Dove Hunting Season Kicks Off in San Tan Valley: Everything You Need to Know

Dove hunting enthusiasts in San Tan Valley, rejoice! The annual hunting season for doves has officially commenced and will continue from September 1st to the 15th. As you gear up for the season, there are several regulations and considerations to keep in mind. We've summarized everything you need to know for a safe and successful hunting experience.

Licensing Requirements:

1. For Hunters Aged 18 and Above: A valid Arizona Hunting License and a Migratory Bird Stamp are essential.
2. For Youth Hunters (17 and under): Only the Youth Combination License is required.

Bagging & Possession Limits:

• Daily Limit: Hunters can bag up to 15 doves a day. This includes both mourning and white-winged doves. However, within this limit, only 10 can be white-winged doves.
• Post Opening Day: There's a possession limit of 45 birds. 
• Eurasian Collared Doves: These doves have a unique status. There's no set bag limit or possession limit for them.

General Hunting Guidelines:

• A valid Arizona license is essential for any form of wildlife take, which encompasses acts like hunting, fishing, trapping, and more.
• Those aged 10 years and above, irrespective of their residency status, must possess a valid hunting license for hunting in Arizona.
• Children under 10 can hunt (excluding big game) without a license but should be accompanied by a licensed individual aged 18 or older. However, one adult can accompany no more than two unlicensed children.
• Big game hunting requires additional considerations. No one under 14 can hunt big game without completing a Hunter Education Course. Furthermore, children below 10 are prohibited from big game hunting in Arizona. More details can be found in the Arizona Hunting Regulations.

A Note to San Tan Valley Residents:
If you see hunters around your area or on state land, there's no cause for alarm. Dove hunting is a time-honored tradition, and hunters are aware of the safety guidelines.

A Reminder for Hunters:
Safety and courtesy go hand in hand. Always ensure you're not shooting within a 1/4 mile (or 440 yards) of occupied structures, unless you have explicit permission from the resident. Additionally, remember never to shoot from, across, or into roads or railways. Respecting these guidelines not only ensures your safety but also fosters a harmonious relationship with non-hunting residents.

In conclusion, San Tan Valley is ready for another exciting dove hunting season. As always, safety, respect for the rules, and mutual understanding between hunters and residents will guarantee a successful and incident-free season. Happy hunting!