Presenter: Vernon Bevill

Commission Agenda Item No. 2
Action
2001-2002 Migratory Game Bird Proclamation
May 2001

I. DISCUSSION: Responsibility for establishing seasons, bag limits, means, methods, and devices for harvesting migratory game birds within U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) frameworks is delegated to the Commission under Chapter 64, Subchapter C, Parks and Wildlife Code. Parks and Wildlife Code, §64.022 authorizes the Executive Director, after notification of the Chairman, to engage in rulemaking. The Regulations Committee at its April 2001 meeting authorized staff to publish the proposed regulations (located at Exhibit A) in the Texas Register for public comment. The proposed regulations appeared in the April 27, 2001 issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 3141). Staff has gathered and analyzed public comment (located at Exhibit B), and an updated summary will be available at the time of the meeting.

At present, Service has not issued the annual regulatory frameworks for migratory game birds. Since the current regulations reflect the Commission's policy to provide the most liberal harvest provisions permissible under the federal frameworks, staff recommends retaining the current provisions (adjusted for calendar shift) should the Service frameworks remain unchanged from last year. Should the Service issue frameworks that alter any existing options or offer new options for hunter opportunity, the department will adopt the most liberal provisions possible, while affording needed protection to the resource.

II. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motion.

“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopts amendments to 31 TAC §§65.315 and 65.319, concerning the Migratory Game Bird Proclamation, with changes to the proposed text (located at Exhibit A) as published in the April 27, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 3141).”

Attachments - 3

  1. Exhibit A - Proposed migratory game bird regulations
  2. Exhibit B - Summary of Public Comment
  3. Exhibit C - Fiscal Note (Available Upon Request)

Commission Agenda Item No. 2
Exhibit A

2001-2002 Migratory Gamebird Proclamation
Proposal Preamble

1. Introduction.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission proposes amendments to §§65.314, 65.315, and 65.317 - 65.321, concerning the Migratory Game Bird Proclamation. The amendment to §65.314, concerning Zones and Boundaries for Early Season Species, creates additional recreational opportunity by opening parts of the previously closed mid- and lower-Gulf coasts to sandhill crane hunting. The area would be included in the current Zone C; however, the daily bag limit would be reduced from three to two birds. The amendment would also adjust the eastern boundary of Zone B to match the boundary of the Goose Zone to minimize impacts of potential changes to the Light Goose Conservation Season later this year by the federal government. The amendment to §65.315, concerning Open Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits - Early Season Species, adjusts the season dates for early-season species of migratory game birds to account for calendar-shift and would replace the current 60-day, 15-bird per day season with a 70-day, 12-bird per day season. The amendment to §65.117, concerning Zones and Boundaries for Late Season Species, would alter the boundary of the North Duck Zone to create additional hunting opportunity in southeast Texas. The amendment to §65.118, concerning Open Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits - Late Season Species, adjusts the season dates for late-season species of migratory game birds to account for calendar-shift. The amendment to §65.319, concerning Extended Falconry Season—Early Season Species, adjusts season dates for the take of early-season species of migratory game birds by means of falconry. The amendment to §65.320, concerning Extended Falconry Season—Late Season Species, adjusts season dates for the take of late-season species of migratory game birds by means of falconry. The amendment to §65.321, concerning Special Management Provisions, adjust the dates for the Special Snow Goose Conservation Period to account for calendar shift. The amendments are necessary to implement commission policy to provide maximum hunter opportunity possible under frameworks issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). The Service has not issued regulatory frameworks for the 2001-2002 hunting seasons for migratory game birds; however, the department intends to follow commission policy in adopting the most liberal provisions possible under the frameworks in order to provide maximum hunter opportunity.

2. Fiscal Note.

Robert Macdonald, Wildlife Division regulations coordinator, has determined that for the first five years that the amendments as proposed are in effect, there will be no additional fiscal implications to state or local governments of enforcing or administering the amendments.

3. Public Benefit-Cost Note.

Mr. Macdonald also has determined that for each of the first five years the amendments are in effect:

(A) The public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules as proposed will be the department's discharge of its statutory obligation to manage and conserve the state's populations of migratory game birds, as well as the implementation of commission policy to maximize recreational opportunity for the citizenry.

(B) There will be no effect on small businesses, microbusinesses, or persons required to comply with the rules as proposed.

(C) The department has not filed a local impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission as required by Government Code, §2001.022, as the department has determined that the rules as proposed will not impact local economies.

(D) The department has determined that there will not be a taking of private real property, as defined by Government Code, Chapter 2007, as a result of the proposed rules.

4. Request for Public Comment.

Comments on the proposed rules may submitted to Vernon Bevill, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas, 78744; (512) 389-4578 or 1-800-792-1112.

5. Statutory Authority.

The amendments are proposed under Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 64, which authorizes the Commission and the Executive Director to provide the open season and means, methods, and devices for the hunting and possessing of migratory game birds.

The amendments affect Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 64.

§65.314. Zones and Boundaries for Early Season Species

(a) Rails: statewide.

(b) Mourning and white-winged doves.

(1) North Zone: That portion of the state north of a line beginning at the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; thence north along FM 1088 to State Highway 20; thence west along State Highway 20 to State Highway 148; thence north along State Highway 148 to Interstate Highway 10 at Fort Hancock; thence east along Interstate Highway 10 to Interstate Highway 20; thence northeast along Interstate Highway 20 to Interstate Highway 30 at Fort Worth; thence northeast along Interstate Highway 30 to the Texas-Arkansas state line.

(2) Central Zone: That portion of the state between the North Zone and the South Zone.

(3) South Zone: That portion of the state south of a line beginning at the International Toll Bridge in Del Rio; thence northeast along U.S. Highway 277 Spur to U.S. Highway 90 in Del Rio; thence east along U.S. Highway 90 to Interstate Highway 10 at San Antonio; thence east along Interstate Highway 10 to the Texas-Louisiana State Line.

(4) Special white-winged dove area: That portion of the state south and west of a line beginning at the International Toll Bridge in Del Rio; thence northeast along U.S. Highway 277 Spur to U.S. Highway 90 in Del Rio; thence east along U.S. Highway 90 to United States Highway 83 at Uvalde; thence south along U.S. Highway 83 to State Highway 44; thence east along State Highway 44 to State Highway 16 at Freer; thence south along State Highway 16 to State Highway 285 at Hebbronville; thence east along State Highway 285 to FM 1017; thence southeast along FM 1017 to State Highway 186 at Linn; thence east along State Highway 186 to the Mansfield Channel at Port Mansfield; thence east along the Mansfield Channel to the Gulf of Mexico.

