Prospects low for 2nd dove season

By Sam Waller

After a slow fall dove season, the outlook for the winter season is also disappointing for outdoorsmen, according to game warden Jacob Mort.

The winter season opened Dec. 17 and runs through Jan. 2.

“Everything as far as hunting migratory birds is below average this year,” Mort said. “It’s been pretty sporadic. There was a week or two there during the first part of October that was pretty good, but other than that, it’s just been a below-average year.”

Mort said a number of factors have contributed to the lower bird count.

“The freeze last winter had lots to do with the birds, especially early in the year,” he said. “Also the mild temperatures have had an effect. We didn’t get a real cold front push to get any northern birds in.”

And the problem extends beyond Shackelford County, Mort said.

“It’s affected the entire state across the board,” he said. “All the game wardens are reporting low numbers.”

Legal shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit is 15 birds, which may include white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves, but no more than two white-tipped. The possession limit is three times the daily limit.

In addition to a Texas hunting license, a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement and Harvest Information Program Certification are required.