Texas Hunting Leases

Texas Parks & Wildlife - July 9, 2007

AUSTIN, Texas — With the passage of House Bill 12 by the 80th Texas Legislature, it is now unlawful to hunt any wild bird or animal on a public road or the right-of-way of a public road.  Prior to this year, it was unlawful to hunt game animals or game birds on a public road — meaning that nongame species such as snakes, turtles, frogs and most mammals other than deer, bighorn sheep, javelina, and pronghorn antelope could be legally taken, provided that the take was not by firearm and did not occur from a vehicle.

For many years, the department has informed the public that a hunting license was not required to take or possess any animal other than terrestrial vertebrates, such as insects. Although the new law could be construed to apply to the collection of invertebrates, the department will not enforce the provision as it relates to invertebrates at this time.  “The department strongly encourages all persons to avoid engaging in the collection of any animal life on public roads or the right-of-way of public roads,” said Maj. David Sinclair, TPWD chief of wildlife enforcement.

The new law does not apply to licensed falconers trapping raptors (birds of prey) or persons engaged in activities under department permits for scientific, educational, or zoological collection if allowed under the conditions of the permit.

Texas is blessed with an abundance of wildlife resources and a population of quality outdoors men and women who are worthy stewards of the lands.  Each year, many of our state’s hunters harvest game to nourish their families and willingly share the excess with others.

One excellent way to spread the wealth of the harvest is by donating your surplus fish and game to organizations that help the needy.  One of the oldest in the state is Hunters for the Hungry and their mission is “to provide a healthy source of protein to Texans who need assistance in obtaining well balanced, nutritious meals.”  Last year, Hunters for the Hungry reported a “banner year” by donating over 175,000 pounds of game to over 90 food assistance providers.  These donations went to single parents, elderly poor, the handicapped as well others who suffered temporary personal and financial setbacks. 

Another great organization founded by an association of hunters is Hunters’ Harvest.  Hunters’ Harvest is a group of people that utilize their skill, expertise and love of hunting and fishing to encourage hunters to donate fish and game to a network of ministries across the state.   Hunters’ Harvest sponsors events like ”Clean out your Freezer Day” with local businesses and hunting organizations in order to collect game for their work.

Hunters can help during hunting season by taking their legally harvested game and fish to participating meat processors and drop off centers listed on their respective websites.  You can also help with your donations by contacting them directly as well.

Hunting season begins in just a few months.  Please take time to visit the websites of these organizations and do two things.  First, make as generous of a monetary donation that you can afford towards their work.  Second, make note of the locations where you can drop off your excess game for the benefit of your neighbors who need it most.  It will do your heart and soul some good!

SUBJECT TO CHANGE: 

TP&W has issued their proposed hunting dates for the 2007-2008 Dove season.  LeaseHunter’s Dove listings have really picked up this past month as well.  There are some great day and longer term leases throughout the state to hunt for Dove, particularly around Dallas/ Ft. Worth and Houston.  You can look at our Dove leases by going to our Texas Dove Leases search page. Here is the proposed season information direct from TP&W. 

Proposed dove seasons.

North Zone.

• Dates: September 1–October 30, 2007
• Daily bag limit: 15 mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, including no more than two white-tipped doves per day;
• Possession limit: 30 mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, including no more than four white-tipped doves in possession.

Central Zone.

• Dates: September 1–October 30, 2007 and December 26, 2007–January 4, 2008.
• Daily bag limit: 12 mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, including no more than two white-tipped doves per day;
• Possession limit: 24 mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, including no more than four white-tipped doves in possession.

South Zone.

• Dates: September 21–November 11, 2007 and December 26, 2007–January 12, 2008.
• Daily bag limit: 12 mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, including no more than two white-tipped doves per day;
• Possession limit: 24 mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, including no more than four white-tipped doves in possession.

Special white-winged dove area.

• Dates: September 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2007.

Note: The Special White-winged Dove Area (SWDA) is in the South Zone, and South Zone regulations apply in the SWDA after the special season is over, except that the season ends on January 9, 2008.