Dove hunters, are you ready?

By Murray Montgomery

Staff Writer

According to a recent press release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) the South Zone, which includes Lavaca County, will open its Special White-wing Dove Days beginning at noon this Friday. The regular season in the South Zone opens on Thursday, Sept. 14.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. continues to predict that there will be a high number of doves available to hunters this year. A recent survey estimates that there will be 44 percent more morning doves and 20 percent more white-winged doves than last year.

Hunters are encouraged to look for concentrations of the birds around water. They are avoiding the mid-day heat and feeding earlier and later than normal.

Special White-winged Dove Days continue in the South Zone Friday through Sunday, Sept. 1-3, plus Friday through Sunday, Sept. 8-10, from noon to sunset. The bag limit is 15 birds per day, with no more than 2 white-tipped doves and 2 morning doves.

A check-list has been provided as a reminder by TPWD:

1. 1.       A valid hunting license – access the digital version of your license on the Outdoor Annual app.
2. 2.       Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement
3. 3.       Harvest Information Program (HIP) – free when you buy a license.
4. 4.       Proof of Hunter Education
5. 5.       Look over the dove identifier so you can quickly identify protected dove species. It's also available in the free Outdoor Annual app.
6. 6.       Plenty of water for you and your dog.

The Annual Outdoor app. is a handy tool – it has all the information that a hunter and fisherman need. If you want to check out rules, limits, and sizes – it’s all right there on your phone.

And finally, if you’re not in the mood for doves, alligator season opens soon.