(c) Gallinules (Moorhen or common gallinule and purple gallinule): statewide.

(d) Teal ducks (blue-winged, green-winged, and cinnamon): statewide.

(e) Sandhill cranes.

(1) Zone A: that portion of Texas lying west of a line beginning at the international toll bridge at Laredo, thence northeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35 in Laredo, thence north along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10 in San Antonio, thence northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its junction with U.S. Highway 83 at Junction, thence north along U.S. Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of Childress, thence east along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas-Oklahoma state line.

(2) Zone B: that portion of Texas lying within boundaries beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 81 [Interstate Highway 35] and the Texas-Oklahoma state line, thence southeast [south] along U.S. Highway 81 [Interstate Highway 35 (following Interstate Highway 35 West through Fort Worth)] to its junction with U.S. Highway 287 in Montague County, thence southeast along U.S. Highway 287 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35W in Fort Worth, thence southwest along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10 in San Antonio, thence northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its junction with U.S. Highway 83 in Junction, thence north along U.S. Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of Childress, thence east along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas-Oklahoma state line, thence south along the Texas-Oklahoma state line to the south bank of the Red River, thence eastward along the vegetation line on the south bank of the Red River to U.S. Highway 81 [eastward along the Texas-Oklahoma state line to Interstate Highway 35].

(3) Zone C: the remainder of the state, except for the closed areas specified in paragraph (4) of this subsection.

(4) closed areas:

(A) that portion of the state lying east and north of a line beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and the Texas-Oklahoma state line, thence southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with U.S. Highway 287 in Montague County, thence southeast along U.S. Highway 287 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35W in Fort Worth, thence southwest along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with U.S. Highway 290 East in Austin, thence east along U.S. Highway 290 to its junction with Interstate Loop 610 in Harris County, thence south and east along Interstate Loop 610 to its junction with Interstate Highway 45 in Houston, thence south on Interstate Highway 45 to State Highway 342, thence to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, and thence north and east along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico to the Texas-Louisiana state line.

(B) that portion of the state lying within the boundaries of a line beginning at the Kleberg-Nueces county line and the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, thence west along the county line to Park Road 22 in Nueces County, thence north and west along Park Road 22 to its junction with State Highway 358 in Corpus Christi, thence west and north along State Highway 358 to its junction with State Highway 286, thence north along State Highway 286 to its junction with Interstate Highway 37, thence east along Interstate Highway 37 to its junction with U.S. Highway 181, thence north and west along U.S. Highway 181 to its junction with U.S. Highway 77 in Sinton, thence north and east along U.S. Highway 77 to its junction with U.S. Highway 87 in Victoria, thence south and east along U.S. Highway 87 to its junction with State Highway 35 at Port Lavaca, thence north and east along State Highway 35 to the south end of the Lavaca Bay Causeway, thence south and east along the shore of Lavaca Bay to its junction with the Port Lavaca Ship Channel, thence south and east along the Lavaca Bay Ship Channel to the Gulf of Mexico, and thence south and west along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico to the Kleberg-Nueces county line. [that portion of Texas lying within boundaries beginning at the international toll bridge at Brownsville, thence north and east along U.S. Highway 77 to its junction with U.S. Highway 87 at Victoria, thence eastward along U.S. Highway 87 to its junction with Farm Road 616 at Placedo, thence north and east along Farm Road 616 to its junction with State Highway 35, thence north and east along State Highway 35 to its junction with State Highway 6 at Alvin, thence west and north along State Highway 6 to its junction with U.S. Highway 290, thence westward along U.S. Highway 290 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35 at Austin, thence south along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with U.S. Highway 81 in Laredo, thence southwest along U.S. Highway 81 to the international toll bridge in Laredo, thence south and east along the U.S.-Mexico international boundary to its junction with the U.S. Highway 77 international toll bridge at Brownsville].

(f) Woodcock: statewide.

(g) Common snipe: statewide.

§65.315. Open Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits—Early Season

(a) Rails.

(1) Dates: September 15-30, 2001 [September 15-30, 2000] and October 27-December 19, 2001 [October 28 - December 20, 2000].

(2) Daily bag and possession limits:

(A) king and clapper rails: 15 in the aggregate per day; 30 in the aggregate in possession.

(B) sora and Virginia rails: 25 in the aggregate per day; 25 in the aggregate in possession.

(b) Dove seasons.

(1) North Zone.

(A) Dates: September 1-November 9, 2001 [September 1 - October 30, 2000].

(B) Daily bag limit: 12 [15] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, including no more than two white-tipped doves per day;

(C) Possession limit: 24 [30] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, including no more than four white-tipped doves in possession.

(2) Central Zone.

(A) Dates: September 1-October 28, 2001 [September 1-October 17, 2000], and December 26, 2001-January 6, 2002 [December 26, 2000- January 7, 2001].

(B) Daily bag limit: 12 [15] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, including no more than two white-tipped doves per day;

(C) Possession limit: 24 [30] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, including no more than four white-tipped doves in possession.

(3) South Zone.

(A) Dates: Except in the special white-winged dove area as defined in §65.314 of this title (relating to Zones and Boundaries for Early Season Species), September 21-November 4, 2001 [September 22 - November 5, 2000], and December 26, 2001-January 19, 2002 [December 26, 2000- January 9, 2001. In the special white-winged dove area, the mourning dove season is September 22 - November 5, 2000, and December 26, 2000-January 5, 2001].

(B) Daily bag limit: 12 [15] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, including no more than two white-tipped doves per day;

(C) Possession limit: 24 [30] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, including no more than four white-tipped doves in possession.

(4) Special white-winged dove area.

(A) Dates: September 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2001 [September 2, 3, 9, and 10, 2000].

(B) Daily bag limit: 10 white-winged doves, mourning doves, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves, in the aggregate to include no more than five mourning doves and two white-tipped doves per day;

(C) Possession limit: 20 white-winged doves, mourning doves, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate to include no more than 10 mourning doves and four white-tipped doves in possession.

(c) Gallinules.

(1) Dates: September 15-30, 2001 [September 15-30, 2000], and October 27-December 19, 2001 [October 28-December 20, 2000].

(2) Daily bag and possession limits: 15 in the aggregate per day; 30 in the aggregate in possession.

(d) September teal-only season.

(1) Dates: September 15-30, 2001 [September 15-30, 2000].

(2) Daily bag and possession limits: four in the aggregate per day; eight in the aggregate in possession.

(e) Red-billed pigeons, and band-tailed pigeons. No open season.

(f) Shorebirds. No open season.

