As dove season begins in Texas, it’s important for hunters to remain alert and take proactive steps to prevent wildfires.

Pockets of dry vegetation remain in areas where recent rainfall has been limited, including the Rolling Plains, Eastern Hill Country, South Texas and Lower Gulf Coast.

In late August and early September, these areas could support small wildfires, however fire weather conditions are not expected, reducing the risk of large, hard-to-control wildfires.

Texas A&M Forest Service continues to monitor conditions closely and encourages residents and visitors to remain cautious with outdoor activities that could spark fires.

“Even a small spark can quickly ignite a wildfire under the right conditions,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “Texans are encouraged to stay alert and be aware of hazards that can cause a wildfire while hunting this season.”

Human activity is responsible for 90% of wildfires in Texas, with debris burning and equipment use being the two leading causes. Equipment and vehicle use has accounted for over 4,500 wildfire ignitions in Texas since 2020.

To prevent a wildfire while hunting or camping:

• Avoid driving over and parking on tall, dry grass – the heat from your vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
• Always check with local officials for burn bans or other outdoor burning restrictions. Each county in Texas sets and lifts its own burn bans. View the latest burn ban map here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/ Never leave a cooking fire or campfire unattended and always make sure it is completely out by drowning it, stirring it and feeling to ensure that it is out cold before you leave.
• When taking a trailer out on your adventures, make sure that tires are properly inflated, chains will not contact the road and that any loose metal will not continually hit anything else, all which can cause sparks.
• Always be ready to put out a fire should one start. Have a shovel and water with you in camp and have a fire extinguisher with you at all times.

For more information on preventing wildfires this hunting season, please visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/HuntingFireSafety/ .