Where can I hunt dove in Southern California?
3 min read
Asked by: Jeannie Brown
Southern California’s Imperial Valley offers some of the best dove hunting found anywhere in the nation. Imperial County provides additional public hunting opportunities on various fields planted with agricultural crops to attract doves.
Where can I hunt Eurasian collared-dove in Southern California?
All of CDFW’s most popular and productive wildlife areas for dove hunting will be open to the public during the first half of the season. These areas include Upper Butte Basin, Gray Lodge, Yolo Bypass, North Grasslands, Los Banos and Imperial Valley wildlife areas, and Palo Verde Ecological Reserve.
When can you hunt doves in California?
2022 – 2023 Seasons and Limits – Dove
| Species | Season / Area | Season Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove | Statewide | Sep 1 – 15 & Nov 12 – Dec 26 |
| Spotted Dove, and Ringed Turtle Dove | ||
| Eurasian Collared-dove | All Year |
Where is the best place to hunt doves?
Here are some favorite and productive field spots for dove stands:
- GAPS. Any prominent dip or slot in perimeter timber of a field can be a natural travel lane for doves. …
- MID-FIELD ISLANDS. These are “perching sites” where doves sit just before landing in fields. …
- HILLS. …
- POINTS. …
- FIELD CORNERS. …
- HEAVY TIMBER. …
- WATER HOLES.
Where can I find doves for hunting?
Rural roads, sand bars, gravel quarries and other graveling spots close to feeding, watering and roosting sites make an area more attractive to doves, and if your scouting reveals activity patterns, these areas can provide alternative hunting sites during midday when doves aren’t feeding in fields.
Is steel shot required for dove hunting in California?
Effective July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in California. In October 2013, Assembly Bill 711 was signed into law requiring the use of nonlead ammunition when taking any wildlife with a firearm in California.
What kind of doves live in Southern California?
White-winged Doves have adapted well to the presence of humans, and they are commonly found in cities and backyards in California.
Is Camo necessary for dove hunting?
A full choke is seldom needed for dove hunting. Wear camouflage or drab clothing and avoid movement: Blaze orange hunting apparel has its place in hunting, but not dove hunting. These birds see color and will flare when they detect bright-hued clothing that sticks out from its surroundings.
What is the best time to dove hunt?
Basic dove hunting methods
If hunting in the morning, dove hunters should set up no later than sunrise. Evening shooters will be most successful right before dusk. Both beginners and experienced dove hunters must resist the temptation to fire off rounds until doves cross into range.
Where can I hunt mourning doves?
Other good spots to hunt are easily accessible watering spots – which doves love, tall secluded trees near field edges that doves will rest in, and the outside of roosting areas, consisting of conifers (over-hunting roosting spots will move birds for good from these areas, especially if the hunting is undertaken too
Can you hunt mourning doves in California?
California is home to several species of dove. Mourning dove and white-winged dove have a daily bag limit of 15, up to 10 of which may be white-winged dove. The possession limit is triple the daily bag limit.
Are dove overpopulated in California?
These birds are not deemed overpopulated nor do they cause damage to commercial farming. In fact, doves are extremely beneficial to the environment and aid farmers by feeding on weed seeds — an invaluable service that provides a natural alternative to the herbicides that routinely pollute our landscapes.