(g) Sandhill cranes. A free permit is required of any person to hunt sandhill cranes in areas where an open season is provided under this proclamation. Permits will be issued on an impartial basis with no limitation on the number of permits that may be issued. [The daily bag limit is three. The possession limit is six].

(1) Zone A: November 10, 2001-February 10, 2002[November 11, 2000- February 11, 2001]. The daily bag limit is three. The possession limit is six.

(2) Zone B: December 1, 2001-February 10, 2002[December 2, 2000- February 11, 2001]. The daily bag limit is three. The possession limit is six.

(3) Zone C: December 29, 2001-February 3, 2002 [December 30 -February 4, 2001]. The daily bag limit is two. The possession limit is four.

(h) Woodcock: December 18, 2001- January 31, 2002 [December 18, 2000- January 31, 2001]. The daily bag limit is three. The possession limit is six.

(i) Common snipe (Wilson's snipe or jacksnipe): October 20, 2001-February 3, 2002[October 21, 2000-February 4, 2001]. The daily bag limit is eight. The possession limit is 16.

(ii)

§65.317. Zones and Boundaries for Late Season Species.

(a) Ducks, mergansers, and coots.

(1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit: that portion of Texas lying west of a line from the international toll bridge at Del Rio, thence northward following U.S. Highway 277 to Abilene, State Highway 351 and State Highway 6 to Albany, and U.S. Highway 283 from Albany to Vernon, thence eastward along U.S. Highway 183 to the Texas-Oklahoma state line.

(2) North Zone: that portion of Texas not in the High Plains Mallard Management Unit but north of a line from the International Toll Bridge in Del Rio; thence northeast along U.S. Highway 277 Spur to U.S. Highway 90 in Del Rio; thence east along U.S. Highway 90 to Interstate Highway 10 at San Antonio; thence east along Interstate Highway 10 to Interstate Highway 45 at Houston; thence southeast along Interstate Highway 45 to Texas State Highway 342, thence south along Texas State Highway 342 to the Gulf of Mexico [the Texas-Louisiana State Line].

(3) South Zone: the remainder of the state.

(b) Geese.

(1) Western Zone: that portion of Texas lying west of a line from the international toll bridge at Laredo, thence northward following IH 35 and 35W to Fort Worth, thence northwest along U.S. Highways 81 and 287 to Bowie, thence northward along U.S. Highway 81 to the Texas-Oklahoma state line.

(2) Eastern Zone: the remainder of the state.

§65.318. Open Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits—Late Season. Except as specifically provided in this section, the possession limit for all species listed in this section shall be twice the daily bag limit.

(1) Ducks, mergansers, and coots. The daily bag limit for ducks is six, which may include no more than five mallards or Mexican mallards (Mexican duck), only two of which may be hens, three scaup, one mottled duck, one pintail, two redheads, one canvasback, and two wood ducks. The daily bag limit for coots is 15. The daily bag limit for mergansers is five, which may include no more than one hooded merganser.

(A) High Plains Mallard Management Unit: October 20-22, 2001[21-23, 2000], and October 27, 2001-January 20, 2002[October 28, 2000-January 21, 2001].

(B) North Zone: October 27-28, 2001[28-29, 2000], and November 10, 2001-January 20, 2002[November 11, 2000-January 21, 2001].

(C) South Zone: October 27-November 25, 2001[October 28-November 26, 2000], and December 8, 2001-January 20, 2002[December 9, 2000-January 21, 2001].

(2) Geese.

(A) Western Zone.

(i) Light geese: October 27, 2001-February 10, 2002[October 28, 2000-February 11, 2001]. The daily bag limit for light geese is 20, and there is no possession limit.

(ii) Dark geese: October 27, 2001-February 10, 2002[October 28, 2000-February 11, 2001]. The daily bag limit for dark geese is five, which may not include more than one white-fronted goose.

(B) Eastern Zone.

(i) Light geese: October 27, 2001-January 20, 2002[October 28, 2000-January 21, 2001]. The daily bag limit for light geese is 20, and there is no possession limit.

(ii) Dark geese:

(I) White-fronted geese: October 27, 2001-January 20, 2002[October 28, 2000-January 21, 2001]. The daily bag limit for white-fronted geese is two.

(II) Canada geese and brant: October 27, 2001-January 29, 2002[October 28, 2000-January 21, 2001]. The daily bag limit is one Canada goose or one brant.

(3) Special Youth-Only Season. There shall be a special youth-only duck season during which the hunting, taking, and possession of ducks, mergansers, and coots is restricted to licensed hunters 15 years of age and younger accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older, except for persons hunting by means of falconry under the provisions of §65.320 of this chapter (relating to Extended Falconry Season—Late Season Species). Bag and possession limits in any given zone during the season established by this paragraph shall be as provided for that zone by paragraph (1) of this section. Season dates are as follows:

(A) High Plains Mallard Management Unit: October 13-14, 2001[October 14-15, 2000];

(B) North Zone: October 20-21, 2001[October 21-22, 2000]; and

(C) South Zone: October 20-21, 2001[October 21-22, 2000].

§65.319. Extended Falconry Season—Early Season Species.

(a) It is lawful to take the species of migratory birds listed in this section by means of falconry during the following Extended Falconry Seasons:

(1) mourning doves and white-winged doves: November 19-December 25, 2001 [November 9-December 25, 2000]; and

(2) rails and gallinules: December 20, 2001-January 25, 2002 [December 21, 2000-January 26, 2001].

(3) woodcock: November 24-December 17, 2001 and February 1-March 10, 2002. [November 24-December 17, 2000 and February 1-March 10, 2001].

(b) The daily bag and possession limits for migratory game birds under this section shall not exceed three and six birds respectively, singly or in the aggregate.

§65.320. Extended Falconry Season—Late Season Species.

(a) It is lawful to take the species of migratory birds listed in this section by means of falconry during the following Extended Falconry Seasons. Ducks, coots, and mergansers:

(1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit: no extended season; and

(2) Remainder of the state: January 21-February 4, 2002 [January 22-February 5, 2001].

(b) The daily bag and possession limits for migratory game birds under this section shall not exceed three and six birds, respectively, singly or in the aggregate.

§65.321. Special Management Provisions. The provisions of paragraphs (1)-(3) of this section apply only to the hunting of light geese. All provisions of this subchapter continue in effect unless specifically provided otherwise in this section; however, where this section conflicts with the provisions of this subchapter, this section prevails.

(1) Means and methods. In addition to the means and methods authorized in §65.310(a) of this title (relating to Means , Methods, and Special Requirements), the following means and methods are lawful during the time periods set forth in paragraph (5) of this section:

(A) shotguns capable of holding more than three shells; and

(B) electronic calling devices.

