Dove Opener 2009

[Troutman65]

I havent shot Yuma in years. We used to shot AZ in the morning, have a dove lunch and shoot CA in the evening. I was young and didnt realize that they group I was with were breaking the law. Dove are considered a migratory bird and are under Federal regulation as well as state. You get 10 birds a day total. Not 10 in AZ and 10 in CA. 10 total.

As I aged, I stopped shooting with those guys and stopped driving to AZ. I get plenty of action near the Salton sea. PLus I shoot on private property so I dont get the large crowds.
I will say one thing about AZ. They get a crap load of birds. I have only seen dove fly in big flocks in AZ. In CA you get 2s and 3s and occasional 5. AZ had alot of birds. Gila Bend AZ was insane.
Be safe.

Hey Joshua, My Brother Mike has been going to Yuma for over 30 years. Same as Timster. I last went in 2004. Yuma sure has been build up. You would trip out .

We try to scout out a few areas the night before and have had great luck in Yuma. ( As long as the thunderstorms don't kick up )

Good shooting to you Joshua.

[Joshua]

Hey Joshua, My Brother Mike has been going to Yuma for over 30 years. Same as Timster. I last went in 2004. Yuma sure has been build up. You would trip out .

We try to scout out a few areas the night before and have had great luck in Yuma. ( As long as the thunderstorms don't kick up )

Good shooting to you Joshua.

I only shot around Yuma a couple time. We shot along the river and did well. We usually headed further East to Gila Bend. We werent familiar with the area and never found any of the hot spots. Several people said to go out near the airport??? I was along for the ride.
Isnt it funny how bad weather usually rolls in for the opener. I have shot in rain, wind storms and thunderstorms. Doesnt matter, I will be out there regardless. I threatened to leave my job if I had to work on Sept 1. Havent missed the opener since I was able to drive.

I have an article that was published by DFG. They did a study and determined that over 90% of dove have migrated south before the second week of August. The study was funded and conducted by DFG.
Intersting that we are shooting at the remaining 10%.

[sevenout]

Just got back from hunting in Parker AZ on Indian Tribe land. Made a 'red eye' run from Ontario, left at 2400. Bad omen, when on Hwy 62 (the Desert Center turnoff), hit some good rain and major lightening storms. A few doves at first light but they were sporatic and flying real high. Most hunters I talked to, and there weren't that many out there , only had 2 to 3 bagged birds, including our group. Got back to Ontario, and it was hotter and more humid then AZ. And, of course, I saw more dove in my back yard then in the field.

I only spent $75 on a Indian permit and endured a 500 mile round trip. My brother also 'donated' $250 to the local Indian welfare fund AKA Blue Water Marina and Casino.

But I'll be there next year.