The dove season opener will take place on Sept. 1, with thousands of hunters expected afield, particularly since it is on the lead-in to the Labor Day Holiday weekend. Things are looking good, according to Dave Ebright at Chico Sportsman's Den. "The dove hatch was very successful this year; there are lots of birds in the area. As long as we don't have a cold snap between now and opening day, it should be great."

Ebright added, "For hunting license purchases this year, the old 'Declaration Form' will no longer be accepted; you must physically have your old hunting license or the hunter safety graduation card with you. Don't put off buying your license this year. The Automated Licensing Kiosk can only accommodate one person at a time, so there may be a long line on the night before the opener."