Got a weedy field you’re not using? Texas Parks and Wildlife might give you some money to let them borrow it for a couple months.

The TPWD Public Dove Hunting Program not only gives hunters more places to hunt, but it’s also an opportunity for landowners to make some extra money by leasing the hunting rights for dove and other small game to TPWD.

These are short-termed leases, usually between 45 and 60 days in length.

“We are looking for properties that are at least 50 acres where hunting is legal, with access, food, water and cover to attract dove,” said Kelly Edmiston with TPWD’s public hunting program.

Prime sites have grain crops, sunflowers, other edible vegetation and water. Each tract must also have a public access point for hunters to park and walk to the hunting area.

Not everyone with a license will be allowed to hunt these areas. Only those who purchase the additional $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit will be allowed on the properties. Game wardens and other staff will monitor the units for compliance, and temporary signs will mark property boundaries.

Prices paid to landowners depend on size, habitat, game species, and location.

The number of public hunting areas has dwindled substantially over the past decade due in great part to commercial development and the spread of suburban housing subdivisions. This program mitigates the effects of diminishing hunting grounds by giving hunters access to quality hunting land and rewarding the generosity of landowners, too.

For more information on how to participate, call your local biologist or game warden.

Waco Crappie Tourney

The team of Darwin Miller and Tommie Guest took top honors at last weekend’s 38th Annual Waco Bass Club Lake Waco Crappie Tournament.

The well-seasoned champions were the only pair to bring in a 25-fish limit, which weighed 23.09 pounds. Guest also caught the day’s biggest fish, a 1.82-pounder.

Second place went to Travis Bailey and Travis Bailey, Jr., whose 17-fish bag weighed 15.63. Last year’s champs, Tim and Dickie Collier, finished third.

Fish were caught throughout the day and were found shallow as well as deep, according to tournament organizer James Windham.

Crappie running big

Navarro Mills Lake Marina’s Brenda Wallen reports solid crappie fishing, with dawn and sunset anglers finding the best results. Crappie are still running big, with 72 crappie weighing 2 pounds or more being caught this year.

Best baits are live minnows and black-headed jigs with chartreuse or orange tails.

Jack Moore of DeSoto currently holds the lead in the marina’s April Crappie Tournament with an impressive 2.64-pound slab caught on the 8th. 

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