The Lone Star State has a lot of land that’s primed for hunting, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is offering outdoor enthusiasts the chance to win several hunts of a lifetime.

TPWD’s Big Time Texas Hunts program offers hunters the opportunity to win one or more of seven prime guided hunting packages in the state, all of which include food and lodging, and some include taxidermy.

The premier package of the program is the Texas Grand Slam hunt that includes four separate hunts for each of Texas’ most prized big game animals: the desert bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, mule deer and pronghorn antelope.

“Our hunts are held on private lands, high quality ranches with great amenities, and on a number of our premier wildlife management areas,” Linda Campbell, TPWD public hunting program director, said. “The hunts are fully guided and the food and lodging is top notch.”

Entries cost $9 if purchased online and $10 if at a licensed retailer or over the phone at 800-895-4248. Online purchases will include a $5 convenience charge per transaction.

The deadline to enter the year’s Big Time Texas Hunts is Oct. 15, and there is no limit to the number of entries an individual may purchase.

Entrants must be at least 17 years of age to enter.

Big Time Texas Hunts generates an average of $750,000 each year for TPWD with the proceeds supporting public hunting, wildlife management and research and habitat conservation.

Hunters can register to win the Texas Grand Slam, Texas Premium Buck Hunt, Texas Waterfowl Adventure, Texas Whitetail Bonanza, Texas Exotic Safari, Texas Big Time Bird Hunt and Texas Gator Hunt.

Dove spread over Waco

If my scouting trips are any indication of what dove season will be like, then hunters might feel like they’re in a Hitchcock movie when the season opens Wednesday.

Doves are in Central Texas in good numbers, and not just in Waco’s backyards. I’ve been seeing lots of birds flying, sometimes in flocks of 30 to 50, nearly everywhere I’ve gone.

But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what some other dove hunters are saying about this year’s prospects:

“I’ve been seeing plenty of sunflowers on our property in Bosque County,” Gordon Collier said. “I also noticed that all the ponds still have water in them. Typically, dove are easier to pattern when water is at a premium and they don’t have as many food options. I’m thinking the birds will be a little more spread out this year.

“This is another reason to get off the couch and do some serious scouting. Those who do will bring home the full game vests and empty shell boxes. I just wish I could hunt in my backyard in Waco. The smart ones are all hanging out at the backyard bird feeders.”

Dove hunting guide

Keep reading the Tribune-Herald for an in-depth feature on dove hunting, including the types of doves that hunters will likely encounter and restrictions that apply to each, licensing information, hunting tips, equipment, public hunting opportunities and meat handling and cooking tips.

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