Arizona

Dove and
Band-tailed
Pigeon
Regulations
2006-2007

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

Synopsis of Federal Regulations
Applicable to Migratory Bird Hunting
Federal regulations regarding bird hunting are described in
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These can be found at
www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/. The regulations below can be
found at 50 CFR 20.21 unless otherwise noted.
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.
MOTOR-VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS – No person may take
migratory game birds from any motor-driven vehicle, including
aircraft. Special regulations govern handicapped hunters.
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.
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.
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, 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)
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.


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)

2006-2007 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp

Last Name

Suffix

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.

First Name

MI

Hunt Zones

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. COST FOR THIS STAMP IS $3.00
Date:
MO

(Circle One)

DY

Mr.

Ms.

YR

Mrs.

Address

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Date of Birth:
(Required)

MO

DY

YR

1. Do you intend to hunt doves, coots, moorhen, snipe or blue
grouse this season?
( ) No ( ) Yes
2. Will you hunt band-tailed pigeons this season?
( ) No ( ) Yes
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
( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
4. Which of the following species did you hunt last season?
( ) Coots ( ) Moorhens ( ) Snipe ( ) Blue Grouse

$3 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp Required. Please complete the form on the next page.
For more information, see page 5.


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. The stamp can also be purchased online at azgfd.
gov.


✃

ATTENTION DOVE AND PIGEON HUNTERS

SUNRISE/SUNSET 2006-2007
(Times shown are for central Arizona. Figure up to nine minutes
earlier for eastern areas, nine minutes later for western areas.)
DATE
Sept. 1
Sept. 5
Sept. 10
Sept. 15
Sept. 20
Sept. 25
Sept. 30
Oct. 1
Oct. 5
Oct. 10
Oct. 15
Oct. 20
Oct. 25
Oct. 30
Nov. 1
Nov. 5
Nov. 10
Nov. 15
Nov. 20
Nov. 25
Nov. 30
Dec. 1
Dec. 5
Dec. 10
Dec. 15
Dec. 20
Dec. 25
Dec. 30
Jan. 1
Jan. 5

RISE
6:02
6:05
6:08
6:12
6:15
6:18
6:22
6:23
6:26
6:29
6:33
6:37
6:41
6:45
6:47
6:51
6:55
7:00
7:05
7:09
7:14
7:14
7:18
7:22
7:25
7:28
7:30
7:32
7:33
7:33

SET
6:54
6:48
6:42
6:35
6:28
6:21
6:14
6:13
6:07
6:01
5:55
5:49
5:43
5:38
5:36
5:33
5:29
5:26
5:23
5:21
5:20
5:20
5:20
5:21
5:22
5:24
5:27
5:30
5:31
5:34

ATTENTION DOVE AND PIGEON HUNTERS



✃

$3 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp Required
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 2006-2007
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.gov.



One Feathered Wing

Legal Game Doves (May Be Hunted During Open Season)

Sportsmen should note that one feathered wing must be left
attached to all migratory game birds until they reach their final
destination.

Littering While Hunting
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.

Dove Bands
During the past four summers, Arizona banded 6,500 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.

Legal Game Doves (May Be Hunted During Open Season)
Mourning 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 Long pointed tail
highest densities are found
in desert agricultural areas,
around water sources and
desert areas where annuals
are abundant.
White-winged Dove Somewhat larger than a mourning
dove with a white bar on the
upper wing surface and a long,
moderately rounded tail. The
range of white-winged doves
generally coincides with the
distribution of the saguaro
cactus.



Eurasian Collared Dove Eurasian collared doves are
larger than both the native whitewinged and mourning doves.
Black collar
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 expanded their range
Square tail
into Arizona. Originally native on
Blackish
the Indian subcontinent, this bird
primary
was introduced to the Bahamas
feathers
Eurasian Collard Dove
in the 1970s and quickly spread
to Florida. Since then, they have
moved westward into Arizona.

