September 1 is opening day of dove seasons in All Zones. As it approaches, Texas is locked under a high-pressure heat dome that’s held us captive for almost a month without rain.
But a man at TPWD was curious about how often it rained the last week of August, scattering the doves. His research confirmed it rained about 65% of that time!
Before TPWD allowed dove hunts in mornings, our biggest problem was avoiding afternoon heat strokes. One 100-degree afternoon, sweat clouded my eyes, and I accidently stepped into a steel trap. Fortunately, it was a fox or coyote trap instead of a bear trap. My Army boots saved my toes.
For the first time in recent history, ALL of Texas opens its dove season on September 1. A delayed opening date for South Texas WAS formerly based on research that no longer calls for a delay in the South Zone opener. Times and conditions have changed. White-winged hunting is no longer restricted to “Dove Days” since hunters can now take whitewings all season. Check the TPW Outdoor Annual for fall closing dates and winter seasons. (Photo by John Jefferson)
Dogs sometimes suffer more than humans. On a 105-degree afternoon near Brady, my Labrador –“Piloncillo” — dutifully made half a dozen retrieves. On my next shot, she began her retrieve, turned and headed for shade beneath the bull mesquite tree we were hunting under.
She just looked at me pitifully, panting rapidly. I understood and added more water to the little wallow in the ground that I had made for her. She gave me a tail wag. Our hunt was over…although we still had legal shooting time.
Other hunters I’ve known failed to get the message their dogs were sending. Tragetically, their hunting days together ended that afternoon.
Our vet has treated three snake-bitten dogs already this summer. Avoid snaky habitat and darkness.
Mourning dove population increased 2% from last year. That’s good! But available food and water may make hunting harder early in the season, according to Owen Fitzsimmons, TPWD’s dove man.
The Panhandle’s High Plains (Shortgrass Prairie) is the only exception. It was dry, then missed the blessed summer rains. The eastern Rolling Plains doves around Abilene increased slightly; hunting there should be good.
East of there, the Oaks and Prairie region didn’t change from last season and will provide average to good shooting.
Pineywoods doves increased slightly and look good.
The Edwards Plateau seems unchanged for mourning doves, but whitewings are below average and will be scarce.
The Trans-Pecos has record high whitewings, and near record high mourners. Fitzsimmons said this may be the year to “go west, young man!” Expect good hunting.
The best news is from South Texas! For the third straight season, new records for both species are forecast. Whitewings increased by 15-20% from last year. Fitzsimmons was hesitant to predict a 50% increase in mourning doves from last year’s record high. He called several field biologists for verification. They agreed there are plenty of doves but shared his concern of predicting a feathered pie-in-the sky season! It sounds like hunters should at least wear protective glasses to keep from having their eyes pecked out!
You’ll also need a NEW hunting license with the migratory bird endorsement and the HIP certification. And probably 15– 50% more shotshells than usual! Sunscreen, abundant water or Gatorade for you and your dog and a brimmed hat are mandatory unless an unexpected cool front arrives.
JJ
