As an avid outdoorsman my calendar has always keyed on certain premier dates.

Growing up in Southeast Texas the Oct. 1 (and Oct 15 in some counties) opening of the fall squirrel season was eagerly awaited. Following our squirrel dog on that first fall morning in the Big Thicket was always a primetime event.

But after moving to the Hill Country, away from the prime squirrel hunting forests in the east the opening day of white-tailed deer season — Nov. 16 — became the marquee date. The anticipation of deer camp on the first weekend was huge.

Duck and quail season openers have always been marked in red on the calendar. But they can vary. Duck season opening day is dependent on where it falls within the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service guide lines.

But one day has never changed — the Sept. 1 start of dove season. In keeping with hunter and landowner preferences, dove seasons have traditionally been opened on the earliest day legally allowed under frameworks established by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, irrespective of which day of the week the date fell. Under federal law, dove hunting in the United States cannot begin before Sept. 1.

Sept. 1, as opening day in Texas, has been part of the state’s hunting tradition ever since the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was signed. Treaties with Canada and Mexico established the framework for the taking of all migratory game birds, including dove.

“This year, Sept. 1 falls on Labor Day, a Monday, which is a good thing because it’s a holiday for many Texans, and like having another Saturday,” Vernon Bevill, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game bird program director said. “The bad thing is, the next day isn’t Sunday, It’s back to work Tuesday.”

The opening of the North and Central Zones dove season really signals the beginning of the fall hunting seasons. It heralds the end of the long hot summer, (though it’s really not the end) and the promise of cooler fall hunting days.

TPWD dove program coordinator Jay Roberson predicts an above average dove season, based on habitat conditions.

“We had a pretty dry spring and doves do well in those conditions,” Roberson said. “The birds weren’t responding last year to predictions of good food availability and many doves stayed to the north. I’m guardedly optimistic this year.”

The Central Zone, which we are in, is open Sept. 1 - Oct. 30 and re-opens Dec. 26 -Jan 4 with a 12-bird bag limit.

Sunflower fields are not as plentiful as last year. Those hunters with access to these prime dove magnets will have great shooting. If it doesn’t rain before Monday, waterholes should provide some hot late-afternoon shooting. Tanks are low due to the drought and doves like a sloping dirt floor to land on to drink.

Those needing a place to hunt can contact Chris George at Fentress. He leases 100s of acres on Highway 80. I hunted there opening day last year and we had plenty of birds to keep the barrel hot. Chris offers only season leases. Cost is $250 and you can bring a guest. To get in contact with Chris, call (512) 488-2615.

Another hunting opportunity is offered by Southwest Dove Hunts. Texas State student, Andrew Leach, has 200 acres of prime dove habitat almost within the shadows of downtown San Marcos. One of the fields is full of dried sunflowers and it’s full of doves. Leach offers only day hunts. He plans to hunt only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The field will be rested on the other four days.

That’s wise.

You can quickly overshoot a good place and soon have no birds. Opening day is already full and the first full weekend has only a few spots open. Cost for the remainder of the season is $60 per day. To contact Andrew, call (972) 814-8093.

Fishing guide and hunting outfitter Phillip Walker also offers dove hunting. Most of his best places are in South Texas. To contact Phillip, call (512) 554-9568.

Another local fishing and hunting guide, Charles Whited, is offering day dove hunts here in the Central Texas area. Some of his New Braunfels fields have lots of birds. To contact Charles, call (512) 557-6772.

Hunters looking for a place to hunt should also consider TPWD’s hunting opportunities. According to Linda Campbell, TPWD public hunting program director, the department manages more than 50,000 acres of dove hunting units. Hunting access to these areas is available with purchase of a $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit, available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

A map booklet detailing locations and additional information about the 143 public dove hunting units is included with the Annual Public Hunting Permit and is available in the TPWD Web site. A permit is not required to access the map booklet information online.

Have a great opening day. Remember: Always Safety First.

Jim Darnell is an ordained minister and host/producer of the syndicated outdoors show, God’s Great Outdoors