AUSTIN – As hunters prepared for the opening of the 2009 South Zone dove season on Sept. 18, Rep. Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles reminds hunters that gun safety and a keen awareness of their surroundings and others nearby will help ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt.

All of the counties within House District 35: Atascosa, Bee, Goliad, Jim Wells, Karnes, Live Oak and McMullen, are located within the South Zone as designated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

“This is a exciting time of year for many South Texas hunters. Dove hunting is a fine tradition that for many families has been passed down through generations,” said Rep. Gonzalez Toureilles. “I wish our hunters a safe, productive and fun hunting season.”

The first dove season runs through Nov. 3. The second dove season opens Dec. 26 and closes Jan. 17, 2010. Daily bag limit for dove is 15 birds, with a possession limit of 30 birds after the first day.

Also, please check doves for leg bands and report them. High reporting rates maximize return on hunting license dollars spent for game management information. Please report bands toll-free to 1-800-327-BAND or on the Internet at: http://www.reportband.gov. For more information about our state’s hunting regulations, visit: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/hunt.

Gonzalez Toureilles encourages her constituents to contact her and her staff by calling toll free at 1-800-240-2294.