Reply #1: In Texas, dove numbers are improving over '08 season...

[SteveM]

which, counter-intuitively, was marked by heavy spring and early summer rains. Texas P&W claimed that at least one and probably two nestings were wiped out (nests being on or near ground-level). That season was pitiful, the next (after a 68-day 100+ summer drought) was only fair, this year's first season (9/1 through Oct.) is somewhat better. Got 9 opening day, but trailed off to a skunker last week end. They get shot out in public fields, esp. since where I go is surrounded by thousands of acres of commodity farms -- a squat 'n' gobble in every direction! Private fields within 25 miles are doing well, however. I'll have to wait for the first "cold" front and hope it drives some mid-western birds down.

I've gotten a couple of Eurasian dove at the Granger WMA north of Austin. You're right -- bigger and just as tasty. Also, not too hunter savvy.