TPWD Leases Offer Affordable Access to Dove Hunting

Steve Lightfoot, 512-389-4701, steve.lightfoot@tpwd.texas.gov

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AUSTIN, Texas — How much would you pay for a share of the dove and small game hunting privileges on more than 55,000 acres of private land? What if they tossed in another million or so acres of hunting access for other game, like deer, turkey or waterfowl? If you said less than $50 you’re in luck.

For $48, the price of an Annual Public Hunting Permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, hunters can access more than a million acres of public hunting lands, including 148 units ranging in size from 25 to 2,000 acres and covering more than 55,000 acres leased primarily for hunting dove and other small game. TPWD’s public hunting program leased the land using money generated by permit sales.

While public hunting lands can be found throughout the state, most of the dove and small game leases occur along the I-35 and I-10 corridors within easy driving distance of the major metropolitan areas. Some areas offer special hunting opportunity for youth.

“In some places the units are clustered close by so hunters will have alternatives if their first choice is occupied,” said Vickie Fite, TPWD public hunting coordinator. “The prime areas will be crowded during the first few weeks of the season and hunters should be considerate and safe.”

Fite added that it is important that hunters consider themselves guests of the private property owners and treat the land with respect by not littering. “Make a special effort to pick up trash such as spent shot shells, empty shell boxes, paper and plastic sacks and other debris,” she said.

Annual Public Hunting permits may be purchased wherever hunting licenses are sold, by phone at (800) 895-4248 or online (http://tpwd.texas.gov/). A map booklet and supplement of dove lease maps will be mailed within 10 days of purchase of the permit at retail outlets; however, the map booklet and supplement can be obtained immediately by purchasing the permit at a TPWD law enforcement office. The map booklet and supplement may also be viewed on the Internet (http://tpwd.texas.gov/hunt/public_hunting/).