In This Issue:
 Dove hunting is a tradition for many Texas hunters and their families, and they won’t be disappointed this hunting season even if the drought continues substantially in some parts of the state, according to wildlife biologists. Every year, about 250,000 mourning dove hunters harvest 5 million mourning doves in Texas – making the Lone Star State the nation’s leader in both the number of hunters and harvest. This year should be no exception.
The 2014-2015 Texas dove season begins September 1 in the North and Central Zones and on September 19 in the South Zone. The daily bag limit statewide is 15 and the possession limit is 45.
Remember that in addition to a valid hunting license, a Migratory Game Bird endorsement and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification are also required to hunt dove. HIP certification involves a brief survey of previous year's migratory bird hunting success and is conducted at the time licenses are purchased. Hunters can find detailed information in the Outdoor Annual.
Brush up on dove season basics with this brief video describing zones, split seasons, bag and possessions limits, license requirements and more for 2014.
Although drought may lead to decreased dove populations, it may have the reverse impact on hunting success. Doves will congregate in areas of seed and water availability during early fall, so hunting success can increase in areas that provide both food and water and decrease at hunting spots that do not. Read the full dove forecast in Texas Hunting 2014.
Here are 2 tips to help keep everyone safe and the dove population plentiful:
- Avoid swinging on game. One of the most frequent ways that accidents occur, especially when taking aim at dove. Identify your zones of fire and stay within them once game is within range. Share this video with your hunting buddies and new hunters before you head into the field.
- Check harvested doves for bands and report them. Leg banding is part of ongoing research and population management that helps make the most of hunting license dollars. Please report bands to the toll-free number 1-800-327-BAND (2263) or online at www.reportband.gov.
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 As the hunting opportunities unfold, stay in the know with your 2014-2015 Outdoor Annual, the detailed reference for Texas hunting and fishing regulations. This guide to all hunting seasons is now available 3 ways:
For a quick summary of what’s new for 2014-2015 hunting read "What's New" in the Outdoor Annual. You'll find updates on mule deer, squirrel, East Texas turkey, as well as regulations on firearm possession during archery season.
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Don't miss out on your chance at affordable public hunting. Application deadlines for many popular Drawn Hunts are coming right up. Applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. CST on the deadline date.
Aug 21 - Archery Deer
Aug 28 - Pronghorn
Aug 28 - Private Lands – Pronghorn
Sept 8 - Private Lands – Deer Either Sex
Sept 15 - Archery Mule Deer
Sept 15 - Exotic
Sept 15 - Youth Only Exotic
Sept 15 - Youth Only Gun Deer – Management
More Drawn Hunt entry deadlines are coming up soon. Sign up for Hunting Updates to receive email reminders of these deadlines and other timely hunting news.
The new online-only Public Hunt Drawing System makes it easy to browse hunt opportunities, get answers to frequently asked questions, and submit your applications. Take these four steps toward some great hunts:
- Find hunts of interest to you. Browse the Drawn Hunt catalog by category and area.
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Start your application by creating or finding your account for secure/online ordering. Customers who have previously purchased a hunting or fishing license should already have an account in the system.
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Complete your application online for the hunts of your choice.
- Watch your email for notification of any hunts you have won. You can also check the status of your application online at any time.
Successful applicants will need to accept and purchase permits after you are drawn.
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 Get ready to hunt with Texas Hunting 2014, a free digital extra from Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. Discover detailed hunting forecasts from our experts and tips for improving your hunting success.
Check out the 2014-2015 hunting forecast by Steve Lightfoot. Read a refresher story on proper firearms handling to ensure a successful, safe hunt. And to continue your success from field to table, get a few simple tips for preparing game meats and be inspired by three great chefs' recipes for preparing your game.
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 Stay safe and keep your companions safe as well as you head out to start a new hunting season. This short and to-the-point video illustrates four critical rules for firearm safety.
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times.
- Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded gun.
- Be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it.
- Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
Firearms safety continues after the hunt. When not in the field, follow these critical concepts to keep family and friends S.A.F.E.
- Secure your firearms when not in use.
- Be Aware of those around you who should not have unauthorized access to firearms.
- Focus on your responsibility as a firearm owner.
- Educate yourself and others about safe firearm handling and storage.
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 Go hunting for the biggest, rarest, and best wildlife in Texas. Enter Big Time Texas Hunts to win one of 8 exclusive guided hunt packages. Watch this video preview of hunting adventures that await you if you win.
- Deadline to enter: October 15
- Entries are $9 each online, or $10 each at license retailers or by phone (1-800-895-4248)
All proceeds from Big Time Texas Hunts benefit wildlife conservation, research and public hunting in Texas.
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A message from a Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine advertiser
The Texas Game Wardens will be hard at work this hunting season checking in with hunters in the field to insure hunter safety and hunting regulation compliance. Chances are you will be visited by a Texas Game Warden. Help keep the visit short, efficient, and courteous.
Be sure your current hunting license is within easy reach, along with personal ID and proof of hunter education certification or waiver for hunters born on or after September 2, 1971.
Licenses are on sale now. They may be purchased at a license retailer near you. They may also be purchased online or by phone (800-895-4248) with a $5 convenience fee required for each transaction. If you expect to hunt every year, consider expanding your horizons with a Lifetime Hunting License or Lifetime Combination hunting and fishing license. See all your license and upgrade options.
Still need to complete Hunter Education? Check the four options to take the course and head safely into the field.
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Imagine if you could hunt and fish without ever buying another state license. Joshua Kulhanek of El Campo, TX had this dream come true when he won the Lifetime License Drawing in the June 30th drawing. Now the proud owner of a Lifetime Combination License, an $1800 value, Joseph can hunt dove, pursue white-tailed deer or reel in bass for free for decades to come.
Here’s your chance to become the next lucky winner: Entries for Lifetime License Drawing are now on sale. It's only $5 per entry, and you can enter as many times as you like. Purchase entries online, by phone or at your local license retailer. Two winners will be drawn this year - one on December 30 and another on June 30. If you enter by December 27, you'll have two chances to win.
The winners also receive a 1-year subscription to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. All proceeds from the Lifetime License Drawing go directly toward on-the-ground conservation efforts that help make Texas one of the best places in the country to hunt and fish.
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A message from a Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine advertiser:
Can't make it to opening day of Dove Season? Enjoy some vicarious thrills with the Texas Game Wardens' Tweet-along. Follow @TexasGameWarden.
Game wardens will be in the field for dawn-to-dusk coverage, reporting on the hunting conditions, the hunters and the game. Will folks get their limits? Will they be carrying their hunting license? Will the birds be flying where the wardens are checking the hunters?
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