Arizona

Dove and
Band-tailed
Pigeon
Regulations
2011-2012

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.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html. The regulations below can
be found at 50 CFR 20.21 unless otherwise noted. An electronic
version of these regulations can be found by downloading this
booklet as a PDF at www.azgfd.gov/rules.
WEAPON – Migratory game birds may be taken only with a
10 gauge or smaller shotgun capable of holding not more than
three shells unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so the gun’s
total capacity does not exceed 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 or by means, aid, or use of any motor
vehicle, motor-driven land conveyance, or aircraft of any kind.
Special regulations govern handicapped hunters.
WATERCRAFT RESTRICTIONS – Migratory game birds may
not be taken from or by means of any watercraft or other craft
having a motor attached, or any sailboat, unless the motor
has been completely shut off and/or the sails furled, and its
progress there from has ceased. A watercraft under power may
be used to retrieve dead or crippled birds but no shooting is
permitted while the watercraft is underway. No person shall
take migratory game birds by means or aid of any motor driven
land, water, or air conveyance, or any sailboat used for the
purpose of or resulting in the concentrating, driving, rallying, or
stirring up of any migratory bird.

5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, Arizona 85086

DECOYS, CALLS AND BAITING – Migratory game birds may
not be taken by the use or aid of live decoys, recorded or
electronically amplified bird calls or recorded or electrically
amplified imitations of bird calls or sounds. It is illegal to take
birds by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area, where
a person knows or reasonably should know that the area is or
has been baited. An area is considered baited for 10 days after
the complete removal of all bait. It is legal to take migratory
game birds, except waterfowl, coots and cranes, on or over
lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas, and where
grain or other feed has been distributed or scattered solely as
the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed
on the land where grown, or solely as the result of a normal
agricultural operation.

(602) 942-3000
www.azgfd.gov

RETRIEVAL AND TAGGING – No person shall kill or cripple
any migratory game bird without making a reasonable effort

Arizona Game and Fish Department

1

to retrieve the bird and retain it in his actual custody while 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 signature, 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 and addresses of the sender and receiver, and the
number and species of birds contained in the parcel. (50 CFR
20.25, 20.36, 20.44)
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. (50 CFR 20.24, 20.35)
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, drawn and the head and feet
are removed. Special regulations govern consignment to an
approved and licensed taxidermist. No person shall import
migratory game birds belonging to another person. (50 CFR
20.61 through 20.66)
SEASON AND HOURS – No person may take migratory game
birds during the closed season. Migratory game birds may be
taken only during hours open to hunting. (50 CFR 20.22, 20.23)

ATTENTION DOVE AND PIGEON HUNTERS
ARIZONA MIGRATORY BIRD STAMP REQUIRED
Hunters age 16 and older of dove and band-tailed pigeon (as
well as coots, snipe, and common moorhens) must purchase
an Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp for the 2011-2012 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, Game and Fish Department
offices or online at www.azgfd.gov.

2011-2012 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. COST FOR THIS STAMP IS $4.50
Date:
MO

(Circle One)

DY

Mr.

Ms.

YR

Mrs.

Last Name

Suffix

First Name

MI

Address

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Date of Birth:
(Required)

MO

DY

YR

1. Do you intend to hunt doves, coots, moorhen, snipe or dusky
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?

Doves
Band-tailed pigeon

Did Not Hunt None 1-10 11-30 31+
( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

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

To order by mail, please complete the form on the next page.

2

✃

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
$4.50. This stamp will be available at all license dealers beginning July 1.
3

HUNTERS: MOURNING DOVE WING COLLECTION
Arizona is cooperating with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in
collecting mourning dove wings from hunters this year. Randomly selected hunters will be asked to save one wing from
each dove during the first week of the season and mail the
wings (postage free) to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Data
from the wings will be used to estimate annual productivity of
the dove population, and will be used in helping to establish
hunting regulations in the future.