(2) Possession. During the time periods set forth in paragraph (5) of this section:

(A) there shall be no bag or possession limits; and

(B) the provisions of §65.312 of this title (relating to Possession of Migratory Game Birds) do not apply; and

(C) a person may give, leave, receive, or possess legally taken light geese or their parts, provided the birds are accompanied by a wildlife resource document from the person who killed the birds. The wildlife resource document is not required if the possessor lawfully killed the birds; the birds are transferred at the personal residence of the donor or donee; or the possessor also possesses a valid hunting license, a valid waterfowl stamp, and is HIP certified. The wildlife resource document shall accompany the birds until the birds reach their final destination, and must contain the following information:

(i) the name, signature, address, and hunting license number of the person who killed the birds;

(ii) the name of the person receiving the birds;

(iii) the number and species of birds or parts;

(iv) the date the birds were killed; and

(v) the location where the birds were killed (e.g., name of ranch; area; lake, bay, or stream; county).

(3) Shooting hours. During the time periods set forth in paragraph (5) of this section, shooting hours are from one half-hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset.

(4) Early closures. The open season for the following species of migratory birds are closed until further notice as of sunset on the dates indicated:

(A) sandhill crane:

(i) Zones A and B [Zone A]: February 10, 2002 [February 11, 2001];

(ii) Zone [Zones B] and C: January 20, 2002 [January 21, 2002]; and

(B) light geese: Eastern Zone: January 20, 2002 [January 21, 20021].

(5) Special Light Goose Conservation Period.

(A) From January 21, 2002 [January 22, 2001] through March 31, 2002 [April 1, 2001], the take of light geese is lawful in the Eastern Zone as defined in §65.317 of this title (relating to Zones and Boundaries for Late Season Species).

(B) From February 12, 2002 [February 12, 2001] through March 31, 2002 [April 1, 2001], the take of light geese is lawful in the Western Zone as defined in §65.317 of this title (relating to Zones and Boundaries for Late Season Species).

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's authority to adopt.

Issued in Austin, Texas, on


Commission Agenda Item No. 2
Exhibit B

Summary of Public Comments
5/8/2001

We have received a total of 339 comments to date on early season migratory game bird hunting regulations for fall 2001. These include 66 telephone calls, 29 letters, 216 emails, 6 personal contacts and 22 public hearing comments (Table 1). For the first time the number of email comments have out-numbered all other forms of comment combined.

Most of the comments dealt with the mourning dove daily bag limit and season length issue currently proposed in the Texas Register. The TPW Commission adopted a 15-dove daily bag limit and a 60-day season (15/60) in 1994 after 12 years of a 12 dove daily bag limit and a 70-day season (12/70). We have received a total of 303 comments on this issue statewide (Table 2). The majority (59.7%) prefers 15/60 instead of 12/70.

The majority (79.4%, N=34) of persons who hunted primarily the North Zone preferred staying with 15/60. In the Central Zone, there was no clear majority (53.1% for 12/70 and 46.9% for 15/60, N=49). Likewise, in the South Zone, comments were evenly split (50% for 12/70 and 50% for 15/60, N=36).

In the last 8 years, we have received 606 comments on this issue (Table 3). Most of the comments occur in those years when formal proposed changes in daily bag and season length (i.e., 1993, 1998, 2000). Until 1998, most of the comments received statewide favored 12/70 (Table 4). Since then, most comments have generally favored 15/60. Over all 8 years, statewide the majority (55%) of people commenting have favored 15/60 with North Zone hunters preferring 15/60, Central Zone hunters evenly divided and South Zone hunters preferring 12/70.

In addition, we have mailed a hunter opinion survey on this issue to 16,000 Certified Migratory Game Bird Hunters (HIP). We expect 3,000 useable responses from that survey. Preliminary results are not available at this time. Results will be presented to the TPW Commission on May 30, 2001. Also, we are holding 2 additional public hearings specifically on the dove bag limit and season length issue. One will be held in San Antonio are May 16 and in Grapevine on May 17. Following is a summary of each contact name, date, location, and comment by type:

Telephone calls:

1. Stick Lamar, 7/5/00. Wants the dove season in the South Zone to open on a set date (like Sept. 20) regardless of the day of the week so he can consistently plan his hunting trip.

2. Harold Renfro, 7/6/00. Prefers the earlier teal season (Sept. 9-24, 2000).

3. Harvey Loep, 9/4/00, Nederwald. Landowner (100ac) requested closing dove season for a few years because of drought and habitat changes. “We don’t have 10% of the doves we had during the 1950’s and 1960’s.”

3. Barry Trice, 9/6/00. Lamesa, S. edge of Dawson Co. Has lots of doves but season opening on Sept. 1 is too early because doves still nesting in his yard. Prefers Oct. 1 opening in Central Zone. He sees more larger doves later in Dec., Jan, and Feb. and would like more days in the winter season segment.

4. Horace Gore, 9/27/00. Requests extension of the Special Whitewing Hunting Area to all of South Texas. With range expansion of whitewings, they are an under-utilized resource that could provide more hunting opportunity.

5. John Daylan, 12/15/00. Brazoria County. Landowner (1,000ac) says dove season opens too late in his area. The doves are gone by late September and don’t arrive until October and November. The winter season is ‘worthless’ because of conflicts with deer and waterfowl hunting. He prefers one consecutive season beginning Sept. 1 in his area.

6. Milam Braemer, 1/5/01, Lampasas Co. Thinks he was shot at by deer hunter while dove hunting. The winter dove season should not begin until after the deer hunting season ends to reduce conflicts and because more and larger doves are around later.

7. Ken Watts, 1/9/01, Killeen. Favors the 70-day season instead of the 60-day season in the Central Zone.

8. John Clark, 1/12/01, Bosier City, LA. Prefers longer (70 days) dove season and smaller bag (12) in North Zone (Knox and Haskell Counties) but wants those additional days in January.

9. Daniel Sullivan, 1/25/01. Prefers 12/70 in the South Zone and first season segment open later in mid-October and close in early December concurrent with the quail season.

10. Chris Kallima, 1/31/01, Hidalgo Co. Landowner prefers 12 dove daily bag limit and a 70 day season in the South Zone with the 10 additional days added to the end of the second season segment as first priority or possible beginning of the second season segment as second priority

11. Richard Lee, 2/8/01, Brownwood. Executive Outfitters. Prefers first season segment in the Central Zone be extended through the third weekend in October (Oct. 21) by taking 3-4 days from the winter season segment in January (in 15/60 option). Doves in Coleman, Brown, Callahan Counties do not arrive in large numbers until after the first season segment closes (i.e., Oct. 17, 2000). His secondary preference would be for a 70-day season with 12-bird bag limit with the 10 additional days put in late October.

