By Darlene McCormick Sanchez

Lone Star Outdoor News

Those wishing to comment on TPWD’s proposed migratory game bird changes have until March 23 to be heard.

One change includes expansion of the Special White-winged Dove Area to include the entire South Dove Zone. If approved, the change would allow 4 days of early hunting everywhere in the South Zone.

Another involves open seasons and bag and possession limits.  Dates for Early Season migratory game birds would be adjusted to allow for a calendar shift to ensure that seasons open on the desired day of the week. It would also adjust the days of the Special White-winged Dove Area and clarify the bag limit for white-fronted dove where needed.

The amendment would implement a 16-day statewide teal season and a 16-day early Canada goose season in the Eastern Zone, both running Sept. 9-24, 2017. The bag limit for pintails would be reduced from two to one, to comply with the federal frameworks. The youth waterfowl season age requirement is proposed to be changed from 15 to 16 years old and younger.

Changes for turkey hunting include a proposal to reduce the days in the Youth Spring Turkey Season dates in the North Zone.

Comments may be mailed to Robert Macdonald, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas, 78744, or by calling  (512) 389-4775 or 1-800-792-1112. He can be emailed at robert.macdonald@tpwd.state.tx.us.

People may also comment via a form at tpwd.texas.gov. Comments will be taken until 9 a.m. March 23.