Dove season is approaching and people seeking hunting opportunities may visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Upland Game Bird Program’s web page. It lists numerous statewide hunts, including many opportunities in CDFW’s Central Region.

Dove season is from Sept. 1 through 15 and Nov. 9 to Dec. 23. Additional information on species and bag limits can be found at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/upland-summary-12-13.html.

In the Central Region, serving Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties, there will be five dove hunt sites hosting nine special hunt sessions.

Applications and information are available online at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/uplandgame/gamebird.

Hunters will be selected by a computerized drawing for one hunt only. Applicants must submit an application with their choice of hunts listed in order of preference. Applications may include up to two hunters applying as a party.

Hunters may apply only once for each hunt, either as an applicant or as a guest. Submitting multiple applications will result in disqualification.

CDFW advises applicants that there are changes for this upcoming season. The North Grasslands Wildlife Area China Island and Salt Slough unit quotas have been reduced to reflect a decrease in food plot acreages. Additionally, no special draw will occur for the Huron hunt site as a special food plot was not planted.

The purchase of an Upland Game Bird Stamp supports these special hunts and other programs that provide additional upland game bird hunting opportunities. The stamp is required for all upland game bird hunters except apprentice hunters.