JULY 2021 Blues Vol 37 No. 7

Now is

Now is Time to Plan for September Dove Season I know that for most of us July is about hot summer days, family cookouts, and trips to the beach and the lake. However, can you believe that hunting season is less than 60 days away? The North and Central zones of Texas Dove Seasons begin September 1stand that means you need to make your plans now if you want to participate in opening day. As readers of my column have learned, I am a big fan of Texas Dove hunting and they are usually my favorite hunting trips of the year. This is also true for many other hunters so spots at the best outfitters fill up fast, therefore you must plan early. There are many great outfitters in Texas, but in my opinion no one does it better than Sammy Nooner and his Valdina Ranch staff. Once referred to as the “Duke of Dove”, Sammy knows what it takes to make his customers have a great experience, both on and off the dove field. I can personally attest you will not find better accommodations than this farm and horse ranch from the 1930s turned into a state-of-the-art 23 room Texas hunting lodge. All combined, it has a cool history, great accommodations, excellent food, and by far the best dove hunting fields and guides in the state. Check out their website http://www.valdinaranch.com , follow them on Facebook, or just call them (830) 741-9211. In addition to finding your hunting outfitter that will guide you to plenty of birds, it is not too early to pull out the shotguns and make a trip to the gun range. This time of year, the skeet fields tend to be less crowded and thus much more enjoyable. Carter’s Country in Spring off Treaschwig Road has been one of my favorite places to take a small group and shoot skeet and trap to prepare for dove season. (281) 443-8393. If you want more variety in your target shooting, then I recommend heading over American Shooting Centers on the West side of Houston at 16500 Westheimer in the beautiful George Bush Park (281) 556- 8199. If you live on the North side of Houston, try Blackwood Sporting Company located in Montgomery County at 11400 FM 2854, Conroe, TX. (936) 441-4040. If you live outside of Houston, a quick google search for “sporting clays course near me” will show you how popular this sport has become and how many locations are now open around the state. Lastly, check out your snake boots for wear and comfort now because as it gets closer to the season, you will find retailers running out of the most popular sizes leaving you with only a backorder situation. I have had great luck with snake boots from Bass Pro Shops for many years, but recently upgraded to Chippawa Boots. Like most other footwear, you must try own different brands and find a pair that feels good on your feet. I know some of might even say that snake boots are not required, but you will become a believer as soon as you go into the heavy brush of Texas, where everything either sticks, pricks, or bites you. I personally like locking my eyes on a down bird’s location and walking right to it, not looking down at where I am walking to steer around thorny bushes. So continue to enjoy your beach and lake time with family and friends this month, but maybe when you have some downtime, know that it is not too early to start planning for your September dove hunting trips. 102 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 103