Dove season opens Friday, Nov. 20
Most popular game bird offers bountiful autumn harvest

Hunters can be thankful even before the big Thanksgiving feast, because Friday, Nov. 20 marks the return of dove season.

Late season dove hunting offers all day hunting (the early season is primarily half-day hunting). Along with the full days, the season is liberal and open for a just over six weeks allowing plenty of hunting opportunity.

The season runs from Nov. 20, 2009 – Jan. 3, 2010. The bag limit is 10 birds per day.

The late season is a great time to enjoy cooler temperatures, and little to no hunting pressure, when compared to the early season.

Another great thing about the late season is the chance to hunt quail and rabbits in the same uplands that dove inhabit, offering a mixed bag bonanza.

Each of these game animals make great table fare, but combined it is an autumn harvest smorgasbord.

Happy hunting, and be safe.

To download the 2009-10 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations, and to learn more about how small game hunting can be big fun, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting.