Dove Hunting: An Economic Boon
Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Wildlife Restoration Program
Dove season signals the beginning of fall hunting opportunities in Texas. And, Saturday September first is opening day in the north and central zones…with the south zone opening later in the month.
And that is to protect late-nesting mourning doves. We have indications from studies that a significant proportion of young are produced after September first in South Texas. And obviously, we want to set the hunting seasons when we’re not going to affect the survival of the young that are still in the nest.
Jay Roberson is the leader of the webless migratory game bird program at the agency. He says protecting the species not only makes good conservation sense, it makes good economic sense.
A Southwick Economic Survey, in 1995, indicated that about two hundred sixty million dollars are generated annually to local economies from dove hunting. Over five thousand four hundred jobs are created because of dove hunting, and about ten point five million dollars in sales tax is generated annually from dove hunting. This comes from leases, gasoline, groceries, hunting licenses, goods and services at local stores. So it is an extremely important species.
Plan on hunting dove this season? Then get your license early to avoid long lines.
That’s our show…made possible by the Wildlife restoration Program…providing funding for the Private Lands and Public Hunting Programs.
For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
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2007-2008 Hunting Seasons [Adobe Reader required]
Where to Get Information and Licenses
Hunting & Fishing Requirements/Restrictions
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