Media Contact: Steve Lightfoot, (512)
389-4701, steve.lightfoot@tpwd.state.tx.us
July 30, 2007
“Above-average precipitation statewide has
created ideal habitat conditions for doves,” said Jay Roberson, TPWD dove
program leader. “I expect above-average production this year and hunt success
should be higher provided doves are not dispersed.”
Roberson explained that the abundant seed
production, predominately sunflower and croton, will help recently fledged
birds to rapidly put on weight. But, quality range conditions could also cause
doves to disperse as food sources become readily available and make managed
fields less attractive early in the season.
Dove season in the North Zone is set for Sept.
1-Oct. 30, with a 15-bird bag and not more than two white-tipped doves; the
Central Zone runs Sept. 1-Oct. 30 and reopens Dec. 26-Jan. 4, with a 12-bird
bag and not more than two white-tipped doves; and the South Zone is set for
Sept. 21-Nov. 11, reopening Dec. 26-Jan. 12 with a 12 bird bag and not more
than two white-tipped doves. Possession limit is twice the daily bag.
The Special South Texas Whitewing Zone, which
now encompasses land west of I-35 and south of U. S. Highway 90, is open to white-winged
dove afternoon-only (noon to sunset) hunting the first two Saturdays and
Sundays in September. The daily bag limit is 12 birds, not more than four (4)
mourning doves and two (2) white-tipped doves.
The early teal season runs Sept. 15-23 in the
High Plains Mallard Management Unit and Sept. 15-30 in all other
“There is lots of rain and water on the coast
and we’re looking at the third highest population of bluewings on record
heading this way, so it could be unbelievable,” said Dave Morrison, TPWD’s
waterfowl program leader. “Greenwings are also at near record highs. But, with
all the water we have, it could spread the birds out. Everybody is going to get
some of the gravy.”
Both greenwing and bluewing teal numbers this
year are about 50 percent above the long-term population averages, said
Morrison. “The September teal season has the potential to be one of the best in
the last several years,” he added.
Because hunting conditions are so good, TPWD
anticipates a large turnout for the dove season opener in the North and Central
Zones and is urging hunters to purchase their hunting license early to avoid
last-minute delays. Licenses go on sale Aug. 15 and can be purchased at all
TPWD law enforcement offices and from more than 1,200 retail outlets statewide.
Hunters are also reminded a state migratory game
bird stamp is required for doves, waterfowl and sandhill cranes and in
addition, a Federal Duck Stamp is needed to hunt teal.
Dove and teal hunters should take note they may
only use “plugged” shotguns capable of holding no more than three shotshells
and if you are hunting teal be sure to carry only approved nontoxic shotshells
into the field as lead shot is prohibited.
If you don’t have a place to hunt, TPWD offers
opportunities for both dove and teal on managed public lands and leased private
land. For $48, the price of an Annual Public Hunting Permit from TPWD, hunters
can access more than a million acres of public hunting lands, including 155 units
covering more than 56,000 acres leased primarily for hunting dove and other
small game. TPWD’s public hunting program leased the land using money generated
by permit sales.
While public hunting lands can be found
throughout the state, most of the dove and small game leases occur along the
I-35 and I-10 corridors within easy driving distance of the major metropolitan
areas. Some areas offer special hunting opportunity for youth.
For the latest dove hunting conditions across