Protected Birds (May Not Be Hunted)
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.

Reddish
primaries
Scaly
appearance

Inca Dove

Long tail

Reddish
primaries

Short tail
Ground Dove

White wing patch



Dove Notes:
1. BAG LIMIT: Ten (10) Mourning and White-winged doves per day
in the aggregate, of which no more than six (6) may be Whitewinged doves. Twenty-five (25) Eurasian collared doves per day.
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)
Mourning and White-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no
more than six (6) may be White-winged doves, may be taken in
any one day. Fifty (50) Eurasian collared doves after opening day,
of which no more than twenty-five (25) may be taken in any one
day.
2. BAG LIMIT: Ten (10) Mourning doves per day. Twenty-five (25)
Eurasian collared 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. Fifty (50) Eurasian collared doves
after opening day, of which no more than twenty-five (25) may be
taken in any one day.

Arizona Game and Fish Department
2221 W. Greenway Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85023
(602) 942-3000
azgfd.gov
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 1-800-367-8939.


3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Robbins Butte Wildlife Area - EXCEPT as authorized in this Commission order for the September 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 approximately ½ mile west of
US Hwy 85; northeasterly 1¼ mile along posted fenceline to the
southerly edge of the active channel of the Gila River; southwesterly 2½ miles along the southerly edge of the active channel of
the river to the south center section line of Section 21; 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; east ¾ mile along posted north edge of
road to a cattleguard; north ¼ mile along posted fenceline to the
north edge of Robbins Butte main access road; easterly 1½ 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.
6. A portion of 47M has been closed to hunting. Hunting is not permitted
in the following area of unit 47M: 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 7 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.
9. HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM: As required by A.R.S. 17333.03 and R12-4-203, dove hunters age 16 and 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

or wherever hunting licenses are sold.
10. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion 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 first-come, 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.
12. Hunting is not permitted in Unit 26M 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.
13. Falconry hunting will not be permitted on National Wildlife Refuges.

Commission Order 19: Dove
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
North Zone - Management Units 1 through
Sep 1 - Sep 15, 2006
(1,3,4,8,9,10,13)
Mourning dove, White-winged dove, and Eurasian collared dove
15C, 16A, 17 through 20A, 23, and 24A
South Zone - Management Units 15D, 16B,
Sep 1 - Sep 15, 2006
(1,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,12,13)
Mourning dove, White-winged dove, and Eurasian collared dove
20B, 20C, 21, 22, and 24B through 46
Nov 24, 2006 - Jan 7, 2007 (2,3,4,6,8,9,10,12,13) Open areas statewide
Mourning dove and Eurasian collared 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 2 - Sep 3, 2006
(1,5,7,9,11)
Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
Mourning dove, White-winged dove, and Eurasian collared dove
South Zone - Management Units 15D, 16B,
Sep 1 - Sep 15, 2006
(1,4,5,6,8,9,10,12)
Mourning dove, White-winged dove, and Eurasian collared dove
20B, 20C, 21, 22, and 24B through 46
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 18 - Nov 4, 2006
(3,5,6,9,10,12,13)
Open areas statewide
Mourning dove, White-winged dove, and Eurasian collared 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.

10

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

Sep 15 - Oct 8, 2006

(1,2)

Sep 22 - Oct 8, 2006

(1,2,3)

Open Areas
Legal Wildlife
North Zone - Management Units 1 through 15C, 16A, 17 through 20A, 23, and
Any Band-tailed Pigeon
24A
South Zone - Management Units 15D, 16B, 20B, 20C, 21, 22, and 24B through
46

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.

Band-tailed Pigeon Notes:
1. HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM: As required by
A.R.S. 17-333.03 and R12-4-203, band-tailed pigeon hunters
age 16 and 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, from any Arizona Game and Fish Department
office or wherever hunting licenses are sold.

2. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran
Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria National Monuments are open to hunting.
3. Hunting is not permitted in Unit 26M 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.