Dove Hunters

from TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS MAGAZINE - Fall 2023

by Digital Publisher

RELENTLESS OUTDOORS

Official Publication of the Texas Hunters Association TexasDoveHuntersMagazine.com

Publisher

TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS, LLC

Editor

SUSAN THORNTON

Graphic Design

STUDIO SYKES

Contributing Photographers

TERRY ALLEN

JEFF BONNER

DARE TO AIM PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH DOCKERY

CHASE FOUNTAIN

JAY SCHWISOW

JOSHUA CREEK RANCH

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE

DEPARTMENT

Contributors

BRIAN COOK

BAILEY DUNKS

MEREDITH KAY

REIS LADD

JEN SHUGERT

NATE SKINNER

Advertising Sales CINDY JENNINGS

Printing SHWEIKI MEDIA, SAN ANTONIO, TX

Cover Photo Courtesy

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE

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TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS MAGAZINE is published bi-annually by Texas Dove Hunters, LLC (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS MAGAZINE reserves the right to edit materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS

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Dove Economics

Opening day generates millions of dollars in sales in the hunting industry.

There are times when we start to question some of the things going on in our country, especially when it’s happening here at home in Texas. But amidst any political unrest, one thing many of us count on is when we can get to the field to hunt. Suddenly all is right with the world, and we forget about everything other than the game we pursue. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves how thankful and fortunate we are for our right to hunt. Not to talk politics, but your vote counts. When you vote, please take time to research the candidates to see where they stand on the 2nd amendment and where they stand when it comes to hunting.

As I get older, I become more sentimental. I often find myself thinking about my grandfather and his farm. Papa would take me dove hunting in the milo field, quail hunting in the pasture, turkey hunting down by the creek, and white-tail deer hunting in a handmade brushed-in blind. The farm is where I first learned to flyfish and set droplines for catfish. Papa introduced me to the joys and wonders of the pursuit of wildlife. With all of the attacks on the on the 2nd amendment, it saddens me to think it could end someday due to some unjust agenda. I, for one, will forever support all efforts to preserve our hunting heritage and outdoor activities.

It’s now August, and the hunting world is starting to come alive. Hunting tradeshows are happening, licenses go on sale mid-month, hunting supply stores are building displays, and you can find sales in many outdoor stores. August is by far the busiest month of the year for TDHA. Not only are we participating in tradeshows and outdoor events, memberships and TBBC entries are rolling in fast and furiously. We are also trapping and releasing 800 more banded Eurasian Collared Doves for the Texas BB Challenge. More than 4,600 birds have been banded and released since the program started. The data is becoming more telling, revealing results that are showing consistency from year to year. The Texas BB Challenge not only provides us with data on the Eurasian Collared dove, but is also fun for those who are entered in the contest. Each year we continue to grow in number of entrants and new prizes.

Finally, I want to extend a special thank you to our men and women in green, the Texas Game Wardens. They spend their days working to preserve the wildlife we love and enforcing laws meant to keep us safe. As an official State Police, a warden never knows what the day or night may bring. If a warden should enter your field while hunting, remember to treat them with the respect they deserve. If you’re obeying the laws, you have nothing to worry about.

Feeling optimistic about the 2023-2024 season.

Take a kid hunting, Bobby Thornton

TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS ASSOCIATION CORPORATE OFFICE