LOS BANOS, CA (August 27, 2025) – California’s dove season officially opens on September 1, kicking off the state’s hunting calendar with what many consider its most festive tradition. Around Los Banos, the opener is more than a hunt: it’s a rite of passage marked by road trips, family and friend reunions, and crisp early‑morning shoots that signal fall’s arrival.
Other fall pursuits such as rabbit and deer season may begin earlier, but those often unfold in quieter, more solitary backcountry settings. In contrast, the dove opener reliably fills nearby fields with hunters, creating a unique atmosphere of camaraderie and shared excitement.
Season Structure and Bag Limits
The first half of California’s 2025 dove season runs from September 1 through September 15. Hunters may take mourning doves and white‑winged doves, with a daily bag limit of 15 birds, no more than 10 of which may be white‑winged. The possession limit is three times the daily limit.
Spotted dove and ringed turtle dove are also legal game with no bag limit, while Eurasian collared‑doves remain open year‑round with no limit. Shooting hours run from one‑half hour before sunrise until sunset.
The second half of dove season resumes November 8 through December 22, 2025. During this later period, many CDFW wildlife areas—including Los Banos Wildlife Area—are open only on designated waterfowl shoot days, requiring a Type A area pass. Additional private‑lands hunts are offered through the SHARE program.
Los Banos Wildlife Area Access
The Los Banos Wildlife Area is one of the most popular local public hunting grounds for opener. On September 1, access is limited to 100 hunters total, with a maximum party size of three. Participation requires a draw-issued permit, along with a valid California hunting license, a Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation, and—except for junior hunters—an Upland Game Bird validation. From September 2 onward, hunters may self-register at the check station for daily entry.
Know the Rules
Hunters are reminded to review regulations carefully. Common violations include:
- Using a semi‑automatic shotgun without a plug limiting it to three shells (magazine + chamber).
- Failing to carry the required Upland Game Bird validation.
- Transporting birds without a head or feathered wing attached for species identification.
- Using lead ammunition, which is prohibited statewide.
A Landscape and Tradition
The Los Banos Wildlife Area, established in 1929 and spanning roughly 6,200 acres, is part of the Pacific Flyway’s mosaic of wetlands. Managed for both waterfowl and upland game birds, its proximity to town makes it a regional hub for the dove opener and the community spirit it inspires.
For newcomers—many of them recent hunter‑education graduates—CDFW’s Advanced Hunter Education program and R3 (Recruit, Retain, Reactivate) resources provide helpful guides, videos, and species ID materials to prepare for a safe and rewarding season.
