Get Ready For Dove Hunting In Southern Utah

Hunting season in Utah is underway, and for those in southern Utah looking for opportunities, upland game and migratory bird hunts offer a variety of options. Most upland game hunts are open to anyone with a valid Utah hunting license, without requiring an additional permit.

Species available include grouse, partridge, cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares, and several species of migratory doves and pigeons. According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), mourning and white-winged doves are a popular early season choice. Mourning doves are often found near agricultural grain fields and sunflower patches, while the rarer white-winged doves can sometimes be spotted in the southwestern part of the state. Hunters may also encounter collared-doves, which can be hunted year-round without a license or bag limit.

The Time To Hunt Is Now Before Birds Migrate South

“The weather in late August and early September can affect how many birds will be seen during the hunt,” Heather Talley, DWR Upland Game Coordinator, said in a press release. “Doves tend to begin migrating south when nighttime temperatures drop into the 50s and as days get shorter, so hunters should plan to target them earlier in the season to increase their chances of success.”

For southern Utah, dove numbers have remained stable in Iron, Beaver, and Millard counties, as well as in the Zion, Pine Valley, and Paunsaugunt areas. Populations are lower around Panguitch and Boulder Mountain, and hunters are encouraged to focus on areas with food and water sources. The mourning and white-winged dove season runs from September 1 through October 30.

Another unique option for southern Utah hunters is the band-tailed pigeon. These birds are most often found in areas with Gambel oak, aspen, and spruce/fir trees. “Many Utah hunters don't take the time to hunt band-tailed pigeons because they can be difficult to find due to their secretive nature,” Talley said in the press release. “However, they can be a unique challenge and an interesting new opportunity for hunters who are willing to put in the time.” The pigeon season runs September 1–14.

Read More: How's Utah's Mule Deer Population Doing?

Dusky grouse are also a staple in southern Utah, with stable or increasing numbers reported in the Zion, Pine Valley, Panguitch, and Paunsaugunt areas. The season for dusky and ruffed grouse runs September 1 through December 31.

Get our free mobile app

Hunters are reminded to obtain a Harvest Information Program (HIP) number if pursuing migratory species such as doves or pigeons. Registration is free and available on the DWR website, where additional hunting tips and regulations can also be found.