12. Bob Skall, 2/27/01, Keller. Prefers 12/70 dove regulations in the North and Central Zones.

13. Gary Rich, 2/28/01, Farmers Branch. Organizes dove lease for 25 hunters in the North Zone. Prefers 15/60 because doves gone after first 3 weeks in September.

14. John Dermid, 2/28/01, Richardson. Hunts North and Central Zone. Prefers 12-bird bag, no winter season segment in the Central Zone and noon to sunset only shooting hours. Winter segment conflicts with deer and quail hunting.

15. John Pickens, 2/28/01. Hunts North Zone (Sherman, Dennison) and South Zone (Maverick, Uvalde). Wants afternoon only shooting hours because double bagging going on and dove declining.

16. C.S. Medwick, 2/28/01, Dallas. Prefers 12/70 in the North and Central Zones with afternoon only shooting hours.

17. Gary Rich, 3/1/01, Farmer’s Branch. Dove hunt organizer prefers 15/60 in the North Zone.

18. Roger Hargrave, 3/5/01, Mesquite. Favors the 60-day season in the North Zone

19. Lee Weeks, 3/5/01, Coke County. Favors 60-day dove season in Central Zone.

20. Jack Brooks, 3/5/01, Dallas. Wants a 60-day season in N. Zone.

21. Robert Berry, 3/6/01. Richardson. Prefers 12/70 and half day (AM) only shooting hours.

22. Steve Marshall, 3/11/01, Flower Mound. Prefers 15/60 in the North Zone.

23. Bill Scott, 3/11/01, Highland Village. Prefers 12/70 so they can hunt the end of October in the Central Zone. Prefers afternoon only hunting.

24. Ken Watts, 3/11/01, Harker Heights. Prefers 15/60 in the Central Zone.

25. Ed Williams, 3/12/01, Denton. Prefers 15/60 for doves in the North Zone.

26. Robert Echols, 3/14/01, Longview. Prefers 15/60 for doves in the North and Central Zones.

27. Rick Hodges, 3/20/01, Medina and Uvalde counties. Outfitter recommends moving the Central Zone line down to Highway 57 through Frio, Zavala and Maverick counties because doves north of Highway 90 move south across the road as soon as shooting begins in the Central Zone on Sept. 1. Does not prefer a winter season because no doves in his area after Nov. 1 and what they have are too spooky. Prefers afternoon-only hunting as ok with a 12-bird bag limit.

28. Andy Guinn, 4/9/01, Tyler. Prefers 15/60 dove bag and season length.

29. John Owen, 4/9/01, Tyler. Prefers 15/60 dove bag and season length.

30. Chris Mitchell, 4/12/01, Austin. Prefers 12/70 dove bag and season length.

31. Thomas Swann, 4/17/01, McLennan Co. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone.

32. Charles Schroeder, 4/17/01. Abilene. Prefers 15/60 in the Central Zone.

33. Markum Doss, 4/19/01, Waco. Prefers 15/60 in the Central Zone w/ no winter season (Sept. 1 – Oct. 30).

34. Carlos Webb, 4/19/01. Prefers 15/60.

35. Richard Metz, 4/20/01, Karnes Co. Prefers 12/70 in the South Zone w/ additional 10 days added to end of winter season.

36. Jeff Bailey, 4/20/01. Prefers 15/60 in the South Zone, open duck season later.

37. Dan Speakman, 4/23/01, New Braunfels. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone.

38. Jerry Morris, 4/23/01, Groves. Prefers 15/60 in South Zone, supports proposed duck zone line change because later season is better and cooler. Prefers a week longer season in January.

39. Keith Ferguson, 4/23/01, Waco. Landowner prefers 12/70 because less pressure on doves. He really prefers afternoon only hunting to reduce pressure on doves so they will stay around longer.

40. Wayne Lea, 4/26/01. Prefers 12/70 in the North Zone so can hunt doves and quail concurrently in Panhandle.

41. Eliberto Aguilar, 4/27/01. Prefers 12/70 in the South Zone. Vegetation too dense on South Texas public hunting fields – lose doves.

42. Harlan Healer, 4/27/01. Prefers 15/60 in the South Zone.

43. Annette Autry, 4/27/01. Prefers 12/70 in the South Zone with additional 10 days in January.

44. Lorraine Mahaffey, 4/27/01. Prefers 15/60 in the South Zone.

45. Ernest Garcia, 4/27/01. Prefers 15/60 in the Central Zone.

46. Clint Eilers, 4/27/01. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone.

47. Carl Lytle, 4/29/01, Brazoria Co. Prefers 15/60 in the Central Zone.

48. Sammy Nooner, 4/30/01, Hondo. Dove outfitter in Uvalde and Medina Counties prefers 12/70, hunt afternoon only except opening Sunday to give doves a rest, move zone line south of Highway 90 and eliminate winter season segment.

49. Craig Attaway, 4/30/01, Tyler. Prefers 15/60 in the Central Zone.

50. Steve Wilson, 5/1/01, Hondo. Dove outfitter prefers 15/60 in South Zone, will lose hunters if drop bag limit by 3, hurt economy, eliminate winter season and longer season not needed because can’t hunt dove and quail concurrently because of baiting regulations.

51. Bennett Mahaffey, 5/1/01, Round Rock. Eliminate winter season in the Central Zone and hunt full month of October instead.

52. Wes Carlson, 5/1/01. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone with 10 days added to October.

53. Floyd Styles, 5/1/01, Wichita Falls. Prefers 12/70 in the North Zone.

54. Peter Wardenburg, 5/1/01, Fort Bend Co. Prefers 15/60 in the South Zone.

55. Keith Ferguson, 5/1/01, McLennan Co. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone.

56. John Coombs, 5/2/01, Randall Co. Prefers 12/70 in the North Zone.

57. Tim Tyler, 5/2/01, Harris Co. Prefers 15/60 in the South Zone.

58. Art Spencer, 5/2/01, Port Arthur. Prefers 15/60 in the South Zone, all-day shooting hours and don’t change the north and south duck zone boundary.

59. Michael Beclard, 5/2/01, Kent. Prefers 15/60 in the North Zone.

60. James Hanna, 5/3/01, Walker Co. Prefers 15/60 in the Central Zone.

61. Don Alanis, 5/3/01, McLennan Co. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone and all-day shooting hours.

62. Tom Arnold, 5/3/01, Wichita Falls. Prefers 15/60 in the North Zone and all-day shooting hours.

63. Randy Fridge, 5/9/01, Fort Worth. Prefers 15/60 in the North Zone and all-day shooting hours.

64. Bill Crump, 5/3/01, San Antonio. Prefers 15/60 in the South Zone.

65. Glen Thompson, 5/3/01, Austin. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone and extend the season through October.

