BAND-TAILED PIGEON
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. Sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Season Dates
Notes
Open Areas
Legal Wildlife
Sep. 24 - Oct. 4, 2004
(9,10,12)
Open areas statewide
Any Band-tailed Pigeon
LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow as prescribed in R12-4-304 or by falconry.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Class F, G, or H license plus a Migratory Bird Stamp. Falconers must be licensed pursuant to R12-4-422 or exempted pursuant to R12-4-407.
SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
BAG LIMIT: Five (5) Band-tailed pigeons per day.
POSSESSION LIMIT: Ten (10) Band-tailed pigeons after opening day, of which no more than five (5) may be taken in any one day.
FALCONRY BAG LIMIT: Three (3) per day. Note: The aggregate falconry bag limit of all migratory game birds is three (3), comprised of any combination of migratory game bird
species for which a general season, that includes falconry as a legal method of take, or a falconry-only season is open. Falconers should consult Commission Orders 19, 20, 21 and 22
for season dates and open areas. The falconry bag limit is not in addition to the firearms bag limits.
FALCONRY POSSESSION LIMIT: Six (6) in the aggregate of all migratory game birds in season (Commission Orders 19 through 22) after opening day, of which no more than three
(3) may be taken in any one day.

DOVE AND BAND-TAILED PIGEON NOTES:
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

BAG LIMIT: Ten (10) Mourning and White-winged
Doves per day in the aggregate, of which no more
than six (6) may be White-winged Doves. POSSESSION LIMIT: Twenty (20) Mourning and
White-winged Doves in the aggregate after opening day, of which no more than twelve (12) may be
White-winged Doves. No more than ten (10) doves
in the aggregate, of which no more than six (6)
may be White-winged Doves, may be taken in any
one day.

mately 1/2 mile west of U.S. Hwy. 85, thence northeasterly
1-1/4 mile along posted fenceline to the southerly edge of
the active channel of the Gila River , thence southwesterly
2-1/2 miles along the southerly edge of the active channel
of the river to the south center section line of Section 21,
thence south 1 mile along posted center section line and
east edge of dirt road to approximately the center of
Section 28 and the intersection of the north edge of a dirt
road, thence east 3/4 mile along posted north edge of road
to a cattleguard, thence north 1/4 mile along posted
fenceline to the north edge of Robbins Butte main access
road, thence easterly 1-1/2 miles along the posted north
edge of the Robbins Butte main access road to the point
of beginning; all in T1S, R4W, Gila and Salt River Base
and Meridian, Maricopa County, Arizona.

BAG LIMIT: Ten (10) Mourning Doves per day.
POSSESSION LIMIT: Twenty (20) Mourning Dove
after opening day, of which no more than ten (10)
may be taken in any one day.
FALCONRY BAG LIMIT: Three (3) per day. Note:
The aggregate falconry bag limit of all migratory
game birds is three (3), comprised of any combination of migratory game bird species for which a
general season, that includes falconry as a legal
method of take, or a falconry-only season is open.
Falconers should consult Commission Orders 19,
20, 21, and 22 for season dates and open areas.
The falconry bag limit is not in addition to the
firearms bag limits. FALCONRY POSSESSION
LIMIT: Six (6) in the aggregate of all migratory
game birds in season (Commission Orders 19
through 22) after opening day, of which no more
than three (3) may be taken in any one day.
The Bill Williams River, Cibola, Imperial, Buenos
Aires, Havasu and San Bernadino National Wildlife
Refuges are open to dove hunting EXCEPT for
posted portions. A fee may be required for hunting on
National Wildlife Refuges, see refuge regulations.
Robbins Butte Wildlife Area - EXCEPT as authorized in this Commission order for the September
4 and 5, 2004 Juniors-Only Dove season, the
following area is closed to all taking of wildlife
during the September dove season: Beginning at
the junction of the Robbins Butte main access
road and the road which runs northeasterly from
the orange irrigation pump, which lies approxi-

older shall have in their possession an Arizona
Migratory Bird Stamp which will validate their license
for the federal Harvest Information Program. The
Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp may be obtained, for
a cost of $3.00 on or after July 1 of each year, from
any Arizona Game and Fish Department office,
online at azgfd.com or wherever hunting licenses
are sold.
10. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs,
Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria
National Monuments are open to hunting.
11. SELECTION OF HUNTERS: A limited portion of
the wildlife area will be restricted to junior hunters
only. Shooting stations will be assigned on a firstcome, first served basis unless there are more
people desiring to participate than available shooting stations, then a drawing will be held at 4:45 a.m.
Hunters must check in prior to hunting and check
out following completion of their hunt at the Game
and Fish Department check station.

6.

A portion of 39M has been closed to hunting. Hunting is
not permitted in the following area of unit 39M: an unincorporated portion of land within the City of Mesa known as
the Elliot and Hawes County Island in Section 16, Township 1 South, Range 6 East.

7.

SHOOTING HOURS: One half-hour before sunrise until
noon (restricted hunting hours apply to all methods of take).

8.

SHOOTING HOURS: One half-hour before sunrise until
sunset.

12. Hunting is not permitted in Unit 42M in the following
described area: Those private lands lying just north
of the Town of Cave Creek in Sections 10, 11, 12,
14 and 15 of Township 6 North, Range 3 East.

9.

HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM: As required by
A.R.S. 17-333.03 and R12-4-203, dove hunters age 16 and

13. Falconry hunting will not be permitted on National
Wildlife Refuges.

SUNRISE/SUNSET 2004-2005
(Times shown are for central Arizona. Figure up to nine minutes earlier for eastern areas, nine minutes later for western areas.)
DATE RISE
Sept. 1
Sept. 5
Sept. 10
Sept. 15
Sept. 20
Sept. 25
Sept. 30
Oct. 1

6:03
6:05
6:09
6:12
6:15
6:19
6:22
6:23

SET
6:53
6:48
6:41
6:34
6:27
6:20
6:13
6:12

DATE RISE
Oct. 5
Oct. 10
Oct. 15
Oct. 20
Oct. 25
Oct. 30
Nov. 1
Nov. 5

6:26
6:30
6:33
6:37
6:42
6:46
6:48
6:51

SET
6:07
6:00
5:54
5:48
5:43
5:38
5:36
5:32

DATE RISE
Nov. 10
Nov. 15
Nov. 20
Nov. 25
Nov. 30
Dec. 1
Dec. 5
Dec. 10

6:56
7:00
7:05
7:10
7:14
7:15
7:18
7:22

SET
5:29
5:25
5:23
5:21
5:20
5:20
5:20
5:21

DATE RISE
Dec. 15
Dec. 20
Dec. 25
Dec. 30
Jan. 1
Jan. 5

7:25
7:28
7:31
7:32
7:33
7:33

SET
5:22
5:24
5:27
5:30
5:32
5:35