The Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp validates a hunting license for the federal Harvest Information Program.

The Migratory Bird Stamp will be available starting this week at all Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. The stamps, along with the "Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations for 2000-2001" will be shipped to license dealers on Aug. 10, and should be available shortly thereafter.

Arizona once again has a 15-day early season commencing Sept. 1 for any mourning or white-winged dove with half-day shooting in the southern hunt units and all-day shooting in the northern ones.

Youth will once again get to hunt all day even in the southern units this year. That practice was started last year to make it so youth can hunt after
school during the week.

In addition to the afternoon hunts, there is a juniors-only season Sept. 2-3 at the Powers Butte Wildlife Area near Buckeye. Shooting stations will be assigned. Game and Fish personnel and volunteers will be on hand at the site to answer questions. There is also a free pancake breakfast, courtesy of the Chandler Rod and Gun Club.

For the youth hunts, a hunting license to hunt dove is required for youth 14 to 17 years of age. Participants under age 14 need not be licensed if accompanied by a licensed adult. Remember, if you are age 16 or older, you will need to purchase a State Migratory Bird Stamp.

The band-tailed pigeon season is Sept. 29 through Oct. 9 statewide.