Last weekend to go dove hunting
The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds dove hunters this is the last weekend to challenge their wingshooting skills on the darting gray acrobats. The early dove season ends for adults at noon on Monday, Sept. 15.

Kids get longer shooting hours. Youth hunters 17 and under, are permitted to hunt through sunset each day. Youth 13 and under do not need a hunting license when accompanied by a licensed adult. Young hunters 14 and older are required to have a general hunting license. However, young hunters 16 and older are required to have a migratory bird stamp in addition to their general hunting license. Licenses and stamps are available at any department office or license dealer.

Speaking of young hunters, the department is hosting a free dove hunt Saturday, Sept. 13 in the East Valley near Queen Creek. Mentors will be on hand to help teach the basics of dove hunting and firearm safety. Loaner shotguns and ammunition are available on a limited basis, but participants who have their own are encouraged to bring them. Those interested will meet at 5 a.m. at the northeast corner of E. Germann Road and S. Meridian Drive north of Queen Creek.

Dove hunters are reminded to hunt outside of city limits, don’t shoot within a quarter mile of a building, don’t take low-flying shots, and be sure of your target and beyond.

The 2008-09 Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations can be found at www.azgfd.gov/rules.

Lastly, while the early season ends on Monday, there is a late season for dove hunters. Offering all day hunting for youth and adults, the season begins Nov.21, 2008 and runs through Jan. 4, 2009.