For Yuma business owners, Sept. 1st means one thing. It’s dove hunting season.
It’s that time of the year again for dove hunting season in Yuma. If you’ve driven around town, you have probably seen the signs on local businesses welcoming hunters.
The 2026 dove hunting season began 30 minutes before sunrise. At Sprague’s Sports near The Big Curve, it was like Christmas morning as hunters were buying supplies.
Dominic Mammina traveled to Yuma from Santee, Calif., which is northeast of San Diego.
“We usually come out here every year for dove season," Mammina told KAWC. "We got out a little late this morning. We did a little scouting and a little shooting. We're going back for the evening hunt."
I asked Mammina what keeps him coming back every year.
“You’re going to find some camaraderie," he said. "I’ve never met someone who isn’t friendly... there’s just something special about Yuma and doves.”
Hunters like Mammina are a welcome sight for local small business owners.
“Yuma is the dove hunting capital of the world," said
Matt Dusek, a range manager at Sprague’s. "The Yuma community really gets behind this... it’s a big influx for our economy here.”
Published reports have pegged the estimated yearly impact of dove hunting on the Yuma economy as high as $3 million to $6 million.
"A lot of folks will book their hotels a couple years in advance. It's a big boost," Dusek told KAWC. "It's a really good community event. We love being a part of it."
The 2026 season goes through Sept. 15th at sunset.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is reminding hunters of several rules.
Hunting is prohibited in municipal and county parks and preserves, including the Yuma East and West Wetlands, golf courses, and airport properties.
Hunters also cannot discharge a firearm within a quarter-mile of an occupied structure without permission.
Shooting across or into maintained roads or railways is prohibited.
Hunters cannot trespass on posted private property or refuse to leave when asked.
They also cannot damage crops or private property.
And officials say: pack it in, pack it out. That includes shotgun shells and wildlife remains.
Violations can lead to criminal charges or loss of hunting privileges.
For state hunting laws and requirements, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
