TWRA currently leasing dove fields from landowners
The TWRA is now leasing dove fields from landowners for its Public Dove Field Program. TWRA began its leased dove field program in the late 1980s and the program has been very successful in providing quality-hunting opportunities for hunters.
In addition to leased fields, many public dove fields are provided on wildlife management areas in each TWRA region. Mourning doves are one of the most widely distributed and abundant birds in North America. Mourning doves are also a popular game bird being hunted in 36 of the lower 48 states, and more individuals are harvested than all other migratory bird species combined. In Tennessee, about 118,000 hunters harvested more than three million mourning doves last year.
TWRA leases three types of dove fields — traditional fall-leased fields; spring-leased fields; and improved silage fields. These fields will be available for a minimum of three or four priority hunt dates in September.
The standard fall leased field is a harvested grain or hay field to which TWRA leases the hunting rights. Rates paid to landowners for traditional fall leased fields will be $40 per acre for a maximum field size of 40 acres for a total contract of $1,600 per field.
Improved silage fields are harvested silage fields with some additional grain left to provide additional grain to attract doves. TWRA will lease 40-acre harvested corn silage fields for $40 per acre (up to $1,600). The farmer will also be paid $1,000 to leave four acres of grain standing in the field. Total maximum payment per improved silage contract is $2,600 per field. The farmer will cut or mow the standing corn two weeks prior to the opening day of dove season (as directed by the Regional Small Game Biologist).
Spring-leased fields are fields planted in grain and managed specifically for doves with no grain being harvested. These fields will be mowed or burned and will be available for a minimum of four priority hunt dates in September. The rates for spring-leased fields are $100 per acre for a maximum field size of 25 acres. The total maximum paid per contracted field is $2,500.
For more information, contact:
Region I – Jackson: (800) 372-3928
Region II – Nashville: (800) 624-7406
Region III – Crossville: (800) 262-6704
Region IV – Morristown: (800) 332-0900
If you have questions about hunting, fishing or boating e-mail me at [email protected] or visit the agency’s website at www.tnwildlife.org.
2003 Special Season Hunt Applications Now Available
Hunters should soon be able to get their hands on the 2003 Special Season Quota Deer and Turkey Hunts Application, which the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has begun sending to sporting good businesses across the state.
Sportsman license holders will also find the application on the wrap that covers their annual Tennessee Wildlife magazine calendar, which is also being mailed out by the agency this week.
Hunters may notice that there are fewer quota hunts listed on the application than in previous years. However, if they look on the back of the form they will notice dozens of non-quota antlerless hunts that require either a type 94 permit with proper licenses, or simply a sportsman’s license.
The wildlife agency is adding an emphasis to the need for more doe harvests with the inclusion of more non-quota hunts.
Filling out the application properly is imperative to becoming a part of TWRA’s computer draw for the quota hunts. Instructions are included on the form and should be followed closely.
If you have questions about hunting, fishing or boating e-mail me at [email protected] or visit the agency’s website at www.tnwildlife.org.
Hunter Safety Course Reminder
Just a reminder to let everyone know that the first hunter safety course of the year will be held next week. To take the course you must be at least 9 years of age on the day of the course. Many states require completion of a hunter safety course for all ages, whereas Tennessee only requires it for those hunters born after Jan. 1, 1969.
The course consists of training in areas such as wildlife management, home firearm safety, first aid, and knowledge of firearms and archery, muzzleloaders and other useful information. The course will be held Aug. 11-16 at 6 p.m. each night at the Warren County Administrative Building. Ed Griffin will be the instructor and the class will be limited to 50 students, so you must preregister by calling Ed at 473-4316. A live fire exercise will be held on Saturday morning to conclude the class. The course is free of charge and students need to bring a pencil and their social security number to the first night of class. For more information, you can call me at 686-8972 or e-mail me at [email protected] or you can call Ed at the above number.