Every September, dove season brings hunters from across Arizona and beyond to the wide-open desert and agricultural areas surrounding Buckeye, Arizona. Known for its strong populations of mourning and white-winged doves, the Buckeye area has become one of the West Valley’s popular destinations for Arizona dove hunting.
If you’re planning a dove hunting trip to Buckeye this season, Buckeye Ranch RV Resort offers a comfortable home base where you can relax, recharge and enjoy resort-style amenities between mornings in the field.
Why Dove Hunters Head to Buckeye, Arizona
Arizona Game & Fish specifically recognizes Buckeye as a destination for dove hunting, thanks in part to the area’s combination of desert habitat and agricultural land.
Doves are often concentrated around agricultural areas that produce small-grain crops, making the farmland and open spaces of the Buckeye region particularly attractive during the early season.
For hunters, that means September isn’t just the beginning of fall in the West Valley — it’s the start of one of Buckeye’s favorite outdoor traditions.
Arizona Dove Season Begins September 1
Arizona’s early dove season traditionally begins September 1 and runs for 15 days, making Labor Day weekend and the first half of September an especially popular time for hunters to visit the Buckeye area.
Hunters can encounter several species of dove in Arizona, including:
- Mourning doves
- White-winged doves
- Eurasian collared-doves
Before heading into the field, hunters should always review the current Arizona Game & Fish Department dove regulations for official season dates, licensing requirements, bag limits, legal hunting areas and other rules.
For the 2026–27 season, Arizona Game & Fish has published updated Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations. Hunters age 18 and older generally need a valid Arizona hunting license or combination hunt-and-fish license along with an Arizona migratory bird stamp.
Dove Hunting Around Buckeye
Buckeye’s location on the western edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area puts hunters close to expansive desert and agricultural areas.
The City of Buckeye also provides information specifically for hunters, including maps identifying excluded hunting areas and guidance regarding firearm discharge within city limits.
Because access and hunting restrictions can change, hunters should verify that an area is open and that they have permission to access private property before heading out.
Important 2026 update: Public access to the Powers Butte Wildlife Area via Robbins Butte Game Road is currently closed following the expiration of an access agreement in November 2025. Arizona Game & Fish is working to establish alternative access. Hunters should check current conditions before making plans.
Stay Close to the Action at Buckeye Ranch RV Resort
After an early morning in the field, there’s nothing better than coming back to a comfortable place to unwind.
Located off I-10 in the Buckeye/Tonopah area, Buckeye Ranch RV Resort makes a convenient basecamp for hunters visiting Arizona’s West Valley.
Bring your RV and settle into a spacious full-hookup RV site, or leave the RV at home and stay in one of the resort’s comfortable cabins.
When you’re not hunting, take advantage of resort amenities including:
- Heated swimming pool and hot tub
- Pickleball courts
- 24-hour fitness center
- K9 Corner dog park
- Spacious RV sites with full hookups
- Comfortable cabin accommodations
- Convenient access to I-10 and the greater Buckeye area
Whether you’re traveling solo, meeting up with hunting buddies or turning your trip into a longer Arizona getaway, you’ll have a comfortable place to recharge for the next morning.
Turn Dove Season Into a West Valley Getaway
Dove hunting may bring you to Buckeye, but there’s plenty to enjoy once the morning hunt is over.
Explore the surrounding Sonoran Desert, discover local restaurants and attractions, or simply spend the afternoon poolside before getting ready for another day outdoors.
Buckeye Ranch RV Resort also offers nightly and weekly stays, making it easy to build your visit around opening weekend or stay longer during the September season.
Plan Your Dove Hunting Trip to Buckeye
September is a popular time for dove hunters in Buckeye, so planning your accommodations early can make your trip that much easier.
Pack your gear, bring your RV — or reserve a cabin — and make Buckeye Ranch RV Resort your home base for dove season in Buckeye, Arizona.
Ready to plan your September stay? Book your RV site or cabin at Buckeye Ranch RV Resort and experience dove season in Arizona’s West Valley.
Hunting seasons, regulations, access areas and licensing requirements are subject to change. Always consult the Arizona Game & Fish Department and City of Buckeye for current regulations and approved hunting areas before hunting.