66. W. H. Drushel, 5/7/01, Harris. Prefers 12/70 in the South Zone and all-day shooting hours.

Letters:

1. William Mathis, 4/14/00, Houston. Recommends 3 dove opening dates instead of 2 – open N. Zone 1st weekend or 1 Sept., open C. Zone second weekend, and open S. Zone as current. Multiple opening would increase hunting opportunity, as some hunters would travel to participate in these opening hunts.

2. Phillip Norris, 9/12/00. Dallas. Wants crows declared protected game birds with 124-day sport hunting season.

3. Dan Saunders, 11/21/00, Uvalde. Dove season south of U.S. Highway 90 opens in late September after doves have customarily left. He recommends a Sept. 1 opening in this area but does not care if the season is 70 days long with a 12-bird bag limit or 60 days long with a 15-bird bag limit.

4. Representative Barry Telford, 1/18/01, DeKalb. On behalf of his constituents, he requests changing the mourning dove North and Central Zone line in northeastern Texas to allow hunters the opportunity to participate in the Central Zone’s winter season segment when there is a higher concentration of birds.

5. Mark Hamilton, 2/26/01, Dallas. Prefers current 15/60 dove regulations in the North and Central Zones.

6. Terry Fricke, 2/26/01, Dallas. Prefers current 15/60 dove regulations in the North and Central Zones.

7. Greg Trout, 3/1/01, Dallas. Prefers current 15/60 dove regulations in the North and Central Zones.

8. Joe Holloway, 3/1/01, Athens. Prefers current 15/60 dove regulations in the North and Central Zones.

9. Patrick Wallace, 3/1/01, Athens. Prefers current 15/60 regulations for doves in the Central Zone

10. Thomas Faulk III, 3/2/01, Athens. Prefers current 15/60 dove hunting regulations in the North and Central Zones.

11. Ken Wilbanks, 3/5/01, Athens. Prefers current 15/60 dove hunting regulations in the Central Zone.

12. Thomas Faulk IV, 3/5/01, Athens. Prefers current 15/60 dove hunting regulations in the Central Zone.

13. C. Brown, 3/5/01, Lytle. Open South Dove Zone within 10 days of the North Zone or North Zone on Labor Day weekend, Central Zone the weekend after and the South Zone the weekend after the Central.

14. Charles James, 3/6/01, The Colony. Leave dove season length 60 days and daily bag limit 15 in all Zones.

15. Albert Faetche, Jr, 3/6/01, Abilene. Extend the dove season through the end of October in the Central Zone and give up the winter season because northern doves don’t arrive until the first season closes.

16. Rhonda Rittenhouse, 3/9/01, Dallas. Prefers 15/60 in the North and Central Zones.

17. Madison Reed, 3/11/01, Venus. Prefers current 15/60 dove regulations in northern Central Zone.

18. Gary Vandusen, 3/12/01, Longview. Leave dove season length 60 days and daily bag limit 15 in the North and Central Zones…actually prefers 45-day season and 20-bird bag limit.

19. Mike Robbins, 3/12/01, Houston. Prefers Zone C crane season open earlier in December to compensate for lost days due to federal regulations not allowing crane hunting during the Light Goose Conservation Order.

20. David Montgomery, 3/12/01, Hondo. County Judge for Medina County reported results of a hearing by the Court from Camino Real Wildlife Management Association comprising about 80 members and 21,000 acres. The Court strongly concurs by unanimous vote and requests that TPW Commission move all of Medina County into the Central Dove Hunting Zone and that U.S. Highway 57 be the geographical boundary separating the Central and South Zones. Further, they recommend that dove shooting hours be limited noon to Sunset and aggregate daily bag limit reduced to 12.

21. Can Coy, 3/19/01, Dallas. Prefers 15/60 in the North and Central Zones.

22. Ralph S. Purin, Jr., 3/19/01, Dallas. Prefers 15/60 in the North and Central Zones.

23. Edward E. Laux, 4/12/01, Dallas. Prefers 15/60 in the North Zone.

24. John Murchison, Jr. , 4/17/01, Houston. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone.

25. J. D. Williams, 5/23/01, Pearsall. Landowner and hunter prefers 12/70 in the South Zone.

26. Ernest Garcia, 5/23/01, Houston. Prefers 15/60.

27. Carol Williams, 5/25/01, Pearsall. Prefers 12/70 in the South Zone using 10 additional days to open the first season on prior Monday instead of Friday and on second season, open day before Christmas.

28. Roger Barnes, 4/25/01, Austin. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone with 10 days added in late October.

29. Richard Harrison, 4/25/01, Kilgore. Prefers 12/70 in the North Zone and split the season with 10 days in Nov. or Dec. when northern doves arrive.

Email:

1. Rick Brint, 8/8/00. Last year Zone C crane season was reduced from 37 days to 16 days due to conflicts with the light goose conservation order. Recommends opening Zone C several weeks earlier this year.

2. Charles W. Jensen, 8/27/00. Zone C crane season opens too late and is closed too early due to the Light Goose Conservation Order. This “really punishes those of us that enjoy a real quality eating gamebird.” Either open the crane season earlier or stop closing it early.

3. Mark Williams, 9/7/00, Del Rio. The redefinition of baiting for migratory birds fails to adequately address the issue. We hunt tanks and don’t fill deer feeders until after dove season is over. This past weekend, one of the feeders at one of our tanks was shaken, depositing 5 kernels of corn on the ground - "baiting the area". Please make a SANE law. Decide what the bag limit should be and let us live with the limit. Why should someone be fined over a drop of corn while hunting over a poorly harvested field is considered a legal hunt? Please consider amending this law to benefit all hunters.

4. Ron Krenek, 11/18/00, Colorado Co. Landowner/hunter west of Garwood supports changing South Zone Dove season to 12-bird limit and 70-day season. Doves don’t build up in this area until after the first season ends in November and seem to peak before the Dec. 26th second season opener. Usually some fronts blow in before the 26th and thin numbers considerably. Opening the season an extra 10 days early would really help - my 3 girls aged 14, 10, and 8 love to hunt the doves. It makes a nice combination hunt - we hunt the ducks and geese early, finish that and put up the steel shot, go and get the dove shot and enjoy some dove hunting.

5. “Oldtimer”, 1/18/01. Southern Duck Hunter Discussion Forum. [Regarding TPW news release notifying hunters of closed sandhill crane season due to the Light Goose Conservation Order]. “I was bitterly disappointed when the Feds did not approve our coastal crane season this year.”

