In This Issue:
 Last year was good, but the forecast for the upcoming dove season is outstanding. In fact, dove populations are so healthy, the season has been extended to 90 days for the first time in 80 years. This makes it the longest dove season in the country – another reason why the hunting is best in Texas.
Opening day is Sept. 1 in the North and Central Zones, Sept. 23 in the South Zone and the daily bag limit is 15. Check your Outdoor Annual for more details. It’s also a good idea to refer to the dove identifier so you’ll know which birds to avoid. Be sure to have a Migratory Game Bird endorsement and HIP certification if you plan to hunt dove.
If you need a new spot to hunt, check out Walk-in Hunts, the Public Hunting Program that gives you access to over 1 million acres across the state, including areas for dove hunting. Wherever you go on opening day, good hunting!
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 In appreciation of hunters like you who help keep Texas an ace place to hunt, we’re offering an awesome new drawing that’s FREE to enter. We’ve also expanded the Lifetime License Drawings, giving you 3 chances to win:
Win Your Dream Year Outdoors – 1 lucky license buyer will win the big shebang: 1 dove hunting trip, 5 fishing trips, $2,000 of Cabela’s gear and more. It’s FREE to enter, you just need a current license. Enter by Nov. 30.
Lifetime License Drawings - 3 people will win a Lifetime Super Combo License and never EVER have to buy a state license again. Enter by Sept. 30 for the best chance to win. Only $5 per entry.
Big Time Texas Hunts – Enter to win 9 different primo hunt packages on top-notch private ranches and wildlife management areas, like this Ultimate Mule Deer hunt. Enter by Oct. 15, just $9 per online entry.
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A message from our sponsor:
 Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine’s new Hunting Guide is your free, go-to source for species information and hunting tips.
This special feature is exclusive to the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine mobile app, which can be downloaded to your Android and Apple devices. This is shaping up to be a banner year – be ready with the Hunting Guide.
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 Receiving a ticket during a hunting trip is not fun. The number one reason a hunter will receive a ticket is because he or she lacks proof of hunter education. Every hunter, born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete hunter education and carry proof while hunting. If you can’t locate your card, go online and print a duplicate at no charge.
Over 1 million Texans have completed hunter education and the field is a MUCH safer place to be because of it. Speaking of safety, check out this short video of firearm safety tips every hunter should know.
You can take hunter education online or in a classroom, in English or in Spanish. Everyone who hunts with you will feel (and be) safer if you do. Then keep the proof in your pocket and avoid that ticket.
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 Hunting licenses for 2016-2017 are now on sale (though they look a little bit different than this 1951 version in the photo). Most current licenses expire August 31, but you can easily buy a new license online or in person.
A new option, made possible by the Texas Legislature, allows you to make a voluntary donation to two causes when you buy your license: Hunters for the Hungry provides venison meals to Texas families in need; The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance gives funds to organizations providing assistance to Texas veterans and their families.
There are a variety of licenses available, but the best value is the Super Combo package. It includes hunting and fishing licenses and all state endorsements - for a mere $68. This season looks like it’s going to be a plentiful one, so get the Super Combo and you’ll be ready for any opportunity it brings your way.
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 The official guide to Texas hunting regulations is the 2016-2017 Outdoor Annual. It provides news, stories, and will answer all your regulation questions. Do you need to know the exact dates of the new 90-day dove season? Just check your Outdoor Annual. Want to see what’s changed for this year? The Outdoor Annual has a summary of all that’s new.
The mobile app is free for both Android and Apple and is the most convenient way to stay on top of all things hunting. Even if you’re in an area without internet service, you can still access the full Outdoor Annual if you‘ve already downloaded the app. Don't hesitate, download the Outdoor Annual app today or pick up a print copy at your local license retailer. It's time to start planning your next hunt!
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The Hunt Texas e-newsletter is made possible in part
by the generous support of Toyota.
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