When it comes to experiencing some of the finest wing-shooting that Arizona has to offer, the “second” dove season — which opens Friday, Nov. 15 — is not to be missed.

Once again, the greatest number of doves — and dove hunters — will be concentrated in the state’s agricultural areas, particularly those that produce small-grain crops. That includes locations like Yuma, Buckeye, Eloy, Florence, Gila Bend, Toltec, and others. All National Park Service parks and monuments are closed to hunting unless specifically opened in Commission Order.

Unlike the 15-day “early” season that gets underway Sept. 1, the second season is much longer, lasting 45 days and running through Dec. 29.

A new change this year that applies to both seasons is the daily bag limit allows for 15 mourning and white-winged doves, of which no more than 10 may be white-winged. The possession limit is 45 mourning and white-winged in the aggregate after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. Of the 45-dove possession limit, only 30 may be white-winged, of which no more than 10 may be taken in any one day. There is no daily bag limit or possession limit year-round on the invasive Eurasian collared-dove.

All hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as an Arizona migratory bird stamp — both of which can be purchased online at www.azgfd.com/license/. A youth combination hunt/fish license (for youth hunters 10 to 17) is only $5 and includes the privileges associated with the Arizona migratory bird stamp.

All dove hunters should review the “2024-2025 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations,” which are posted at https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/. The regulations have been produced in a format that hunters will find particularly handy in the field. The color brochure is easy to read and features important hunting information, such as season dates, daily bag and possession limits, and legal requirements, at a glance.

Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) funds consist of excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access and more.

In addition to the late dove season that opens Friday, several other small game hunting seasons are underway, including quail (Gambel’s, scaled), Oct. 18, 2024-Feb. 9, 2025; cottontail rabbit, July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025; chukar, Sept. 1, 2024-Feb. 9, 2025; and tree squirrel (excluding Mount Graham red squirrel), Oct. 4, 2024-Jan. 31, 2025. The season for Mearns’ quail opens Dec. 6, 2024, and closes Feb. 9, 2025.