Dove Season 2012 - Precautions on the bike

Posted on Thursday, August 30 2012 by sooner1    

"Private tracts used for hunting doves must be at least 10 acres, must be at least 1,000 feet from schools, hospitals, and day care facilities and must be at least 600 feet from residential housing and multi-family residential subdivision property lines. The new rules were approved by the state legislature in 2009 after several close calls and complaints from several cities, including Frisco."

Another year, another Dove season is upon us.  And, yes this is my annual "cautionary tale" for cyclists in the area.  Although one might think the rules above would preclude a lot of hunting in the area, Frisco is only about 45% built out with a lot of open land.  Couple that with the fact that we are fortunate to have easy access to routes that are mostly out in the country, and this becomes the time for cyclists to be very aware of their surroundings and take extra precautions on your rides.  A lot of the information here is repeated from last year, with updated maps, links and hunting season dates.

By doing just a few simple things, you can have a no worry, safe ride - as always!

  

Hunting is allowed by law so what can we do to protect ourselves from injury?  The only real advice ever given to me is "don't look up" as the pellets are likely to come raining down on you from missed shots and could result in loss of eyes and damage to your face.  Always wear glasses as they will offer some protection.  If you have real concern, check the maps below to see where hunting is allowed in your community.

In any case, take care out on the roads and hope that next year the hunters will see fit to go after the Grackles and leave the poor Dove alone.

Dove season in the North Zone SEPT. 1 – OCT. 24, 2012 and DEC. 22, 2013 – JAN. 6, 2013

TPWD Zones

 

Area Cities Dove Hunting Information

Frisco: 

Hunters who are planning on obtaining property owners’ permission to use their land for hunting purposes must ensure that the tract of land is a minimum of 10 acres, that they are at least 1,000 feet from schools, hospitals, and day care facilities, as well as at least 600 feet from residential housing and multi-family residential subdivision property lines. Additionally, hunters should ensure—as always—that they fire their weapons in a manner not reasonably expected to cause a projectile to cross the boundary of property tracts.

 

McKinney

Hunters must be more than 1,000 feet from the property line of a public tract of land or of a school, hospital or commercial day-care facility. A bow and arrow, BB gun, air rifle or pistol, or shotgun may be discharged if it is done on a piece of property at least ten acres in size, at least 150 feet from a residence or occupied building, and in a safe manner where the projectile does not cross the property line, according to McKinney police.

 

Prosper

Hunting is allowed within the Town of Prosper only under the specific conditions listed below.  

For hunting on a tract of land between 10 acres and 50 acres in size, hunters may only use shotguns, air rifles or pistols, BB guns or bow and arrow. The user should also be:

  • more than 1,000 feet from the property line of a public tract of land, generally accessible by the public, that is routinely used for organized sporting or recreational activities or that has permanent recreational facilities or equipment; and the property line of a school, hospital, or commercial day-care facility; 
  • more than 600 feet from the property line of a residential subdivision; and the property line of a multifamily residential complex; and 
  • more than 150 feet from a residence or occupied building located on another property; and in a manner not reasonably expected to cause a projectile to cross the boundary of the tract.

For hunting on a tract of land more than 50 acres in size, hunters may also use center fire or rim fire rifles or pistols of any caliber. The user should also be:

  • more than 1,000 feet from the property line of a public tract of land, generally accessible by the public, that is routinely used for organized sporting or recreational activities or that has permanent recreational facilities or equipment; and the property line of a school, hospital, or commercial day-care facility; 
  • more than 600 feet from: the property line of a residential subdivision; and the property line of a multifamily residential complex; and 
  • more than 300 feet from a residence or occupied building located on another property; and in a manner not reasonably expected to cause a projectile to cross the boundary of the tract.