FOR YOUTH HUNTERS
In an effort to introduce kids and beginners to hunting, the
Arizona Game and Fish Department is collaborating with
sportsmen’s groups, gun clubs, and conservation organizations, to host mentored, hands-on hunting camps and events
throughout the season and across the state. These programs
offer an excellent way to learn about hunting in a structured and
supportive manner. The dove hunting opportunities include:
SEPT. 3-4: JUNIORS-ONLY DOVE HUNT – Held at Robbins
Butte Wildlife Area near Buckeye; food, tips and guidance
offered; hosted by the Chandler Rod and Gun Club and the
Arizona Game and Fish Department; for information visit www.
azgfd.gov/dove.
SEPT. 10: BEGINNER’S DOVE HUNT – East Valley (Phoenix/
Mesa/Chandler); learn to shoot shotguns and hunt dove;
hosted by the Chandler Rod and Gun Club and Youth Outdoors
Unlimited; contact Dave Carson at dcarson@azgfd.gov; registration is required.
DEC. 3–4: SMALL GAME HUNTING CAMP – Superior;
learn to hunt dove, quail, rabbits; outdoor skills activities;
food provided; hosted by Youth Outdoors Unlimited; contact
youthoutdoorsunlimited@gmail.com.

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✃

The Arizona Game and Fish Department supports and promotes introducing children to the American tradition of
hunting. It is important that future generations learn how hunting plays a significant role in the conservation and management
of wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish offers a wide variety of
juniors-only hunting and shooting programs. These programs
are designed to get children in the field with a parent, guardian,
or mentor who can focus completely on the child, and provide
the guidance needed to teach the next generation of hunters
how to be responsible and ethical conservationists.
For a listing of other mentored camps offered this season,
including small game and big game hunting camps, see page
26-27 of the 2011-12 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations or visit, www.azgfd.gov/outdoorskills.

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SHOTGUN SHELLS ARE LITTER, PICK THEM UP.
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.
Littering while hunting or fishing are revocable violations, and
a conviction can result in the loss of hunting privileges for up to
five years.
It only takes a few minutes at the end of the hunt to pick up,
which keeps the area clean for other users, protects wildlife,
and will help preserve Arizona’s dove hunting tradition for
future generations.

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SUNRISE/SUNSET 2011-2012
(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
6:25
6:29
6:33
6:37
6:41
6:45
6:47
6:51
6:55
7:00
7:04
7:09
7:13
7:14
7:18
7:21
7:25
7:28
7:30
7:32
7:32
7:33

SET
6:54
6:49
6:42
6:35
6:28
6:21
6:14
6:13
6:08
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

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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, including collared-doves,
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
Since 2003, Arizona has been banding mourning doves as part
of a nationwide effort to improve mourning dove management.
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) 327BAND (2263) to report it or go online at www.pwrc.usgs.gov/
bbl. 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, Long pointed tail
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 desert areas
where annual plants and seeds 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.

8

COLLARED DOVE Collared doves are larger than both the
native white-winged and mourning doves. They have a black
Black collar
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
into Arizona. Originally native on
Square tail
the Indian subcontinent, this bird
Blackish
was introduced to the Bahamas
primary
in the 1970s and quickly spread
feathers
to Florida. They are widely disCollared Dove
tributed in 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

White wing patch

Short tail
Ground Dove

9

Dove: Commission Order 19
GENERAL DOVE
Open Areas do not include areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water
treatment facilities (except as specifically opened in this Commission Order) or areas 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, 2011

(1,4,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,
16,17,18,19,20)

Open Areas Statewide (refer to the notes for some restrictions)

Any Mourning or White-winged
dove

Nov 25, 2011 - Jan 8, 2012

(2,3,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,13,14,
15,16,17,18,19,20)

Open Areas Statewide (refer to the notes for some restrictions)

Mourning dove or Eurasian
collared dove

Sep 1, 2011 - Aug 31, 2012

(3,6,7,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,
17,18,19, 20)

Open Areas Statewide (refer to the notes for some restrictions)

Any Eurasian collared dove

LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow as prescribed in R12-4-304 or by falconry.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Any valid hunting license plus a Migratory Bird Stamp (A Migratory Bird Stamp is not required for Eurasian collared doves). 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.

