The program is expanding beyond the original pilot project, which targeted lease opportunities along the Interstate 35 and Interstate 37 corridors and now includes approximately 40,024 acres located throughout traditional dove hunting areas of the state. Most are close enough, they can have an afternoon hunt after school and still get home in time to do homework. Fields containing plenty of dove-attracting food supplies, such as sunflower and croton, have been the targets for the TPWD lease efforts, according to Brown. That's what we've been looking for because doves tend to stay in an area as long as there's food available. We had great shooting on these areas last year, particularly early in the season.
Water is also a critical factor on many of the areas.
This year we have deleted some areas that were not as good as we would have liked and upgraded the quality overall. Brown said few restrictions will be placed on users of the dove lease lands. Most entrance points are designated for parking to protect the land and sign in is required at some areas for the purpose of maintaining hunter density counts, but access won't be restricted otherwise. Hunters who purchase their annual hunting permit early and get the map booklet and dove supplement are welcome to come out a week before the season opens and scout out prime spots. We only ask that you respect the land and the landowners who have been so generous so we can keep a good relationship for the future.