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The late season dove hunt that opens Nov. 24 is looking more promising than the earlier September hunt, especially in southern Arizona, advised Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists. Arizona has had two very dry years in a row, but recent record precipitation throughout the state has “greened up” the desert and created more abundant watering sources. Expect doves to be more dispersed, but possible concentrations can be found in agricultural areas. “The late season outlook for mourning dove in the central part of the state will be average to below average. Hunters should scout for harvested grain fields and flight paths to and from water holes and roosting areas. Also consider asking landowner permission to hunt in the vicinity of dairies and/or feed lots,” advised Small Game Supervisor Ron Engel-Wilson. However, summer precipitation in the southern portion of the state has been fair to good for the past two years, creating favorable conditions for wintering dove. “Summer rains contribute to a healthy growth of warm growing weeds. Pigweed, for instance, is a good seed producer for dove. The summer rains also benefited seed-producing shrubs and bushes,” advised Ron Olding, Tucson regional wildlife program manager. Olding is expecting another year of above average late-season dove hunting opportunities. “Although this past summer did not result in as much plant growth as last year, we should see another above average hold-over of wintering doves, based on food abundance,” Olding said. In southern Arizona, also look for grain fields that have been harvested since September. Some areas of southern Arizona in the higher elevations are also looking good for Mearns’ quail this year. For central and southeastern Arizona, harvested cornfields are providing a good fall food source for Mourning dove. Generally throughout the state, reports indicate that dove distribution is spotty, but good scouting could get you into an area heavily used by dove. Remember that all dove hunters must have a $3 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp to hunt dove (stamps are available for $3 at your local license dealer and all Game and Fish offices). “The late season dove hunt has become more popular each year, in part because many hunters recognize the opportunities to have mixed-bag hunts for doves, quail, waterfowl and rabbits. Small game hunting also provides an excellent opportunity for youth to get afield and learn,” said Information Branch Chief Joe Janisch, an avid multi-species hunter. Mixed-bag hunting opportunities for small game received a boost this year. The recent moisture has dramatically increased the potential for better waterfowl hunting this season. Don’t forget to obtain the state and federal waterfowl stamps. For those putting waterfowl in the mix, steel shot works well for the other species. Desert tanks offer great opportunities for mixed-bag hunts. Dove hunters may even run into waterfowl feeding in open but flooded desert areas. Desert stock tanks are also good locations for multi-species hunts. The lower elevations in southern Arizona could be one of the best areas for waterfowl. Assistant Director Jim Burton, an experienced desert tank hunter, said tank jumping is a great way to get into waterfowl hunting without having to invest in decoys and hunting dogs. “Effective tank-jumping requires a degree of stealth, so make sure you don’t forget your binoculars – it is important that you see the birds before they see you,” advised Burton.

Uploaded: 11/21/2000