JUNIORS-ONLY DOVE
Open Areas do not include areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water
treatment facilities (except as specifically opened in this Commission Order) or areas 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 3 - Sep 4, 2011

(1,3,5,9)

Robbins Butte Wildlife Area

Mourning dove, White-winged
dove, and Eurasian collared dove

LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow as prescribed in R12-4-304.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Any valid hunting 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.
SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
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 1 - Nov 1, 2011 and
Nov 25, 2011 - Jan 8, 2012

(4,9,10,11)

Open areas Statewide (except for National Wildlife Refuges)

Mourning dove, White-winged
dove

Sep 1, 2011 - Aug 31, 2012

(3,9,10,11)

Open areas Statewide (except for National Wildlife Refuges)

Eurasian collared dove

LAWFUL TAKING METHODS: Falconry as defined in R12-4-101 and as prescribed in R12-4-318.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Any valid hunting license plus a Migratory Bird Stamp and a Sport Falconry License as prescribed in R12-4-422 or R12-4-407.
HAWKING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Unlimited for General and Falconry seasons.

Dove Notes:
1. BAG LIMIT: Ten (10) Mourning and White-winged Doves per day
in the aggregate. POSSESSION LIMIT: Twenty (20) Mourning and
White-winged Doves in the aggregate after opening day. No more
than ten (10) doves in the aggregate may be taken in any one day.
2. 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.
3. EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT:
Unlimited.
4. 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.
5. 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.

8.		The following Maricopa County parks and preserves are open
to hunting: Lake Pleasant, White Tank Mountains, McDowell
Mountain, and Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Hunting in those
County parks opened by this Commission order is not permitted
within ¼ mile of any developed picnic area, developed camp
ground, shooting range, occupied building, boat ramp, or golf
course. Developed areas do not include trails.
9. 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 1/2 mile
west of US Hwy 85; northeasterly 1-1/4 mile along posted fenceline
to the southerly edge of the active channel of the Gila River;
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;
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 3/4 mile along posted north
edge of road to a cattleguard; north 1/4 mile along posted fenceline
to the north edge of Robbins Butte main access road; 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.
10. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert,
Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria National Monuments are open to
hunting.
11. Falconry hunting is not permitted on National Wildlife Refuges.

6. 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.

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
4 East.

7.		The following Pima County parks and preserves are open to
hunting: A-7 Ranch in Units 32 and 33, Oracle Ridge Property in
Unit 33, Six Bar Ranch in Unit 33, Emperita Ranch in Unit 34B, Bar
V Ranch in Unit 34B, Sands Ranch in Unit 34B, Clyne Ranch in Unit
34B, Diamond Bell Ranch in Unit 36A, Marley Ranch in Units 36A
and 36B, Rancho Seco in Units 36A and 36B, Kings 98 Ranch in
Unit 36C, Old Hayhook Ranch in Unit 36C, Verdugo in Unit 36C,
Bee Ranch in Unit 37A, Mordka Ranch in Unit 37A, Buckelew Ranch
in Unit 37A, Carpenter Ranch in Unit 37A, Cochie Canyon Ranch
in Unit 37A, Lords Ranch in Unit 37A, and Tortolita Mountain
Park in Unit 37A. Hunting in those County parks opened by this
Commission order is not permitted within ¼ mile of any developed
picnic area, developed camp ground, shooting range, occupied
building, boat ramp, or golf course. Developed areas do not include
trails.

13.		Hunting is not permitted in Unit 36B in the following described
area: in the posted portion of Sopori Ranch south of Arivaca Road
in Sections 14 and 15, Township 20 South, Range 11 East. The
remainder of Sopori Ranch is open to hunting.

10

14.		Hunting is not permitted in Unit 37A in the following described
area in the Town of Marana: beginning at the intersection of
Sanders Road and Avra Valley Road; north on Sanders Road to
the Santa Cruz River; southeast along the Santa Cruz River to the
Central Arizona Project Canal; southwest along the Central Arizona
Project Canal to Avra Valley Road; west on Avra Valley Road to the
intersection of Sanders Road.
15.		Hunting is not permitted in Units 25M and 37A in the following
described area in the Town of Eloy: beginning with the intersection
of Cornman Road and LaPalma Road; south on LaPalma Road to
Milligan Road; west on Milligan Road to Overfield Road; north

