Members of Texas Dove Hunters Association’s (TDHA) release team have already started banding and releasing some of the 800 Eurasian Collared dove for the 2022 Texas Banded Bird Challenge (TBBC). In its fifth year, the TBBC continues to grow not only in entries but in prizes and number of bands turned in. With nearly 3,800 Eurasian Collared Dove having been banded and released by the end of August, the odds of winning get better and better especially since bands don’t expire from one year to the next. In 2021, 61 bands were reported and of those 61 people reporting their band, only 16 were entered in the contest.
This annual contest is not only a fun way for dove hunters to win prizes, but also a field study that provides important data on the habits of this invasive species. Each year 800 more birds are released across the state. Release areas vary from one year to the next and are selected by differing habitats and hunting pressures. The results provide valuable insight on the habits and preferences of the Eurasian Collared dove.
The top prize is a new truck provided by Hoffpauir Auto Group. If a Texas BB Challenge entrant reports a band that matches a pre-determined number, they win the new truck. All entrants who report a band will win. For the fifth year in a row, one lucky winner will receive a Polaris Ranger from Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore. Other prizes include exotic game hunts at Recordbuck Ranch, G2 Ranch, a trophy trout fishing trip at Baffin Bay Rod & Gun Club or one of many other great prizes.
The contest runs from September 1 to December 31. It is open to anyone with a Texas hunting license. In order to be eligible to win, participants must enter by August 31. Bandedbirdchallenge.com
