Dove Hunting at Sunnyside WMA

[dawei]

My wife, grandson & I will be camping at Yakima Sportsman State Park 4-8 Sep. Where would be a good place to dove hunt on the Sunnyside WMA? (I know this year we have to use steel shot there). Any help would be most appreciated.

[caseyv21]

there should be plenty of birds on the northern edge of the refuge.

[dawei]

there should be plenty of birds on the northern edge of the refuge.

As I've never been there could you please explain? What refuge are you referring to?

[270Shooter]

Never hunted the Sunnyside area for doves but I think you are better off buying a REZ permit and getting a map that shows feel free to hunt land... Then just drive around until you find a good looking field.

[cackle]

I would definaty spend my time on the rez you also will not need a washington hunting license but will need a rez permit and a federal migratory bird stamp

[rezboy]

There are many doves on the rez.  Don't know much about SSide.  Hunting the rez will be a shorter drive for you if your coming from Sportsmen's.  Check out any cut corn or wheat fields that have orchards or hops near by and you can't go wrong.  Standing water in those fields are always a plus as well! 

Cackle- since when do you not have to have a hunting license to bird hunt on the reservation?  I wasn't aware of that.    

[dawei]

There are many doves on the rez.  Don't know much about SSide.  Hunting the rez will be a shorter drive for you if your coming from Sportsmen's.  Check out any cut corn or wheat fields that have orchards or hops near by and you can't go wrong.  Standing water in those fields are always a plus as well! 

Cackle- since when do you not have to have a hunting license to bird hunt on the reservation?  I wasn't aware of that.    

Thanks so much rezboy! Looks like a much better possibility. Do you know how much a Reservation hunting permit is? Can we buy them Online or via mail? Thanks again!

[Austrian Hunter]

Never hunted the Sunnyside area for doves but I think you are better off buying a REZ permit and getting a map that shows feel free to hunt land... Then just drive around until you find a good looking field.

 
Buy the rez permit (I think $35) and hunt by Wapato are, allots of fields there.  Just be prepeared to get peppered!   

[rezboy]

No problem Dawei.  The rez permits are around $35 this year.  You can also purchase like a 3 day permit as well.  I don't know if you can buy them online.  Most stores around here sell them though.  There is a gas station called Kile's Korner outside of Wapato that sells them and your right in the heart of some good dove fields.  Good luck to you! 

[270Shooter]

I always buy mine at Bi-mart. I don't think the 3-day thing is worth it because it costs $15, might as well pay $35 incase you are ever back this way and want to make a quick upland or waterfowl hunt .

[rezboy]

I always buy mine at Bi-mart. I don't think the 3-day thing is worth it because it costs $15, might as well pay $35 incase you are ever back this way and want to make a quick upland or waterfowl hunt .

 

[ghgetter]

Most gas stations have them near Toppenish. 3 day permits are like $10 or $15 like 270 said.

I wouldnt figure on just being able to show up to a field and hunt. We spend 3 days scouting fields prior to opening day and most fields are usually shot out by the 2nd day. Not being pessimistic at all but just realistic. I would plan on scouting for at least a day. Also, most of the feel free to hunt fields aren't the best dove fields so you will need to get permission most likely as well. I would focus on the Wapato/Toppenish area.

Good luck and enjoy yourself!

[dawei]

Thanks to all for your help! To the Rez we will go!

[HoofsandWings]

You may have to go to several stores/outlets to get a map.
They usually are in short supply before the dove opener.

[cackle]

rezboy- you legally do not have to have anything more than a rez permit to hunt the reservation state laws do not apply but the federal migratory bird is required for doves

[CP]

The Fed stamp is not required to hunt dove, just waterfowl:

Migratory Bird Hunting and
Conservation Stamp
The law requires that each waterfowl hunter 16 years
of age and older must carry on his person a valid
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or
duck stamp, signed in ink across the face. A “Duck
Stamp” is not needed to hunt doves, coots, rails,
gallinules, snipe, or woodcock.

[T-Bone]

The Fed stamp is not required to hunt dove, just waterfowl:

Migratory Bird Hunting and
Conservation Stamp
The law requires that each waterfowl hunter 16 years
of age and older must carry on his person a valid
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or
duck stamp, signed in ink across the face. A “Duck
Stamp” is not needed to hunt doves, coots, rails,
gallinules, snipe, or woodcock.

True, you do not need the Federal Duck Stamp to hunt doves, the State Duck Stamp is now called the Migratory Bird Authorization. You will need it and a Small Game License to hunt doves. If you plan to hunt waterfowl this season; I'd go ahead and buy the Federal Duck Stamp, too.