Texas hunters can anticipate good numbers of dove as ample rainfall across most of the state has set the stage for the Sept. 1 season opener, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Timely rainfall usually equates to above average dove production, and by all field accounts from TPWD wildlife biologists, this year is shaping up to produce a boom crop of birds.

Texas boasts fall dove populations in excess of 40 million birds and its 300,000 dove hunters harvest about 6 million birds annually or roughly 30 percent of all doves taken in the United States. Dove hunting also has a major economic impact, annually contributing more than $300 million to the state economy.

State Game Wardens will be out in force for the season opener checking hunters to ensure compliance with game laws, which include possession of a valid hunting license and applicable permits, hunter education certification requirements and adherence to bag limits.

Visit Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for more information.