6. “Grub”, 1/18/01. Southern Duck Hunter Discussion Forum. “ Is there anyone out there that actually “hunts” cranes?”

7. “Van”, 1/18/01. Southern Duck Hunter Discussion Forum. “I'm with the TP&WD on the idea that if hunters did not use electronic callers and unplugged shotguns, they should be allowed to take cranes within the previously established guidelines.”

8. “Goldeneye”, 1/18/01. Southern Duck Hunter Discussion Forum. “I get sick and tired of the USFWS closing certain seasons that were already established simply because that species may tempt a hunter too much while hunting a different species. If you can't tell the difference between a Sandhill crane and a goose, then you don't need to be hunting either. Under this kind of thinking, I'm surprised the USFWS even allows Snow Goose hunting on the coast where whooping cranes live. They have the same color pattern afterall! I'm also surprised they even allow the early teal season since there are other duck species around at the time. Again, if you can't tell the difference then you shouldn't be hunting during that time period.”

9. Ron Howard, 1/18/01. [Regarding TPW news release notifying hunters of closed sandhill crane season due to the Light Goose Conservation Order]. “ I see a continuing trend in some FWS regulations, that appears to contain a presumption that wildfowlers are intent on violating the rules rather than being and wishing to be compliant with them…. , but my experience with the majority is that they tend to be conservative with respect to the regulations and to make every effort to be in compliance, even when the regulations are unclear. This leads me to conclude that the restriction of the sandhill crane season, … is more a case of Washington "what-ifs" than a concern by on-the-ground managers. It would simply mean that snow goose hunters during the management season would need to forego shots at cranes when they are not in compliance with the normally standard hunting regulations. The problem with snow goose populations is clear. We are positioned to assist…, but we are asked to take a hit in another season to maximize our impacts on the problem. Thus it seems to be a case of "we want your help with a problem" coupled with an "oh, by the way, here's a poke in the eye with a sharp stick in appreciation for your cooperation."

10. Bret Burford, 1/18/01. [Regarding TPW news release notifying hunters of closed sandhill crane season due to the Light Goose Conservation Order] Does not think there is enough hunting pressure on cranes that extending the open area would be a problem. Cutting back the date for the rolling plains is not a problem-they are only here from late Sept. thru early November. You could not shoot one now if you wanted to. The Feds should make this info. available in time for the states' publishing of regulation books.

11- 171. TPW website comments as of 4/4/01 as per Wildlife Division Regulations Coordinator. 60 favor 12/70, 101 against 12/70. Zone not specified.

172. Wesley Seale, 4/6/01. Prefers 15/60 in South Zone around Carrizo Springs.

173. Tim Palla, 4/9/01. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone.

174. Monnie Linton, 4/9/01. Prefers 12/70, zone not specified.

175. Mark Nelson, 4/10/01. Prefers 12/70, zone not specified.

176. Brad Brown, 4/10/01. Prefers 15/60, zone not specified.

177. Gary Volk, 4/10/01, Round Rock. Prefers 12/70.

178. James Locher, 4/12/01. Prefers15/60.

179. Bob Kingrea, 4/12/01. Prefers 15/60.

180. Travis Vick, 4/16/01. Prefers 15/60, zone not specified.

181. H. Harwood Raab, 4/13/01. Prefers 12/70.

182. F. G. Oakes, 4/15/01. Prefers 15/60 and afternoon only shooting hours.

183. Robert Babcock, 4/16/01. Prefers 15/60, “cut the waterfowl season back to the 3rd” and raise the whitefront bag limit from 2 to 4.

184. Ron Honefenger, 4/16/01. Prefers 12/70.

185. Mike K., 4/16/01. Prefers 15/60 in the South Zone.

186. Allen Webb, 4/16/01. Prefers 15/60 in the South Zone.

187. Kyle Brennan, 4/16/01. Prefers 15/60.

188. Jerry Smith, 4/16/01. Prefers 15/60, zone not specified.

189. Ronald Luster, 4/17/01. Prefers 12/70 in the South Zone w/ 7 days added to end of the 1st season and 3 days added to front end of the second season.

190. Reid Westmoreland, 4/17/01. Prefers 15/60.

191. Tom Roche, 4/17/01. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone.

192. Stuart Scarborough, 4/18/01, Sealy. Prefers 15/60.

193. David Kaspar, 4/18/01. Prefers 12/70 w/ additional 10 days added to the late winter season.

194. Kevin Haney, 4/19/01. Prefers 12/70.

195. Michael Hulsey, 4/21/01. Prefers 15/60.

196. Brian Hopkins, 4/22/01. Prefers 12/70 w/ additional 10 days added to end of 2nd season.

197. Donald Warren, 4/23/01, Callahan Co. Wants a winter dove season in the North Zone concurrent with quail season because quail hunting been so bad past few years.

198. Kyle Asher, 4/23/01, Austin. Prefers 15/60 in the Central Zone with 7 days taken from the early season and added to December or January.

199. Kyle Cushman, 4/25/01. Prefers 15/60 in the Central Zone without a winter season that overlaps the deer season.

200. Steven Johns, 4/26/01. Prefers 12/70, zone not specified.

201. Jennifer Lang, 4/27/01. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone with 10 days added to October, not December.

202. Scott Yarbrough, 4/27/01. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone.

203. John Murrell, 4/27/01. Prefers 15/60, no zone specified.

204. Blaed Munz, 4/27/01. Prefers 15/60, no zone specified.

205. Robert Koenig, 4/27/01. Prefers 15/60 in the South Zone.

206. Bill Grigsby, 4/27/01, Calvert. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone with 10 additional days in October and eliminate the winter season.

207. Stedman Grigsby, 4/27/01. Robertson Co. Prefers 12/70 in the Central Zone, eliminate the winter season, too hot to hunt in September, rely on migrants in October.

208. Steve Nicklow, 4/29/01. Eliminate winter season, zone not specified.

209. Travis Dodson, 4/29/01. Prefers 15/60 in the Central Zone and eliminate the winter season, supports proposed duck zone boundary change to IH45.

210. Doug McGuire, 4/30/01, Katy. Prefers 12/70 in the South Zone with 10 additional days in Dec.-Jan. Season.

211. Mark Williams, 5/1/01. Prefers 15/60 in the South Zone and revising baiting regulations so not a violation to hunt doves near deer feeders.

212. Jason Koeppen, 5/1/01. Prefers 12/70 in the South Zone with 10 additional days before the first season, or alternately, beginning of the second season.

