Texas Hunting Leases

Dove Season!  The very words conjure up excitement for the beginning of hunting season.  In just a few days, thousands of Texans will take to the fields to fulfill their annual pilgrimage by sitting along tree lined crop fields and cattle tanks looking for the fast flying birds.   But, because Dove season begins essentially in hottest time of the year and is the first hunting season to partake in, special preparations should be taken before packing up and heading out.   Among the obvious at this time of year is getting an early start on your hunting license.  Knowing your hunting zones and regulations is also a must.  For the heat make sure that you are prepared to keep cool and hydrated.  And finally, make sure you have done your homework on your Dove Species and hunting lease or outfitter.

Texas Dove Hunting Leases are popping up all over and doing some homework by calling around and getting prices, types of hunting terrain and amenities is a good idea.  In his recent Dallas Morning News column, Ray Sasser, provides us with a great Dove primer with some key points on knowing the rules on Eurasian Collared Doves, having a checklist before you go out and some tips on finding fallen birds and safety.  Another thing to be on the lookout for is a banded Dove.  The Mourning Dove is the subject of a nationwide banding program and Texas hunters will have a shot at nearly 12,000 of them that are likely to pass through Texas.  It is important to report these bands so that biologists can continue to help Dove populations remain healthy for years to come.

Finally, after a great hunt, enjoy your dove with a good beverage and a few of your favorite fixins’.  The little bird is a favorite on the grill, the frying pan and even in the casserole dish.   Good Hunting!