Texas hunters anticipated good numbers of dove as ample rainfall across most of the state set the stage for opening day of the season Sept. 1, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Austin.

Timely rainfall usually equates to above average dove production, and by all field accounts from TPWD wildlife biologists, this year is shaping up to produce a boom crop of birds.

Texas boasts fall dove populations in excess of 40 million birds and its 300,000 dove hunters harvest about 6 million birds annually or roughly 30 percent of all doves taken in the United States. Dove hunting also has a major economic impact, annually contributing more than $300 million to the state economy.

State Game Wardens will be out in force this season checking hunters to ensure compliance with game laws, which include possession of a valid hunting license and applicable permits, hunter education certification requirements and adherence to bag limits.

TPWD will be providing reports from the field via Twitter and on Facebook and beginning the first week of the season hunters can get the latest information on dove migration and hunter success in our Weekly Bird Hunting Report.

Additional news media resources on dove hunting are available on Texas Parks & Wildlife's Web site, including digital images and video. News media ride-alongs or interviews with local game wardens may also be arranged based on availability.

http://archive.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/news_roundup/dove_hunting/