Dove outlook near record highs

Logan Curnutt, 13, gets his first dove of the season! For over 100 years, the South Zone has opened later than the rest of the state.
“I’m very excited about the earlier opener, especially in a year when we are seeing record numbers of doves down south,” said Owen Fitzsimmons, TPWD.

By Sarah Fuller
This year’s dove season opens statewide on Sept. 1 with estimated near-record-high populations of both mourning and white-winged doves.
Spring population surveys by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department indicate the state is home to 36.7 million mourning doves — a 2% increase from last year.
White-winged dove estimates increased 10% to 12.9 million birds.
White-tailed deer growth amid drought
This spring started dry for much of Texas, with 84% of the state in some form of drought during the first full week of April. Thankfully, significant summer rainfall across hard-hit areas of drought in the Edwards Plateau and southwest part of the state provided some relief and aided in vegetation and browse recovery for deer.
Blum said the timing of rains is critical to ensure adequate vegetation growth to support late gestation and lactation in does, as well as antler development in bucks.
“We see the most substantial antler growth in bucks during June through early…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!