DFG News Archive

Triple Upland Game Bird Opener; Pheasant, Fall Turkey and Dove Seasons Open November 13

Ring-necked pheasant, fall wild turkey, and dove seasons will all open on Saturday, Nov. 13, providing hunters with an opportunity to bring home some delicious table fare for the upcoming holiday seasons.

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds hunters that an upland game bird stamp is required for licensed adult hunters (16 years and older) but not for hunters with a valid junior hunting license.

In addition to the abundant public lands available for hunting, the DFG offers dozens of special pheasant, turkey and dove hunts statewide throughout the seasons. Most hunts are free and are conducted by lottery drawing. For a complete list of special hunt dates and locations, visit the DFG Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov or call (916) 653-2225 to request a brochure.

Following is a summary of seasons, hours, limits and other information helpful for hunting pheasant, turkey and dove. For complete rules, consult the Resident and Migratory Upland Game Bird Hunting Regulations, available at DFG offices and license vendors, or online at http://www.fgc.ca.gov/html/regs.html.

PHEASANT

Season: Nov. 13 through Dec. 26. Shooting hours: 8 a.m. until sunset. Limit: Opening weekend, two males per day, four in possession; Remaining season, three males per day, six in possession. Special requirements/considerations: Hunters must preserve pheasants in their possession in such a way that the species and sex are readily identifiable, such as leaving the head or a fully feathered wing intact.

WILD TURKEY

Season: Nov. 13 through Nov. 28. Shooting hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Limit: One of either sex per day, one per season. Special requirements/considerations: Wild turkeys have keen eyesight and hearing. They detect color, detail and slight movement over considerable distances. Serious turkey hunters know the value of camouflage and dress accordingly. The DFG cautions turkey hunters to plainly identify any target before shooting. For more information, request a free copy of the DFG’s Guide to Hunting Wild Turkeys in California by calling (916) 653-2225.

DOVE

Season: Nov. 13 through Dec. 27. Shooting hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Limit: 10 per day, 20 per season (in any combination of mourning dove or white-winged dove). Special requirements/considerations: For identification purposes, hunters must leave an attached fully feathered wing on each dove in their possession.