213. Mark Delcambre, 5/2/01. Prefers 12/70, zone not specified.

214. Walter Fortney, 5/3/01. Prefers 12/70, zone not specified.

215. Steve Winter, 5/8/01. Prefers 12/70 in the South Zone.

216. Charles Lambrecht, 5/8/01. Prefers 12/70 in the South Zone and wants the season to start 10 days earlier.

Personal Contacts:

1. Terry Cook, 4/29/01. Prefers 15/60 in the North Zone.

2. Bert Smith, 4/29/01. Prefers 15/60 in the North Zone.

3. Kelly Knight, 4/29/01. Prefers 15/60 in the North Zone.

4. Jack Turner, 4/29/01. Prefers 15/60 in the North Zone.

5. J. T. Smith, 4/29/01. Prefers 15/60 in the North Zone.

6. Paul Cooke, 4/29/01. Prefers 15/60 in the North Zone.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

NORTH ZONE:

New Boston, 3/1/01. 5 attending, one comment on doves, wanted a winter season segment in November north of IH30.

Amarillo, 3/5/01. 10 attending. Two preferred the 15/60 dove bag limit and season length. “Dove hunting opportunities in much of the Panhandle are limited to just the first few weekends because the birds usually migrate out by mid to late September.

Grapevine, 3/6/01. 28 attending. 2 in favor of 15/60, one in favor of afternoon only shooting hours, one wanted to hunt in August instead of the winter season segment, one wanted 3 days removed from the winter season and moved to October in the Central and South Zones, one wanted the second season to open after the deer season closes.

Lubbock, 3/6/01. 12 attending. 1 in favor of 12/70.

Graham, 3/7/01. 8 attending. 1 in favor of later opening date for dove in the Central Zone.

CENTRAL ZONE:

Tyler, 2/27/01.

Lufkin, 2/28/01. 4 attending. 0 spoke on dove discussion items.

San Angelo, 2/28/01. 7 attending. One favored 12/70 and one favored 15/60. One favored the extra 10 days added to then end of the first season segment in October in the Central Zone.

Waco, 3/1/01. 9 attending. One favored 12/70 with adding 10 additional days at end of the first season segment in October in the Central Zone. He favors eliminating the winter season segment and putting those days into late October and early November.

Alpine, 3/1/01. 0 attending.

LaGrange, 3/7/01. 10 attending. One spoke in favor of 12/70 but would like the 10 additional days added to the end of the winter season segment.

Brownwood, 3/8/01. 7 attending. 0 spoke on dove discussion items.

SOUTH ZONE:

Galveston, 2/26/01. 13 attending. No comments on doves.

San Antonio, 2/26/01. 10 attending. One comment favoring longer dove season (12/70) but prefers southern Medina and Frio counties moved back into the Central Zone with the earlier opening date of Sept. 1. One landowner wanting to move ALL of Medina, Uvalde and Kinney Counties into the Central Zone versus using Hwy 90 as the boundary between zones. He recommended moving the South Zone dove boundary line south of SA on IH 35 then west on Hwy 57 to Eagle Pass instead of Hwy 90 west of SA. One comment preferring half day dove hunting. One comment on having the special Whitewing season in upper South Zone around San Antonio. One comment preferring South Zone start on a fixed date (Sept. 20) like the North and Central Zones (Sept. 1) so reservations and hunts can be planned in advance.

Del Rio, 2/27/01. 0 attending.

Port Aransas, 2/28/01. 0 attending.

Brownsville, 3/5/01. 3 attending, 1 comment on dove regulations. A dove/quail outfitter from La Media Lodge just outside of San Manuel was in favor of the dove season change to 70/12. Wanted the winter season later in the season after 12/25 or after 1/8 rather than starting 12/15 and ending 1/8 so that this would maximize peak hunting times and encourage more kids to hunt. Stated that the current second split was not used by many people because of the family commitments during holidays. Wanted to see a 12/25 to 1/1 and a 1/12 to 1/18 or just make the additional days in one lump time somewhere after Jan 1. Favored quail season changes and the overlap with dove and quail. Stated that many individuals like the combo hunts.

Beeville, 3/6/01. 2 attending, 1 in favor of changing to 12/70 (bag limit/hunt days). The other one was indifferent on dove discussion item ("I never kill a limit anyway much less 12 or 15. It doesn't matter!").

Carrizo Springs, 3/8/01. 0 attendance.

Table 1. Summary of 2001 Public Hearing Comments regarding dove hunting regulations by location, date, hunting zone and specific regulation. Of 19 statewide public hearings, there were only 22 individuals commenting on dove regulations. Of these 22, 15 commented on the bag limit/season length issue. Those responses were nearly evenly divided (8:7) statewide.

Location Zone Date Attending Comments % Comment # Prefer 15/60 # Prefer 12/70 Other
New Boston North 1-Mar 5 1 20%     Put NE TX in the Central Zone so can have a winter season.
Amarillo North 5-Mar 10 2 20% 2    
Grapevine North 6-Mar 28 4 14% 2   (1) afternoon only shooting hours, (1) Aug. instead of winter season, (1) 3 days from winter season to Oct. in S. and C. zones, (1) 2nd season open after deer season closes
Lubbock North 6-Mar 12 1 8%   1  
Graham North 7-Mar 8 1 13%     (1) later Sept. opening date in C. zone.
Subtotal North   63 9 14% 4 1  
                 
Tyler Central 27-Feb 19 3 16% 3    
Lufkin Central 28-Feb 4 0 0%      
San Angelo Central 28-Feb 7 2 29% 1 1 w/10 days added to end of 1st season segment in Oct. in C. zone
Waco Central 1-Mar 9 1 11%   1 w/10 days added to end of 1st season, Eliminate winter season & put days into late Oct.-early Nov.
Alpine Central 1-Mar 0          
LaGrange Central 7-Mar 10 1 10%   1 w/10 days added to end of winter season.
Brownwood Central 8-Mar 7 0 0%      
Subtotal Central 56 7 13% 4 3    
                 
Galveston South 26-Feb 13 0 0%      
San Antonio South 26-Feb 10 4 40%   1 (1) S. Medina & Frio Co. put into C. zone, (1) all Medina, Uvalde, Kinney Co. put into C. zone using Highway 57 instead of Highway 90, (1) S. zone open on fixed date like the N. & C. zones
Del Rio South 27-Feb 0          
Port Aransas South 28-Feb 0          
Brownsville South 5-Mar 3 1 33%   1 w/ winter season beginning 8 Jan. instead of 15 Dec.
Beeville South 6-Mar 2 1 50%   1  
Carrizo Spr. South 8-Mar 0          
Subtotal South   28 6 21% 0 3  
Total     147 22 15% 8 7  

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