There is an imaginary line beginning at the International Toll Bridge in Del Rio that meanders to and around San Antonio before following Interstate 10 to the Texas-Louisiana border. Since Sep.1, people wishing to dove hunt below the line have been looking north with anticipation and a tinge of jealousy. This Saturday, South Texas dove hunters will get to trade the sweat in their palms for the grip and forearm of a shotgun.
In a press release by Texas Parks and Wildlife, TPWD dove program leader Owen Fitzsimmons expounded upon state efforts to lengthen dove season for South Texans.
“Over the years, TPWD has worked very hard to open up more of September to our hunters in the southern part of the state,” Fitzsimmons said. “The vast majority of our dove harvest occurs in September. Getting the feds to agree to a set Sept. 14 South Zone opener beginning last year ensures hunting opportunities in the south every weekend in September when you consider the early white-wing days.”
Wildlife biologists claim that conditions for dove season are superior. Dove habitats blossomed early thanks to abundant spring rains. The timely precipitation is also to thank for thriving bird populations. Fitzsimmons is extremely optimistic about this fall’s dove season.
“With the abundant highly-preferred dove foods available on the landscape this year, we’re seeing excellent production,” Fitzsimmons said. “White-winged dove production, in particular, has been very high in the southern half of the state. Plus, many of the states to the north had similar spring habitat conditions, which should result in a strong influx of migrant birds for Texas later in the season. I’m excited about the prospects this season, it should be fantastic.”
The Lone Star State supports breeding populations of over 34 million mourning and 10 million white-winged doves. These healthy numbers are imperative considering how deeply dove hunting is woven into the state’s cultural fabric. 300,000 Texans take to the fields and forests to harvest nearly one-third of all dove taken each year nationwide-almost 10 million birds.
The South Zone bag limit is fifteen birds per hunter, and no more than two can be white-tipped dove.
The possession limit is no more than three times the daily bag limit.
Legal shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Texans who wish to hunt but possess no land of their own should consider visiting one of the state’s many Dove and Small Game public leases. These day leases are available to any hunter in possession of a TPWD Hunter Education certification, Texas Hunting License (including a Migratory Game Bird endorsement and Harvest Information Program cetifiction), and an Annual Public Hunting Permit.
All of the most up-to-date hunting regulations for the new season can be found in the Texas Outdoor Annual mobile app or online
According to the TPWD, “Hunters are reminded that licenses are on sale now for the 2019-2020 hunting seasons and can be purchased through the agency’s 28 law enforcement field offices, at more than 50 state parks and over 1,700 retailers across the state. Licenses may also be purchased online through the TPWD website or by phone at (800) 895-4248. Call center hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there is a required $5 administrative fee for each phone or online transaction. The online transaction system is available 24/7.”
Javelina hunters should share their opening day pics @thesouthtexan.