11

on Overfield Road to Cornman Road; east on Cornman Road to
LaPalma Road.
16.		Hunting is not permitted in Units 43A and 44B in the following
described area in the Town of Quartzsite: Sections 15, 16, 17, 20, 21,
22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35, Township 4 North,
Range 19 West and Sections 2, 3, and 4, Township 3 North, Range
19 West.
17.		Hunting is not permitted in Units 25M, 26M, and 47M in the
following described area: beginning at the junction of I-17 and
Loop 303; west and south on Loop 303 to Bell Road; west on Bell
Road to the Beardsley canal; south on the Beardsley canal to Indian
School Road; west on Indian School Road to 195th Avenue/South
Jackrabbit Trail; south on South Jackrabbit Trail to Tuthill Road;
south on Tuthill Road to the Gila River; east along the Gila River to
115th Avenue/Salt River junction; east along the Salt River to 51st
Avenue; south on 51st Avenue to Pecos Road; east on Pecos Road to
the I-10/Loop 202 junction; east, north, and then west on the Loop
202 to Gilbert Road; north on Gilbert Road to AZ Highway 87; east
on AZ Highway 87 to Fort McDowell Road; north on Fort McDowell
Road to Rio Verde Drive; west on Rio Verde Drive to Dynamite
Road; west on Dynamite Road to Pima Road; north on Pima Road
to Cave Creek Road; west and south on Cave Creek Road to Deer
Valley Road; west on Deer Valley Road to 7th Street; north on 7th
Street to Happy Valley Road; west on Happy Valley Road to I-17;
north on I-17 to the Loop 303. Base and Meridian Wildlife Area
falls within the boundary described above but is open to hunting.
County islands within this boundary are also open to hunting
provided the hunter does not discharge a firearm within ¼ mile of
an occupied farmhouse, residence, cabin, lodge, or building without
permission of the owner or resident. Privately held lands within
county islands may be closed by the landowner.
18. Hunting is not permitted in Unit 25M in the following described
area in the City of Maricopa: that portion of the city east of Green
Road, south of Smith Enke Road, and east of the Cobblestone
subdivision and that portion of the city north of Farrell Road and
west of White and Parker Road.
19.		A portion of Unit 47M is closed to hunting. Hunting is not permitted
in the following area of Unit 47M: an unincorporated portion of
land west of Loop 202 (San Tan Freeway) known as the Elliot and
Hawes County Island in Section 16, Township 1 South, Range 7 East.
20. In Units 11M and 38M, the private property within municipal
boundaries is closed to hunting.
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 $4.50 on or after
July 1, from any Arizona Game and Fish Department office or wherever
hunting licenses are sold.

12

Band-tailed Pigeon: Commission Order 20
GENERAL BAND-TAILED PIGEON
Open Areas do not include areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water
treatment facilities (except as specifically opened in this Commission Order) or areas 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 9 - Oct 2, 2011

(1,2,3)

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: Any valid hunting license 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. 17333.03 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 $4.50 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.

CHANGES THIS YEAR:
Open Areas
Recent law changes will provide an increase to dove hunting
access compared to recent years. This year, many open, undeveloped, uninhabited desert areas on state trust and public
lands within city limits are now open to legal dove hunting.
Before these laws were amended, hunters could not hunt in
many of these open desert areas within city limits because state
law prohibited shooting within their boundaries.
Hunters are cautioned that these changes do not allow hunting
in developed communities or neighborhoods. It is still illegal
per state law to shoot a firearm within 1/4 mile of an occupied building, or to trespassing on posted private lands.
These laws have not changed and will be enforced.
For descriptions of the new legal hunting areas, carefully read
the notes section in these dove regulations. To further assist
hunters and inform citizens a reference map of the open and
closed areas, frequently asked questions, and details on the
amended law can be found on the Arizona Game and Fish
Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/dove.
White-wing Dove Limit
The daily bag limit for white-wing dove in the early season is
now 10 birds. The total bag limit is still 10 birds in aggregate.

Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, Arizona 85086
(602) 942-3000
www.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
Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086,
(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 Director’s Office as listed
above or by calling TTY at 1-800-367-8939.