Thursday, May 22, 1997

Texas Parks and Wildlife searches for suitable fields for dove

By J.T. SMITH / Abilene Reporter-News

Some landowners may have an opportunity to earn some some extra cash.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is seeking to enroll suitable fields into the Public Dove Hunting Program.

TPWD enters short-term lease agreements with landowners to allow dove hunting during the open season (September and October).

These areas are not available to all licensed hunters. They can be hunted by only those who hold "Annual Public Hunting Permits" sold by TPWD.

The TPWD is able to pay up to twice the ad valorem taxes on fields for the two-month period, and the landowner is released from liability during the lease agreement period.

Availability of early-fall food sources is the No. 1 factor when considering a field for the dove program.

Early fall food sources for dove in the Abilene area include native sunflower, croton (dove weed), pigweed (careless weed), sudan, milo, and other small grains. Ideally, fields feature food plants adjacent to cover, water, and a grit source. Watering sites for dove must have a sloping edge free from vegetation.

Ideal fields range from 100 to 250 acres in size with at least 20 acres in suitable food plants.

Fields that are enrolled in the Public Dove Hunting Program are posted by TPWD personnel as such prior to the beginning of the hunting season. Parking areas and no-hunting areas also are marked off with signs.

Local game wardens are made aware of the location of these fields and will periodically monitor the hunters.

The hunters are subject to the same rules which apply to other TPWD areas.

If you have fields that normally attract doves - where you can wait to begin wheat cultivation until after Oct. 1 - or other areas that may be suitable for dove hunting, you may contact wildlife biologist Bill Del Monte at (915) 798-3152 in Nolan.