California is well known for its many hunting opportunities. There are a variety of animals that can be hunted in the state, including deer, pigs, quail, and doves. Dove hunting is a popular sport in California, as the state has a large population of birds. Dove hunting season in California typically runs from mid-September to mid-January.
The season is divided into two phases, with different rules and regulations for each phase. If you’re thinking about going dove hunting in California, there are a few things you need to know.
In this blog post, we will cover the basics of dove hunting in the state, including what you need to know about the season, regulations, and more.
Dove Hunting Laws in California
Dove hunting is a popular sport in California, and the state offers many opportunities for hunters to pursue these game birds. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates dove hunting through the state’s Hunting and Fishing Code.
The code establishes the open season for dove hunting, which generally runs from September 1st through December 31st each year. The code also established the bag limit for doves, which is 10 birds per day. In addition, the code prohibits the use of lead shots when hunting doves in California.
Hunters must have a valid hunting license to hunt doves in California. A hunting license can be obtained from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or from an authorized license dealer.
In addition to a valid hunting license, hunters must also possess a Harvester Number or Sportsman’s License to hunt doves in California.
The take of doves is also subject to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which implements treaties between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia that protect migratory birds. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits the taking of any migratory bird without a valid permit.
Dove hunters in California are required to comply with all state and federal laws governing dove hunting. Failure to do so may result in fines and/or jail time.
Related: Deer Hunting in California
Do you need a license to hunt Dove in California?
In California, you need a hunting license to take doves, but there are many ways to get one. The easiest way is to buy a license online from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
A license costs $48 for residents and $100 for non-residents, and it’s valid for one year. You can also get a license from a vendor that sells hunting licenses, such as a sporting goods store.
Dove Hunting Seasons in California
Dove hunting seasons in California vary depending on the area. The early season generally runs from late September to early October, while the late season typically runs from early December to January.
There are also some special regulations for areas where doves frequent agricultural fields. For example, in the Central Valley, hunters are only allowed to hunt doves on certain days and must have a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Before heading out on your dove hunting adventure, be sure to check the regulations for the area you will be hunting in.
Can you hunt Dove at night in California?
Dove hunting is a popular sport in California, but many hunters are unaware that it is legal to hunt doves at night. Night hunting offers several advantages, such as cooler temperatures and less competition from other hunters.
However, there are also some challenges, such as navigating in the dark and being aware of your surroundings.
If you’re considering night hunting for doves in California, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you have a valid hunting license.
- Check the regulations for the area you’ll be hunting in to make sure night hunting is allowed.
- Use a shotgun with #6 or #7 shot-size ammunition.
- Wear camouflage clothing and face paint to blend in with your surroundings.
- Use a red filter on your flashlight to help you see without spooking the game.
- Be extra careful when handling firearms in the dark.
Bag limits for hunting Dove in California
The bag limit for hunting doves in California is 10 birds per day. This limit applies to all species of doves, including mourning doves, white-winged doves, and Eurasian collared doves. There is no possession limit for doves in California.
Legal ways to hunt Dove in California
In California, there are several ways that you can legally hunt doves. You can use either a shotgun or an air rifle to hunt doves, and you can hunt them with either live ammunition or a non-toxic shot. You will need to get a hunting license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in order to hunt doves in California.
If you are using a shotgun to hunt doves, you will need to make sure that it is unloaded while you are transporting it to and from your hunting location. You will also need to make sure that your shotgun is not capable of holding more than three shells at a time.
When you are ready to shoot at a dove, you will need to make sure that the bird is within range and that you have a clear shot at it. It is illegal to shoot at doves that are flying over crops or other areas where people or animals may be present.
If you are using an air rifle to hunt doves, you will need to make sure that the pellet does not exceed .177 caliber. Air rifles must also be equipped with a device that prevents more than one pellet from being discharged at a time.
When you are ready to shoot at a dove, you will need to make sure that the bird is within range and that you have a clear shot at it. It is illegal to shoot at doves that are flying over crops or other areas where people or animals may be present.
Can you use dogs to hunt Doves in California?
Dove hunting is a popular sport in California, and many people use dogs to help them hunt. There are a few things to keep in mind when using dogs to hunt doves in California.
First, it is important to make sure that your dog is well-trained and will obey your commands. Dogs that are not well-trained can be a danger to both you and the animals you are hunting.
Second, you need to be aware of the regulations regarding using dogs to hunt in California. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has specific regulations about using dogs for hunting, and you need to make sure you are following those regulations.
Third, you need to consider the safety of your dog when hunting. Dove can be aggressive, and they may try to attack your dog if they feel threatened. Make sure your dog is up for the challenge of hunting dove before taking them out into the field.
By following these tips, you can ensure that both you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable experience when hunting dove in California.
Can you hunt Dove from a vehicle in California?
Dove hunting is a popular sport in California, and many hunters choose to hunt from a vehicle. While this may be convenient, it’s important to know the rules and regulations before heading out.
In California, you can only hunt dove from a vehicle if you have a valid disabled person permit or if you are participating in a special mobility-impaired hunts. If you don’t have one of these permits, you’ll need to get out of your vehicle and hunt on foot.
Be sure to check the regulations for the area where you’ll be hunting, as there may be additional restrictions in place. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and obey all posted signs.
By following the rules, you can help ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.
Final Thoughts
It’s been a great season for dove hunting in California, and we’re already looking forward to next year. In the meantime, we want to thank all of our readers and subscribers for their support. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our blog and learning about dove hunting in California.
We’ll be back next year with more tips, tricks, and information on where to find the best dove hunting in the state. until then, happy hunting!
