Yuma, Arizona — Dove Hunting Season Kicks Off
Dove hunting season has started in Yuma, attracting hunters from across the Southwest.
Recent storms and rain leading up to opening day altered bird migration patterns, making it a bit challenging for hunters. Nevertheless, many are reporting a strong start to the season.
“It was fantastic, just fantastic,” Michael Hernandez shared. After three days of scouting and hunting, he headed home with 45 pigeons, which is his limit.
Hernandez also clinched second place in Sprague Sports’ annual Big Breasted Pigeon Contest, attracting hundreds of participants each year.
The dove season has become a tradition for Hernandez and his friends, who traveled from Riverside and San Diego.
The cool, monsoon-like climate offered pleasant conditions for hunting, despite the storms impacting bird activity.
“It was cloudy and comfortable. About an hour and a half in, it got even cloudier, and it was lovely,” remarked David Norris, a resident of California.
Frank Hansen from Sprague’s Sports noted that the storm system led to shifts in bird populations.
“When weather like this moves in, we notice changes as the pigeons migrate further south, and we’ve seen a drop in numbers post-storm,” Hansen explained.
Despite this, Hansen reported a high turnout for the season. Sprague’s Sports, one of Yuma’s main dove hunting venues, welcomes nearly 2,000 visitors on weekends.
He mentioned many hunters travel from California and the Phoenix area, often making hotel and restaurant bookings a year in advance.
“Finding a place can sometimes be a bit tricky,” Hansen added.
Estimates indicate the annual influx of hunters contributes millions to the local economy, marking the season as a crucial event for both sports enthusiasts and local businesses.
Arizona’s first dove season runs from September 1 to September 15, with a second season scheduled from November 21 to January 4.
In collaboration with Arizona Game and Fish, Sprague’s Sports is hosting a dove hunting cleanup on September 20. Volunteers will enjoy breakfast burritos and have a chance to win prizes. Hansen mentioned that the cleanup will aid in keeping Arizona’s fields litter-free.
