Hunters
Wildfires

Texans are encouraged to watch for wildfires during dove hunting season

  • Texas A&M AgriLife Stock Photo
    Texas A&M AgriLife Stock Photo

    By Murray Montgomery
    Staff Writer

    With the danger of wildfires increasing around the state, several agencies have included dove
    hunters in the attempt to notify everyone of this ongoing hazard.

    Exceptional high temperatures, for long periods of time, have increased the danger for more
    wildfires to happen. With hardly any rain, grass is dying and creating even more fuel for fires -
    there are also cases where trees and brush have died adding to an already dangerous situation.

    In a recent press release, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) gave more details
    about how dove hunters can help by being mindful of the situation. They remind us that any
    outdoor activity that create heat or sparks can ignite dry vegetation and wildfire.

    “As Texans venture outdoors, it’s important to remember just how dry the vegetation is,” said
    Chis Schenk, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Statewide Fire Program Leader. “It doesn’t
    take much for an inadvertent spark or carelessness to cause a wildfire. The high temperatures
    cause fires to spread rapidly and make it hard for firefighters to work. Please enjoy the outdoors
    but be careful with fire.”

    Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are human-caused and everyone can make a difference by
    taking personal responsibility for their actions. Remain vigilant as drought conditions continue to
    expand and intensify and be cautious with any activity that may cause a spark.

    TPWD has provided some tips on how to avoid accidentally starting a wildfire while dove
    hunting.

    ▪ Avoid driving over and parking on dry grass — the heat from your vehicle can easily ignite the
    grass.

    ▪ Always check with local officials for burn bans or other outdoor burning restrictions. Each
    county in Texas sets and lifts its own burn bans. View the latest burn ban map here:
    https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/.

    ▪ If you are taking a trailer out on your adventures, make sure tires are properly inflated, chains
    don’t contact the road and loose metal doesn’t repetitively hit anything else, all of which
    can cause sparks.

    ▪ Always be ready to put out a fire should one start. Have a shovel and water with you in camp
    and have a fire extinguisher with you at all times.

    For more information on preventing wildfires this hunting season, please visit
    https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/HuntingFireSafety/.