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Hunting News Latest Hunting News Upcoming Dove, Teal Seasons show good promise
Hunting News Latest Hunting News Upcoming Dove, Teal Seasons show good promise | Upcoming Dove, Teal Seasons show good promise |
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| Written by TPW | |
| Tuesday, 31 July 2007 | |
 White-winged dove sit on a power line. The 2007 dove season outlook in Texas looks good. "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 Texas counties. The daily bag limit for teal is four. "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. If you donšt 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. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 31 July 2007 ) |
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