Hunting Licenses

If you wait until the end of the month to buy a license, you will probably be standing in line. Last year, 350,000 licenses were sold the opening weekend of dove season. Doug Seamands says "we encourage people to buy their license early to keep from standing in line instead of hunting." The bag limit for dove this year is twelve in the central zone and fifteen in the northern zone. Check the Outdoor Annual to verify which zone you are hunting in. A high number of hunting accidents occur early in dove season for a couple of reasons. Doug Seamands says "people have not handled their guns since last year. The other thing is the proximity that people hunt during dove season. They hunt around the tank like a social event and numerous people are around." Deer season starts the first Saturday in November and should be excellent due to the thick vegetation. Doug Seamands says "I have seen some humongous bucks. This morning I saw a nice twelve pointer." Licenses may be purchased online or by telephone from Texas Parks and Wildlife for a five dollar fee. You will need to keep the code number until the license arrives in the mail. A same day purchase is available from local outdoor stores. Gary Hicks says "we do have the new machines this year. It will take about five to ten minutes per person." Hunters who prefer the bow and arrow are advised to plan ahead with their equipment. Gary Hicks says "bow strings have been on two or three years and need to be replaced before the season so you are not broke down during the season." Avoid the license rush and be careful.