Dove season kicks off on September 1, coinciding with the Labor Day holiday. This marks a significant occasion for many California hunters, as the dove opener is often viewed as the unofficial start of the hunting season.
While rabbit season began on July 1 and some deer seasons are already underway, these activities tend to take place in remote wilderness areas, away from the public eye. In contrast, the September 1 dove opener transforms into a lively celebration filled with road trips, reunions, barbecues, and refreshing swims in small-town motel pools during the midday heat. It is the first bird hunting season to commence and typically features the busiest day on the hunting calendar, often providing the best hunting conditions of the year.
Dove hunting is not a solitary backcountry experience; it celebrates California’s agricultural heartland and the farming communities that contribute to feeding the nation and the world. The agricultural fields are home to large populations of mourning and white-winged doves, which thrive on waste grain and spilled seeds, drink from farm ponds and seasonal creeks, and roost in orchards.
The popularity of dove hunting is further enhanced by the abundance of quality public hunting opportunities. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) manages lands near agricultural fields in the Sacramento, San Joaquin, Imperial, and Colorado River valleys, which are perennial hotspots for dove hunting. Notable areas include Gray Lodge, Upper Butte Basin, Los Banos, North Grasslands, Mendota, San Jacinto, and Imperial Valley wildlife areas, as well as the Palo Verde Ecological Reserve. Many of these public lands cultivate crop fields to attract and retain doves. It’s important for hunters to check entry procedures, especially on opening day, as not all CDFW properties permit dove hunting.
The dove season opener on Monday, September 1, aligns with Labor Day, ensuring a robust turnout of hunters, particularly families eager to enjoy one last outdoor adventure before the transition from summer to fall.
For many young hunters and some adults who have recently completed their Hunter Education requirements, the dove opener will serve as their inaugural hunting experience, introducing them to California’s hunting and conservation communities. This journey can lead to a lifetime of learning, friendship, travel, adventure, environmental stewardship, and unforgettable outdoor memories.
Hunters can pursue mourning and white-winged doves starting one-half hour before sunrise on September 1 until sunset. The season runs through Monday, September 15, and during this time, spotted doves and ringed turtle doves also become legal game. The daily bag limit for mourning and white-winged doves is 15, with a maximum of 10 being white-winged doves. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. There are no limits on spotted doves and ringed turtle doves, while the invasive Eurasian collared-dove can be hunted year-round with no bag limits. A dove identification guide is available on the CDFW website.
Hunters are strongly encouraged to review the dove hunting regulations and those governing CDFW lands available online in the 2025-2026 California Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations.
Common citations issued by CDFW wildlife officers during dove season include violations for semi-automatic shotguns lacking the required plug to limit chamber and magazine capacity to three shells, hunters without the necessary Upland Game Bird Validation accompanying their hunting license (this is not required for youngsters with a Junior Hunting License), and transporting doves without a head or fully-feathered wing attached for identification. Additionally, remember that non-lead ammunition is mandatory for hunting in California.
The second half of California’s dove season begins on November 8 and continues through December 22. Many CDFW wildlife areas are open for dove hunting during this period on designated waterfowl shoot days, requiring a Type A wildlife area pass for entry. Additional late-season dove hunts are available through CDFW’s program, which offers public hunting opportunities on private farms and ranches throughout the state.
For more information and resources on dove hunting, CDFW’s Advanced Hunter Education program provides helpful videos. Additional resources and videos for newcomers to dove hunting can also be found on CDFW’s website.
Source: https://www.mtdemocrat.com/news/dove-opener-marks-start-to-californias-hunting-seasons/article_71c8e082-7e41-4c1b-abf6-e3be84e0d87c.html
