Safety tips during dove hunting season

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With much of Texas still hot and dry, and wildfires sparking across the state, dove hunters are cautioned to be mindful of conditions as the season opens Wednesday.

A wildfire can be easily ignited by a spark from an unattended campfire, lit cigarette or the muzzle of a gun.

“As responsible stewards of the land, hunters need to take wildfire conditions into consideration — especially when they’re elevated as they are now,” said Justice Jones, coordinator for the Wildland Urban Interface and Fire Prevention programs. “In doing so, they’re protecting the resources and wildlife they strive to conserve.”

Jones reminded all outdoorsmen to keep fire safety in mind for the next several weeks while conditions remain ripe for wildfires.

Jones offered the following wildfire safety tips:

• Obey outdoor burning bans. Don’t build a fire during dry or windy conditions.
• If conditions are right and there is no burn ban in place, hunters may build a campfire. Keep the fire small and never leave it unattended.
• Make sure the fire is extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving it
• Avoid burning feed bags
• Keep water handy when welding on stands
• Drive only on designated trails. Don’t park or idle vehicles in tall, dry grass, which can be ignited by contact with a hot muffler.
• When shooting close to the ground, be sure there is no dry grass or tinder in front of the gun's muzzle. Though rare, it’s not impossible for a shot to ignite nearby tinder.
• Use caution with cigarettes and matches
• Use spark arresters on all power equipment

Click here to visit the Texas Forest Service website.

Click here for dove hunting zones.