Tuesday's dove opener is far and away the busiest hunting day of year in the central San Joaquin Valley. Some common do's and don'ts to keep in mind:
DO'S
Make certain your California hunting license has an upland game bird stamp.
Hunt only during legal hours, which begin 30 minutes before sunrise (6:30 a.m.) and end at sunset (7:28 p.m.).
Leave a fully feathered wing attached to each bird while transporting it. (That's the law.)
Know your species. Eurasian collared-doves, which have been turning up in greater numbers, don't count toward the daily bag and possession limits. Mourning doves do count, however, and these are still far more common.
Be aware of your surroundings and direction of fire before pulling the trigger.
Pick up your spent shells. Yes, it's considered littering.
Call Cal-Tip at (800) 334-2258 to report suspected poachers and polluters. All calls are confidential.
DON'TS
Do not exceed the daily bag (10) and possession (20) limits for mourning doves. Some hunters are under the mistaken impression that they can harvest 10 birds in the morning, then 10 more in the evening.
Don't assume the field you used to hunt in 15 years ago on the outskirts of town is still legal. The no-shoot zone that extends around Fresno-Clovis expands to keep up with growth.
Shooting from a vehicle is prohibited, as is driving with loaded and chambered weapons. The legal limit is three rounds (two in the magazine, one in the chamber).
Homeowners in rural areas should not call 911 unless they witness something illegal, such as trespassing.
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Turnout up in the air for dove hunting opener
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